Plasma

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

3.0 mL whole blood from light green top tube or TWO Microtainer^® devices.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

3 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference range and methodology changed effective 12/11/2012.

0.8 AI or less: Negative - No significant level of detectable CMV IgM antibody.

0.9-1.0 AI: Equivocal - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.

1.1 AI or greater: Positive - IgM antibody to CMV detected, which may indicate a current or past CMV infection.

Low levels of CMV IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection.

In immunocompromised patients, CMV serology (IgG or IgM antibody titers) may not be reliable and may be misleading in the diagnosis of acute or reactivation CMV disease. Positive test results may not be valid in persons who have received blood transfusions or other blood products within the past several months. A negative result in the CMV IgM assay does not preclude the possibility of recent primary CMV infection. Use of the CMV IgM assay in cord blood or neonatal samples has not been validated.

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Separate plasma or serum into labeled container and cap.

Refrigerate.

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

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