Sample type

Quantitative PCR:

  • Whole blood

  • Urine

  • CSF (requires discussion with Microbiology medical staff*)

  • Amniotic fluid can be processed but has not been verified by the laboratory

  • BAL (requires discussion with microbiology medical staff, not verified)

  • Plasma and Buccal (salivary) swabs but have not been verified by the laboratory.

*CMV is detected as part of the BioFire FilmArray® multiplex PCR CSF testing panel (non-quantitative).

IgG and IgM levels:

Serum

Specimen requirements

Quantitative PCR:

  • Blood in EDTA tube

  • Urine, CSF and amniotic fluid in a sterile universal container

  • Buccal swab in universal transport medium (red or green top)

IgG and IgM levels:

Blood in SST yellow top tube

Minimum volume

  • Quantitative PCR - 0.5ml

  • IgG and IgM levels - 1ml

Frequency of test

Quantitative PCR:

  • Blood in EDTA tubes is processed daily, Monday to Friday

  • All other sample types are processed up to three times a week, Monday to Friday

  • Urgent samples can usually be processed more quickly on discussion with Microbiology medical staff

IgG and IgM levels:

Monday to Saturday

Turnaround time

  • Quantitative PCR - 5 working days

  • IgG - one working day

  • IgM - one working day (negative result)

What to request on EPR

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) acute infection screen (IgM and IgG), Serology CareSet

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load PCR