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 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 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 (not UKAS accredited)