CMV Detection by Real-Time PCR
Cytomegalovirus, PCR
LightCycler CMV
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Cytomegalovirus PCR
Rapid qualitative detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA
This test is not intended for the monitoring of CMV disease progression.
This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Respiratory fluid
Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate.
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Genital swab
Sources: Cervix, vagina, urethra, anal/rectal, or other genital sources.
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5)
Swab
Sources: Dermal, eye, nasal, saliva, or throat.
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5)
Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc.
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue in multimicrobe media (M4-RT) or a sterile container with 1 to 2 mL sterile saline
Specimen source is required.
For plasma specimens order CMVQN / Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time PCR, Plasma.
A negative result does not eliminate the possibility of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
This assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with CMV infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture.
Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients and other immunocompromised hosts. Specific neurologic syndromes associated with CMV infection include subacute radiculomyelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and encephalitis.
CMV-associated central nervous system (CNS) disease occurs most commonly in immunocompromised patients. Histologic evidence of CMV infections in autopsy brain tissue was identified in 20% to 40% of AIDS patients. In 2 separate studies, CMV (DNA) was the most common herpesvirus (29/181, 16/49) detected from the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with AIDS.
CNS infections with CMV can also occur in immunocompetent patients. CMV is a leading cause of congenital viral infections worldwide, and laboratory testing by real-time polymerase chain reaction is useful in the diagnosis of neonatal CMV disease.
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in a specimen supports the clinical diagnosis of infection due to this virus.
Studies indicate that CMV DNA is not detected by polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid from patients without central nervous system disease caused by this virus.