ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cytomegalovirus Antibody, IgG : 0050165

Mnemonic: CMV IGG

Ordering Recommendation: Detects past cytomegalovirus exposure. Not recommended for diagnosis in immunocompromised individuals.
Methodology: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL) Acute and convalescent specimens must be labeled as such; parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or "convalescent." Also acceptable: Serum from umbilical cord blood.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Urine. Contaminated, hemolyzed, or heat-inactivated specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
 
0.59 U/mL or less: Not Detected.
0.60-0.69 U/mL: Indeterminate - Repeat testing in 10-14 days maybe helpful.
0.70 U/mL or greater: Detected.

Interpretive Data: 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. The preferred method for diagnosis is culture of virus and/or demonstration of viral antigen in peripheral white cells (buffy coat), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, or tissue biopsies.

The best evidence for current infection is a significant change on two appropriately timed specimens, where both tests are done in the same laboratory at the same time.
Note: This assay should not be used for blood donor screening, associated re-entry protocols, or for screening Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P).
CPT Code(s): 86644
Cross References: CMV Ab, Quantitative (Cytomegalovirus Antibody, IgG), CMV Antibody (Cytomegalovirus Antibody, IgG)