MIDL PCR CMV Qt (CMQ)
Department: Molecular Infectious Disease
Test Synonym(s): LAB913, Cytomegalovirus, CMQ, CMV DNA quant, CMV Quantitative
CPT Codes: 87497
Methodology: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Reference Range: No CMV DNA detected; limits of detection: 35-10,000,000 DNA CMV IU/mL
Tube Type: Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT)
Specimen: EDTA Plasma (PPT)
Alternate Specimen: Alternative specimen will need Medical Director Approval
Pediatric Requirements: 2 mL EDTA Blood
Volume: 4 mL EDTA Blood
Minimum Volume: 2 mL EDTA Blood
Temperature: Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 6 weeks (preferably -80C)
Stability: Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 6 weeks (preferably -80C)
Reasons for Rejection: Alternative specimen sent without Medical Director approval
Days Performed: Monday - Friday
Times Performed: Batched
TAT: 1 - 3 days
Significance: CMV infection in immunocompetent individuals is usually asymptomatic; however, primary infection is associated with latency in a wide range of cells and tissues, including leukocytes. Immunocompromised individuals, including transplant patients and AIDS patients, are at risk for reactivation of latent CMV infection and development of severe disease. Clinical manifestations of CMV disease in immunocompromised hosts include fever, hematological abnormalities, retinitis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, encephalitis, esophagitis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, and pneumonia. Studies in transplant recipients have shown an association between CMV viral load in blood and risk of developing CMV disease. Similarly, increases in viral load over time have been associated with worse clinical outcomes. Quantitative PCR assays allow for diagnosis of active CMV infection, monitoring progression of disease, and assessing the virologic response to antiviral treatment.
Special Instructions:
Click here to print the Molecular Diagnostics requisition.
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