Overview & Description
This test detects the presence of antibodies in the blood to cytomegalovirus, also called CMV.
The body produces antibodies to defend against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign particles. The body produces large amounts of antibodies during infections. A person's blood can be analyzed for particular antibodies. Their presence indicates that the person has been exposed to that infection-causing particle.
they take medicines to suppress the immune system, such as after an organ transplant
they have cancer or AIDS
The body produces antibodies to defend against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign particles. The body produces large amounts of antibodies during infections. A person's blood can be analyzed for particular antibodies. Their presence indicates that the person has been exposed to that infection-causing particle.
Who is a candidate for the test?
The CMV test is performed when a doctor suspects a CMV infection may be present. CMV usually only causes serious infections in people who have a weakened immune system for one of these reasons:How is the test performed?
In order to test for CMV antibodies, a blood sample is needed. The blood is usually drawn from a vein in the forearm or the hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, called a tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow. A thin needle is inserted into a vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is collected in a syringe or vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding. The sample is sent to the lab to be analyzed.Preparation & Expectations
What is involved in preparation for the test?
No preparation is required for this test.Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
In people who have not been infected with CMV, there are no antibodies to CMV in the blood. This is considered a negative test.If a person has antibodies against CMV, the test is positive. This means that a person has been infected with CMV in the past. Once a person has had a CMV infection, the virus generally stays in the body for life. When the immune system becomes weak, the infection can sometimes return. If the infection returns, strong antibiotics may be needed to treat it.
Attribution
Author:David T. Moran, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/24/02
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:02/20/02
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/24/02
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:02/20/02
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