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HelpTest Code LAB20228 Cytomegalovirus PCR, Quantitative
Department
Send Outs
Reference Lab Test Number
CMVQA
Collection Requirements
Draw blood in a lavender EDTA tube. Dedicated specimens are required.
Specimens used in other assays will not be tested.
Refer To
Primary Collection Container
Lavender 6 mL (K3EDTA)
Alternate Collection Container
Lavender 4 mL (K3EDTA)
Transport
Frozen
Preferred Transport Temperature
Frozen
Processing
Centrifuge and separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection. Send 2.0 mL plasma in a screw-capped plastic vial.
Stability
Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Minimum Testing Volume
1.0 mL
Reference Range
Not Detected
<50 IU/mL
<1.70 log10 IU/mL
Methodology
This test uses the polymerase chain reaction to amplifiy conserved regions of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL34 and UL80.5 genes. Real-time detection and quanitfication are used to determine the viral concentration. The analytical measurement range is 50-156 million IU/mL (1.70 to 8.9 log 10 IU/mL). The qualitative limit of detection is 31 IU/mL (1.49 log 10 IU/mL) compared to the WHO International Standard.
Specimens reported as POSITIVE but <50 IU/mL contain detectable levels of CMV DNA but the viral load is below the limit of quantitation. A negative result does not rule out infection.
Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Reported
3-4 days
CPT Codes
87497Unacceptable Conditions
The following specimens will not be tested:
Whole Blood Specimens (plasma must be separated prior to reciept).Specimens collected in any gel-based plasma-separation media.
Shared specimens.
Specimens that do not meet the collection storage/handling conditions criteria above.