Cytomegalovirus Antibody (IgM)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test checks for the presence of CMV (Cytomegalovirus) infections, which are common and often show no symptoms. However, in people with weakened immune systems, CMV can lead to serious, widespread illness.
- Cytomegalovirus antibody (igm)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Cytomegalovirus Antibody (IgM) - This test checks for the presence of CMV (Cytomegalovirus) infections, which are common and often show no symptoms. However, in people with weakened immune systems, CMV can lead to serious, widespread illness. Additionally, CMV can cause birth defects in a small number of newborns who are infected.
What patients is this test right for?
This test is particularly important for individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or patients undergoing chemotherapy, as they are at a higher risk for severe CMV infections. It's also crucial for pregnant women, due to the risk of birth defects from CMV.
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum. A blood draw is necessary.
3–4 business days
AU/mL Interpretation
<30.00 No antibody detected
30.00-34.99 Equivocal
≥35.00 Antibody detected
Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as a sole determinant of a current or recent infection. Because an IgM test can yield false positive results and low level IgM antibody may persist for more than 12 months post infection, reliance on a single test result could be misleading. Acute infection is best diagnosed by demonstrating the conversion of IgG from negative to positive. If an acute infection is suspected, consider obtaining a new specimen and submit for both IgG and IgM testing in two or more weeks.
<30.00 No antibody detected
30.00-34.99 Equivocal
≥35.00 Antibody detected
Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as a sole determinant of a current or recent infection. Because an IgM test can yield false positive results and low level IgM antibody may persist for more than 12 months post infection, reliance on a single test result could be misleading. Acute infection is best diagnosed by demonstrating the conversion of IgG from negative to positive. If an acute infection is suspected, consider obtaining a new specimen and submit for both IgG and IgM testing in two or more weeks.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 4 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
