Cytomegalovirus Antibodies, IgG and IgM

Also known as: CMV PAN

Clinical Use

Use

This test is used to aid in the diagnosis by helping discriminate between current and past cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. While not suitable for blood donor screening or screening HCT/P products, it provides crucial serological evidence to delineate previous infection from recent or active infection when interpreting an individual’s immune profile against CMV. A significant change in antibody titers on appropriately timed specimens could indicate ongoing infection.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The test should not be used for blood donor screening or related re-entry protocols, nor for screening human cells, tissues, and cellular-and tissue-based products. In immunocompromised patients, CMV antibody titers (IgG or IgM) may not reliably indicate disease status. CMV serology cannot adequately distinguish active infection, which necessitates molecular diagnostics like PCR in certain cases. Persistently low levels of IgM antibodies may remain for over a year, potentially complicating recent infection diagnosis.

Test Details

FDA Approved

New York Approved

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

Cytomegalovirus Antibody, IgG

Analyte

CMV Antibody IgG

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Cytomegalovirus Antibody, IgM

Analyte

CMV Antibody IgM

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

5124-3 - CMV IgG SerPl IA-aCnc
7853-5 - CMV IgM SerPl-aCnc

Result Turnaround Time

1-2 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

ARUP standard transport tube

Collection Instructions

Allow the specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Label specimens plainly as 'acute' or 'convalescent.'