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Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

This biomarker measures the presence of IgM antibodies against Cytomegalovirus (CMV), indicating a recent or active infection.

Quick summary

Detects recent or active CMV infection through IgM antibodies.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
index
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
qualitative
FDA-cleared
Roche CMV IgM, Abbott CMV IgM, Siemens CMV IgM
interpretation: {"text":"Negative for recent CMV infection.","label":"0–0.9 index"}; {"text":"Positive for recent or active CMV infection.","label":">0.9 index"}

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Most people are exposed to CMV at some point in their lives but may not show symptoms.

The presence of CMV IgM antibodies typically suggests a recent or active infection, as IgM is the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to a new infection.

Testing for CMV IgM is crucial for diagnosing acute infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women, to prevent potential complications.

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive CMV IgM result mean?
A positive result indicates a recent or active CMV infection. However, it is important to consider clinical symptoms and other test results for a definitive diagnosis.
Can CMV IgM antibodies persist for a long time?
Yes, in some cases, CMV IgM antibodies can remain detectable for several months after the initial infection, making it challenging to determine the exact timing of infection.
  1. 1
    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) TestsSource
  2. 2
    Understanding CMV TestingSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy