Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibody, IgG, Qualitative (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can affect people of all ages. IgG antibodies indicate past infection or immunity.
["IgG antibodies to CMV may suggest you’ve had the virus or are immune to it."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77388-7
- Short code
- CMV Ag BAL Ql IF
- Synonyms
- CMV Ag BAL Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, fever, or organ damage that could be linked to CMV. It’s also used in organ transplant patients to monitor immunity before or after a transplant. Pregnant women may get this test to check for CMV exposure, which can affect a baby’s health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes. If you’re pregnant or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know beforehand.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means you have IgG antibodies, indicating past infection or immunity. A negative result suggests you either haven’t been exposed or your body hasn’t yet produced antibodies. Results don’t show if you’re currently infected with CMV.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test helps assess immunity, diagnose past infections, or guide treatment plans, especially in high-risk groups like transplant patients or pregnant individuals.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can cause serious health issues in people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, or HIV treatment. IgG antibodies to CMV are important because they indicate long-term immunity. If you’re pregnant, these antibodies can help determine if you’ve been exposed to CMV, which can be harmful to your baby. In transplant patients, monitoring CMV antibodies helps prevent complications and ensures proper immune response.
Short name
CMV IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive CMV IgG antibody result mean?
Can a negative CMV IgG antibody result mean I’m at risk for infection?
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy