Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibody Probe (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies to the cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can affect anyone but is especially important for those with weakened immune systems.
["CMV antibodies help determine if your body has been exposed to the virus, which may affect treatment planning or risk assessment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 112397-5
- Short code
- CMV DNA Skin Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- CMV DNA Skin Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, fever, or organ issues that could be linked to CMV, especially if you have a compromised immune system (e.g., after organ transplant, chemotherapy, or HIV). It may also be used in pregnant women to assess risk to the fetus or in blood donors to screen for infection.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) via a simple venipuncture. If you’re a blood donor, follow standard donation guidelines. If you’re pregnant, inform your doctor about any medications or health conditions.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of CMV antibodies, suggesting past or recent infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies, but this doesn’t always confirm absence of infection. Results are qualitative (yes/no) and may be used alongside clinical symptoms or other tests for diagnosis.
Common Uses and Limitations
This test is primarily used for screening or confirming CMV exposure, not for diagnosing active infection. It doesn’t measure virus levels or detect recent infection directly. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CMV antibodies are critical for identifying individuals at risk for severe infection, especially those with weakened immune systems. In transplant patients, positive results may influence post-transplant monitoring or antiviral therapy decisions. For pregnant women, antibodies help assess potential risks to the fetus, though additional testing (e.g., PCR) may be needed for active infection confirmation.
Short name
CMV Antibody Screening/Confirmation Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Is there any risk or discomfort with 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