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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in Plasma/Serum (Quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test detects the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) genetic material in your blood or plasma to help diagnose infections or monitor treatment.

Quick summary

["Assesses CMV infection status with genetic testing for clinical decisions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
101948-8
Short code
CMV DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
Synonyms
CMV DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
Category
chemistry
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
probe-amp-tar
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of CMV infection, such as fever, fatigue, or organ-related issues, or if you’re at higher risk (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant, or undergoing organ transplant). It can also monitor treatment progress or check for infection in people with weakened immune systems.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re taking certain medications or have a condition that affects blood clotting, let your provider know.

What the Test Results Mean

Positive results indicate the presence of CMV DNA, suggesting active infection. Negative results mean no detectable genetic material was found at the time of testing. Results may be used alongside clinical findings to guide treatment decisions.

Common Uses and Considerations

This test helps diagnose CMV infections in high-risk groups, assesses viral load for monitoring, and may be used in research or specialized care plans. It’s not a replacement for clinical evaluation but supports diagnostic decisions alongside other tests.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: stool

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CMV DNA Test (Plasma/Serum)

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need this test?
Frequency depends on your medical condition, treatment plan, or risk factors. Your provider will determine how often you need retests—this could be weekly, monthly, or as needed based on symptoms or treatment response.
What are the typical reference ranges?
Reference ranges vary by lab and testing method. Since this is a qualitative or quantitative probe test, results are often reported as positive/negative or viral load values (e.g., copies/mL). Your provider will interpret results in context with your health status.
Can I eat or drink before the test?
You can eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise. Avoiding alcohol or caffeine before blood draws may be recommended in some cases, but this depends on your provider’s specific instructions.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy