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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG Antibody, Serum/Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the presence of antibodies to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to help fight infections.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine if you’ve been exposed to CMV in the past."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111271-3
Short code
CMV IgG Msmt SerPl
Synonyms
CMV IgG Msmt SerPl
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
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

What Does This Test Measure?

The test detects CMV IgG antibodies, which develop after an initial infection or after recovery from CMV. These antibodies remain in your blood for a long time and indicate past exposure to the virus.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order this test to check if you’ve had CMV, especially if you’re pregnant (to screen for potential risks to your baby), have a weakened immune system, or are being evaluated for conditions linked to past CMV exposure.

What Does a Positive Result Mean?

A positive result suggests you’ve had CMV at some point, meaning your immune system has already produced antibodies to fight it. This does not mean you currently have an active infection but confirms past exposure.

What Does a Negative Result Mean?

A negative result means your blood does not yet have detectable CMV IgG antibodies, which could mean you’ve never been exposed to CMV or that the test was taken too soon after exposure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CMV IgG Antibody

Frequently asked questions

How is this test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is tested for CMV IgG antibodies using an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of these antibodies in your serum or plasma.
What are the typical results and reference ranges?
There are no specific numeric reference ranges provided for this test as results are interpreted qualitatively (positive or negative) based on antibody presence. Your results will be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can I get a false-positive or false-negative result?
False results are rare, but possible. A false-negative result could occur if the test was taken too soon after exposure. A false-positive result is less common but may occur if there are other conditions affecting antibody levels or if there are laboratory errors.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy