Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative Testing

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a relatively common virus similar to the herpes virus but very rarely causes illness. This test can aid in diagnosis of CMV infection.
CMV infections are common and usually asymptomatic. In patients who are immunocompromised, CMV may cause disseminated, severe disease. CMV may cause birth defects in a minority of infected newborns.
Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as a sole determinant of a current or recent infection. Because an IgM test can yield false positive results and low level IgM antibody may persist for more than 12 months post infection, reliance on a single test result could be misleading. Acute infection is best diagnosed by demonstrating the conversion of IgG from negative to positive. If an acute infection is suspected, consider obtaining a new specimen and submit for both IgG and IgM testing in two or more weeks.

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.