What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being treated for a CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection and your symptoms aren't improving with antiviral medication. It looks at the virus's genetic makeup to see if it has developed resistance to common CMV drugs. This is especially useful for people with weakened immune systems who are struggling to clear a CMV infection despite treatment.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what the finding means for your specific mutation status. If resistance mutations are found, the next step is usually a conversation about switching antiviral medications, since certain drugs may no longer work effectively against your strain. The full lab report can be downloaded directly from your account, and if you're retested later, you can track changes in your results over time using the trends feature. If your CMV symptoms are severe or worsening, seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most useful for people currently on antiviral treatment for CMV who aren't responding as expected, such as ongoing fever, viral load that isn't dropping, or worsening symptoms. It's especially relevant for transplant recipients or others with weakened immune systems, since they're more likely to develop drug-resistant CMV. If you've been on treatment for weeks without improvement, this test can help explain why.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. Genotype testing requires detailed genetic analysis of the virus, which takes longer than a standard viral load test. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that your CMV treatment may not be working include a fever that won't go away, worsening fatigue, digestive symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain, or vision changes if CMV is affecting the eyes. If you've been on antiviral medication for CMV and your viral load tests show the virus isn't decreasing, that's a strong signal this test could help. These symptoms are more concerning if you have a weakened immune system from a transplant, chemotherapy, or another condition.

What is CMV drug resistance and why does it matter?

CMV drug resistance happens when the virus changes its genetic code in a way that makes antiviral drugs less effective at stopping it from multiplying. This matters because it means the medication you're taking might not be working, even though you're taking it correctly. Identifying the specific mutation helps determine which alternative antiviral drugs are more likely to work against your particular strain of the virus.

What does a positive resistance mutation result mean?

A positive result means the CMV virus in your body has genetic changes that make it less responsive to one or more antiviral drugs, most often ganciclovir. This doesn't mean all treatment options are gone — it means a different drug, like foscarnet, cidofovir, or letermovir, may need to be considered instead. The specific mutation identified helps narrow down which drugs are still likely to be effective.

What causes CMV to become drug-resistant?

Drug resistance usually develops when CMV is exposed to antiviral medication for a long period of time, giving the virus a chance to mutate and adapt. This is more common in people with weakened immune systems who need extended treatment courses, since their bodies can't help clear the virus on their own. Inconsistent dosing or long-term low-level viral replication can also increase the chance of resistance developing.

How often should I retest?

Retesting is generally recommended if your viral load isn't improving after a few weeks on antiviral treatment, or if your symptoms return after initially getting better. Your treatment team may also suggest periodic monitoring if you're at high risk for resistant CMV, such as after a transplant. There's no fixed schedule — retesting is usually tied to how your treatment is progressing.

What should I do if my results show resistance?

If your results show a resistance mutation, the practical next step is discussing a change in antiviral medication based on which drugs are still effective against your specific mutation. Keep track of your symptoms and any new viral load results so you can see if the new treatment approach is working. Continue to monitor your health closely, and seek medical care immediately if you develop severe symptoms like vision loss or difficulty breathing.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

CMV Genotype Test - Antiviral Resistance Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]