What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, especially in a newborn or infant who may have been exposed before birth. It's often used when a baby shows signs like hearing problems, an unusually small head, or other developmental concerns, or when a pregnant person was diagnosed with CMV during pregnancy. Catching congenital CMV early matters because treatment started in the first weeks of life can help prevent complications like hearing loss.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account as either detected or not detected for CMV DNA, with a clear explanation of what that means. If CMV DNA is found, especially in a newborn, prompt follow-up care is important since early antiviral treatment works best when started within the first month of life. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if repeat testing is ever needed, you'll be able to track results over time using the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs in newborns can include a smaller than normal head size, hearing loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes, an enlarged liver or spleen, low platelet counts causing easy bruising, or slow growth. Some babies show no symptoms at all, which is why testing is important if the birthing parent had a confirmed or suspected CMV infection during pregnancy. If a baby was born prematurely with unexplained organ or blood issues, this test can help rule CMV in or out.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your secure online account. This turnaround gives enough time for the sensitive PCR technology to detect even small amounts of viral genetic material in saliva.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for newborns showing possible signs of congenital infection, or infants born to a parent who had a confirmed or suspected CMV infection during pregnancy. It can also be considered for babies who fail a newborn hearing screen, since CMV is a leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss. Testing within the first 2-3 weeks of life is most useful for confirming a congenital infection rather than one picked up after birth.

What is CMV and why does it matter?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a very common virus that usually causes no symptoms in healthy older kids and adults, but can be serious for a baby infected before birth. It's the most common infection babies are born with and a leading cause of hearing loss that isn't related to genetics. Because most infected infants look completely normal at birth, testing is often the only way to catch it early enough to start helpful treatment.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive, or 'detected,' result means the virus's genetic material was found in the saliva sample, which suggests an active CMV infection. In a newborn, this usually needs to be confirmed with a urine test within the first three weeks of life to distinguish a true congenital infection from one picked up during or after delivery. Early confirmation matters because antiviral treatment is most effective when started in the first month of life.

What causes a baby to test positive for CMV?

Babies can get CMV before birth if the pregnant parent has an active infection that crosses the placenta, or during birth through contact with genital secretions, or after birth through breast milk or close contact with saliva. CMV spreads easily through body fluids like saliva, urine, and breast milk, which is why it's so common in young children who share these fluids at daycare or in households. Most adults and older children who carry the virus never even know they have it because symptoms are mild or absent.

How often should I retest?

For newborns, timing matters more than repeating the test frequently — a positive result should ideally be confirmed with a urine PCR test within the first 3 weeks of life. If the first test is done after 3 weeks and comes back positive, it can be hard to tell whether the infection happened before or after birth, so retesting later isn't usually useful for confirming congenital infection. Talk through next steps for monitoring hearing and development based on your specific result and timing.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your baby's result is positive, the next step is usually a confirmatory urine test if it hasn't already been done, along with hearing and developmental monitoring going forward. Early antiviral treatment can help reduce the risk of hearing loss and other complications when started early, so acting quickly on a positive result is important. If your baby shows severe symptoms like seizures, significant jaundice, or breathing trouble, seek medical care right away rather than waiting for routine follow-up.

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 Saliva PCR Test - Newborn Infection Screening

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

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