What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, especially in a newborn who may have been exposed before birth. It's often used when a baby appears healthy but there's a reason to check for congenital CMV, since many infected infants show no symptoms at birth. Catching this early matters because untreated CMV can lead to hearing loss or developmental problems later on.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative CMV DNA result means. If the result is positive, the next step is usually prompt evaluation so treatment options can be considered, since early antiviral therapy can make a real difference for infants. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if repeat testing is needed, you can track results over time using the trends feature. Because CMV in newborns can be serious, a positive result showing a high viral load should prompt quick action rather than waiting.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for parents or caregivers who need to confirm or rule out congenital CMV infection in a newborn, particularly if there was known CMV exposure during pregnancy. It's also useful for infants who failed a newborn hearing screen, since CMV is a leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss. Testing works best within the first three weeks of life to confirm the infection happened before birth rather than afterward.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that may point to congenital CMV include a baby born small for gestational age, an enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice, low platelet counts causing tiny bruises or spots, or a failed newborn hearing test. Some infants also show small head size (microcephaly) or unusual findings on a brain scan. Even without any visible signs, testing may still be recommended if the mother had a known CMV infection during pregnancy.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving your saliva sample. This quick turnaround is important for CMV testing in newborns, since starting antiviral treatment early — ideally within the first month of life — can improve outcomes. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

What is CMV and why does it matter?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a very common virus that most people encounter at some point without ever noticing symptoms. The concern is when a baby is infected before birth, because CMV is the most common infection babies are born with and a leading cause of hearing loss and developmental delays that aren't related to genetics. Testing saliva for CMV DNA is a simple, non-invasive way to check for this infection in newborns.

What does a positive CMV result mean?

A positive result means CMV genetic material was detected in the saliva sample, which suggests an active infection. In a newborn, this points to congenital CMV, meaning the infection likely happened before birth, so quick follow-up is important to check for any effects on hearing, vision, or development. The level of virus detected can help guide how urgently further evaluation and possible treatment are needed.

How often should I retest?

For newborns, a positive saliva test is usually confirmed with a urine test within the first three weeks of life to be sure the infection was congenital and not picked up during or after birth. If the first test happens after three weeks, retesting or additional confirmation may be needed since it becomes harder to tell congenital infection apart from infection acquired later. Outside of the newborn period, retesting isn't typically necessary unless there's a new reason for concern.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your baby's result is positive, don't wait — get evaluated quickly, since early antiviral treatment within the first month of life can meaningfully improve outcomes for hearing and development. In the meantime, keep track of any feeding, hearing, or developmental concerns to share as part of the follow-up evaluation. If your baby shows severe symptoms like difficulty feeding, lethargy, or unusual bruising, seek medical care right away rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.

What causes a high CMV viral load?

A higher viral load usually means the infection is more active or was acquired more recently, since the virus multiplies rapidly right after infection. In congenital cases, a higher load at birth can sometimes correlate with a greater risk of symptoms like hearing loss. Factors like the timing of infection during pregnancy and the infant's immune response can influence how much virus shows up in the saliva sample.

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 Test - Congenital 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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