Question 1

What is Congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV is a viral infection that occurs when a pregnant mother transmits the cytomegalovirus to her developing fetus during pregnancy. It is caused by primary or reactivated cytomegalovirus infection in the mother, which can cross the placenta and infect the baby. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for assessing maternal CMV status and transmission risk to the fetus.

Question 2

What causes congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV is caused by cytomegalovirus infection in the mother during pregnancy that crosses the placenta to infect the developing fetus. The virus can be transmitted during a primary CMV infection when the mother is first exposed to the virus during pregnancy, or during reactivation of a previous CMV infection. Women who work with young children, have multiple sexual partners, or have weakened immune systems face higher risk of acquiring CMV during pregnancy and transmitting it to their baby.

Question 3

What is the best test for congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for assessing congenital CMV risk because it measures IgG antibodies in the mother's blood to determine her CMV infection status. High levels of CMV IgG antibodies indicate past or current exposure to the virus, and when combined with clinical assessment, help determine the risk of viral transmission to the fetus. This test is essential for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy because it identifies whether they have immunity to CMV or are at risk for primary infection during pregnancy, which poses the greatest danger to the developing baby.

Question 4

When should I get tested for congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, especially if you work with young children in daycare or healthcare settings. Testing is particularly important if you develop flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, or fatigue during pregnancy, as these may indicate a primary CMV infection. Women with weakened immune systems or those who have had previous pregnancies affected by CMV should also get tested early in pregnancy to assess their risk and enable appropriate monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

Most babies with congenital CMV have no symptoms at birth, but some develop serious complications including hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, and developmental delays. Newborns with symptomatic congenital CMV may have jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, low birth weight, small head size, or a rash with purple spots. In mothers, primary CMV infection during pregnancy may cause mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands, though many women experience no symptoms at all while unknowingly transmitting the virus to their baby.

Question 6

Who is at risk for congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women who work in daycare centers, preschools, or healthcare facilities face the highest risk because young children frequently shed CMV in their saliva and urine. Women pregnant for the first time or those who lack immunity to CMV are at greater risk of primary infection, which carries the highest transmission rate to the fetus. Other risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants, and having a weakened immune system from conditions like HIV or medications that suppress immunity.

Question 7

What happens if congenital CMV is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated congenital CMV can cause permanent hearing loss, which may worsen over time and is the most common long-term complication affecting 10-20% of infected babies. Children may develop vision problems including retinal damage, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, seizure disorders, and problems with coordination and muscle tone. Some babies appear healthy at birth but develop symptoms months or years later, including progressive hearing loss and learning disabilities, which is why early detection and monitoring are critical for managing the condition and starting interventions as soon as possible.

Question 8

Can congenital CMV be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Maternal CMV status can be assessed with a blood test measuring CMV IgG and IgM antibodies, which helps determine if a pregnant woman has been exposed to the virus and her risk of transmitting it to her baby. However, congenital CMV in the baby itself cannot be diagnosed with a maternal blood test and requires testing the newborn's saliva, urine, or blood within the first three weeks of life for definitive diagnosis. Blood testing during pregnancy is valuable for identifying mothers at risk and guiding monitoring strategies, but diagnosing the infection in the baby requires direct testing of the infant shortly after birth.

Question 9

How is congenital CMV treated?

Accepted Answer

Babies with symptomatic congenital CMV may be treated with antiviral medications like ganciclovir or valganciclovir, which can improve hearing outcomes and reduce the severity of symptoms when started within the first month of life. Treatment typically lasts six months and requires close monitoring for side effects, including impacts on blood cell counts and liver function. There is no treatment to prevent transmission during pregnancy, so management focuses on identifying at-risk mothers through testing, monitoring babies for complications, and providing early intervention services such as hearing aids, physical therapy, and developmental support to address any disabilities that arise.

Question 10

How can I prevent congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women can reduce their risk of CMV infection by practicing careful hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds after changing diapers, wiping runny noses, handling children's toys, or feeding young children. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes with young children, and avoid contact with saliva when kissing children by kissing them on the head or cheek rather than the lips. If you work in childcare settings, wear gloves when handling diapers and thoroughly clean surfaces that come into contact with children's urine or saliva, as these practices significantly reduce the risk of acquiring CMV during pregnancy.

Question 11

What can I do at home for congenital CMV?

Accepted Answer

While there are no home remedies to cure or prevent congenital CMV, maintaining excellent hand hygiene is the most effective way to reduce transmission risk during pregnancy by washing hands frequently, especially after contact with young children. Pregnant women should avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, and food with young children, and should be cautious about kissing children on the mouth. If you have a baby diagnosed with congenital CMV, work closely with your healthcare team for regular hearing and vision screenings, developmental assessments, and early intervention services to support your child's growth and development.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Congenital CMV Blood Test

What is Congenital CMV?

What causes congenital CMV?

What is the best test for congenital CMV?

When should I get tested for congenital CMV?

References

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