Cytomegalovirus (CMV), PCR, Quantitative, Plasma
ID: LAB913
Last Review: 01/28/2026
Components
CMV DNA QUANT By PCR, Plasma
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA (IU/ML)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA (Log, IU/ML)
 
Specimen Sources
Blood
Collection Requirements
ADULT ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN: Collect 1 Lavender (dehydrated EDTA) tube (4 mL)- minimum volume.

PEDIATRIC ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN: Collect 4 Lavender microtainer tubes - minimum volume.

Causes for Rejection:
1.  Specimen not labeled with patient''s name, MRN, date and time of collection, and collector''s initials.
2.  Specimens other than EDTA anticoagulated blood.
3. Specimens previously used by other laboratories - "shared" specimen not acceptable.

Notes:
1. Use EDTA anticoagulant collection tubes. Dehydrated EDTA tubes are preferred.
2. Specimens collected in liquid EDTA anticoagulant will yield results that are approximately 15% lower than those obtained from specimens collected in dehydrated EDTA due to the dilution.
3. Never use heparin anticoagulants. Heparin inhibits PCR.
4. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles, obvious microbial contamination, prolonged ambient temperature exposure (>24 hours).
5. Prevent specimen-to-specimen contamination.
6. Plasma MUST be separated from cells within 24 hours of collection.
7. Test performance characteristics have not been established using neonatal specimens.
8. This test is NOT clinically indicated for immunocompetent persons (including healthy donors).
Shipping And Handling
DELIVER IMMEDIATELY TO MICROBIOLOGY IN A TIGHTLY SEALED CONTAINER WITH NO EXTERNAL SPILLAGE.
Store/Transport EDTA tube at ambient temperature when delivering within 24 hours of collection.
Store/Transport plasma at 2-8°C when delivering within 72 hours of collection.
Separate plasma into a sterile plastic screw-top tube and store/transport frozen if transport will be delayed beyond 72 hours of collection.
Maintain sterility.

DELIVER IMMEDIATELY TO MICROBIOLOGY IN A TIGHTLY SEALED CONTAINER WITH NO EXTERNAL SPILLAGE.
Store/Transport EDTA tube at ambient temperature when delivering within 24 hours of collection.
Store/Transport plasma at 2-8°C when delivering within 72 hours of collection.
Separate plasma into a sterile plastic screw-top tube and store/transport frozen if transport will be delayed beyond 72 hours of collection.
Maintain sterility.
Causes for Rejection:
1.  Unrefrigerated whole blood received >24 hours after collection.
2.  Refrigerated plasma received >72 hours after collection.
3.  Samples showing extreme hemolysis or containing clots.
4. Specimen container leaking.
Turn Around Time (TATs for Specific Labs Below May Differ)
Turn Around Time:
  • ASAP: 3 Day(s)
  • STAT: 3 Day(s)
  • ROUTINE: 3 Day(s)
Performing Labs, Collection Containers and TATs
▷  Duke Microbiology Laboratory
Clinical Indications
Used to detect active CMV infection, triggering preemptive antiviral therapy and for monitoring response to CMV treatment in transplant and immunocompromised patients.
ContraIndications
This test is not clinically indicated for healthy donors.
Clinical Significance
1.  CMV DNA NOT DETECTED.  A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of CMV infection since very low viral titers or sampling error may cause a false negative result.  

2.  CMV DNA DETECTED at <137 IU/mL indicates levels below the quantifiable range.  Results may not be reproducible due to low copy number.  The clinical significance of low level viremia is uncertain.  

3.  The REPORTABLE RANGE for the PCR method is 137 to >9,100,000 IU/mL.  The linear range is 137 to 9,100,000 IU/mL.  

4.  CMV DNA DETECTED at <137 IU/mL.  Assess symptoms and CMV disease risk.  Results may not be reproducible due to low copy number.  Repeat testing within a week may be warranted to assess viral load kinetics.

5.  CMV DNA DETECTED at or greater than 137 IU/mL by this assay method should be considered potentially clinically significant in transplant recipients.  Intervention should be based on clinical findings in conjunction with test results.  Consult Infectious Disease Services when test results are persistently  positive despite 2-3 weeks of treatment.

6.  Occasionally test results will not be available due to specimen performance problems and the sample will need to be recollected.

7.  CMV viral load may rise in the first 1-2 weeks post-detection despite initiation of appropriate therapy.  Repeat testing for therapeutic response is indicated after 2 weeks.

8.  Specimens collected in liquid EDTA anticoagulant will yield results that are approximately 15% lower than those obtained from specimens collected in dehydrated EDTA due to the dilution.

9.  Test performance characteristics have not been established in immunocompetent individuals including healthy donors, or in neonates.
Limitations
1.  The reportable range is 137 to >9,100,000 IU/mL.  Detectable levels <137 IU/mL may not be reproducible.  

2.  Specimens collected in liquid EDTA anticoagulant will yield results that are approximately 15% lower than those obtained from specimens collected in dehydrated EDTA due to the dilution.
Methodology
Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

The performance of this PCR test was verified in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Duke University Medical Center.
Critical Values
No Critical Values
Reference Ranges
CMV DNA QUANT By PCR, Plasma
Range
-
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA (IU/ML)
Range
IU/mL - 0 IU/mL
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA (Log, IU/ML)
Range
LOG IU/mL - .0 LOG IU/mL