Test Code CMVQN Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time PCR, Plasma
Shipping Instructions
1. Ship specimen frozen on dry ice only.
2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze plasma at -20 to -80° C (up to 84 days) until shipment on dry ice.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Freeze aliquoted plasma for shipment.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
-Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)
-General Test Request (T239)
Useful For
Detection and quantification of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia
Monitoring CMV disease progression and response to antiviral therapy
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Reporting Name
CMV DNA Detect/Quant, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 84 days |
Refrigerated | 6 days |
Reference Values
Undetected
Interpretation
The quantification range of this assay is 35 to 10,000,000 IU/mL (1.54 log to 7.00 log IU/mL), with a 95% or higher limit of detection at 35 IU/mL.
A result of "Undetected" indicates the absence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in the plasma (see Cautions below).
A result of "<35 IU/mL (<1.54 log IU/mL)" indicates that CMV DNA is detected in the plasma, but the assay cannot accurately quantify the CMV DNA present below this level.
A quantitative value (reported in IU/mL and log IU/mL) indicates the level of CMV DNA (ie, viral load) present in the plasma.
A result of ">10,000,000 IU/mL (>7.00 log IU/mL)" indicates that CMV DNA level present in plasma is above 10,000,000 IU/mL (7.00 log IU/mL), and the assay cannot accurately quantify CMV DNA present above this level.
Clinical Reference
1. Kotton CN, Kumar D, Caliendo AM, et al: The third international consensus guidelines on the management of cytomegalovirus in solid organ transplantation. Transplantation. 2018;102(6):900-931. doi.org/10.1097/TP.0000000000002191
2. Razonable RR, Humar A. Cytomegalovirus in solid organ transplant recipients - guidelines of the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. Clin Transplant. 2019;33(9) e13512. doi.org/10.1111/ctr.13512
3. Razonable RR, Inoue N, Pinninti SG, et al. Clinical diagnostic testing for human cytomegalovirus infections. J Infect Dis. 2020; 221(Suppl 1):S74-S85. doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiz601
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87497
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CMVQN | CMV DNA Detect/Quant, P | 72493-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
601954 | CMV DNA Detect/Quant, P | 72493-0 |