CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) QUANTITATIVE PCR (EDTA BLOOD)

​For detection and quantification of CMV DNA in patient’s plasma, as an adjunct for the diagnosis or prediction of CMV disease, i.e. from reactivation of latent disease in immunocompromised patients or in primary infection, or for monitoring treatment progress in CMV disease.

​5 mL of blood in EDTA (lavender top) tube. Alternatively, at least 3 mL plasma (separated from EDTA-treated or whole blood within 6 hours of collection by centrifugation at 800-1600g for 20 minutes at room temperature) in a sterile screw-capped polypropylene tube.

Please note that sample types other than blood in EDTA or plasma have not been validated on this commercial system. Quantitation of CMV load in other sample types e.g. cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous/vitreous fluid, will be performed on our in-house quantitative assay. See CMV Quantitative PCR (Non-Blood).

​Refrigerate sample at 2-8°C until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze.  Plasma may be transported at 2-8°C or frozen at ≤-20°C. Sample should reach the laboratory as soon as possible preferably within 6 hours after collection.

Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) (Roche COBAS 6800 CMV test)

​Detected (quantity reported in IU/mL), Undetectable or Inconclusive.

Limits of quantitation: 34.5 - 10,000,000 IU/mL (1.54 - 7.00 log)

​4 days

​Monday to Friday (except public holidays)