CMV Qualitative by PCR, Tissue/Cells

The detection of CMV by real-time PCR amplification. PCR detects amplicons of the immediate-early (IE) viral protein 1 (IE1, UL123) and Glycoprotein B (gB, UL55) coding regions. Detection of CMV DNA (IU/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve at the same efficiency, consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the CMV amplicons. Results are reported in International Units per milliliter (IU/mL). The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 20 IU/mL (1.3 log IU/mL).

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For Blood, CSF, or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing) and Swab see CMV Quantitative by PCR [CMVQN].

For Dried Blood Spot, see CMV Quant by PCR, Blood Spots [CMVBSQ].

For Eye Fluid, see CMV Quant PCR for Eye Fluids [CMVEYE] or Eye Fluid Viral PCR Quant Panel [EYEVQP].

Tissue Biopsy: Pea size amount in sterile tube or universal transport media (UTM).

Paraffin Tissue: DO NOT SEND ENTIRE BLOCK and DO NOT SEND SLIDES. Slice 3-4 slices that are 5-50 micron thick in sterile tube.

Bone Marrow: 5 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube, No Heparin aspirate in syringe.

Cellular fluid: 1 mL in sterile tube

Unacceptable samples: Buffy coat collected with heparin syringe. Paraffin slides.

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

Bone Marrow: 5 mL bone marrow in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube to Laboratory at room temperature within 24 hour of collection.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture/Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Tissue Biopsy: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Paraffin Tissue: Ship at room temperature.

Bone Marrow: Ship at room temperature within 24 hours of collection.

Cellular fluid: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Outside Laboratory:

Buffy coat: Separate buffy coat from bone marrow within 24 hours of collection, Freeze at -10°C or colder.

Tissue/Cellular fluid: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection if stored at 2-8°C. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.