Cytomegalovirus Antibody Screen

The detection of CMV IgG class antibodies in human serum by the FDA approved LIAISON® CMV IgG Assay. Results are reported as either:

• Evidence of past infection with CMV
• No evidence of past infection with CMV

This test, when run on a single sample, cannot distinguish recent infection from past infection with CMV. IgM antibody to CMV is often seen in those with recent infections. For CMV IgM antibody testing, please call specimen processing at (206) 598-6224 (for UW patients) or (206) 744-3451 (for HMC patients) or Client Support Services at (206) 520-4600 (for all other patients).

Blood: 5 mL blood in GOLD TOP serum separator tube (SST).

Also acceptable: 5 mL blood in ORANGE TOP rapid serum tube (RST) or RED TOP tube

Blood: Specimens may be stored on or off the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel for up to 24 hours at room temperature (15-30°C) or up to 7 days at 2-8°C. If testing will be delayed more than 24 hours for specimens stored at room temperature or more than 7 days for specimens stored at 2-8°C, remove serum from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel and store at -20°C or colder. Avoid more than three freeze/thaw cycles.

Outside Laboratories: Store samples at 2–8°C and ship with an ice pack. Shipment time must not exceed 7 days from the collection date. Samples stored at 2–8°C for more than 7 days will be rejected.

If the time from collection to receipt at the University of Washington will exceed 7 days, ship samples on dry ice. Do not freeze/thaw samples.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma, Cord blood, neonatal specimens, cadaver specimens, heat-inactivated specimens, or body fluids such as saliva, urine, amniotic fluid, or pleural fluid. Specimens with obvious microbial contamination, lipemic or are grossly hemolyzed.