Cytomegalovirus (Blood)

Does this take a look at produce other names?

CMV (serum), cytomegalovirus serologic take a look at, cytomegalovirus antibody, CMV antibody, CMV IgG, CMV IgM

What is that this take a look at?

This take a look at appears to be like for antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus within the herpes household, in your blood.

CMV is so widespread that most individuals within the U.S. have been contaminated by the point they attain age 40. However many do not notice it. You may decide up the virus by dealing with or exchanging bodily fluids, comparable to saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, and semen. The virus often causes solely a light sickness. However it could actually do severe hurt to unborn kids, folks with HIV/AIDS, or others with weak immune programs.

Antibodies are germ-fighting molecules that your immune system makes in response to an infection. You probably have CMV-specific antibodies in your blood, you might have a CMV an infection.

Like different herpes household viruses, CMV hides within the physique after the primary an infection and might flare up once more. Later infections are usually milder. Actually, in adults with a wholesome immune system, the primary an infection could not have any signs.

Why do I want this take a look at?

It’s possible you’ll want this take a look at you probably have unexplained signs that resemble the flu. If you happen to’ve been contaminated with the virus, you might have these indicators and signs:

You might also have this take a look at if you’re pregnant, have HIV, or are a transplant donor or recipient. You probably have a present an infection, your healthcare supplier may give you sure medicines to cut back the hazard of congenital CMV in infants or of lively sickness in folks with weakened immune programs.

Solely a lab take a look at can affirm that you’ve CMV.

What different checks would possibly I’ve together with this take a look at?

Your healthcare supplier may order different checks for CMV antibodies. These embrace checks of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine. Your healthcare supplier may order checks to search for CMV antigens that CMV antibodies are supposed to battle. A CMV antigen take a look at could also be known as a CMV antigen assay or a CMV Ag take a look at. (Ag stands for antigenemia, which means antigen-in-blood.)

Your healthcare supplier may order a take a look at known as polymerase chain response (PCR) to hunt for the DNA of CMV in your urine, saliva, blood, CSF, or biopsy tissue. They might additionally order a viral tradition take a look at from any of those pattern varieties.

Your healthcare supplier may order:

They might additionally take a look at for pneumonia, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal issues.

What do my take a look at outcomes imply?

Check outcomes could range relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your take a look at outcomes could also be completely different relying on the lab used. They might not imply you will have an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your take a look at outcomes imply for you.

Outcomes are given in quantities of two sorts of antibodies: immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG).

The take a look at is constructive if IgM antibodies are current. However this solely means that you’ve been contaminated with CMV at a while in your life. It doesn’t inform when the an infection occurred. Additionally, in case your IgM and IgG ranges are excessive, it might imply you will have CMV. Your healthcare supplier will possible provide the take a look at once more in 2 weeks to verify the an infection. In case your IgG ranges rise between the primary and second take a look at, that will imply you will have an lively an infection. The truth that your IgG stage will increase is extra vital than the quantity of IgG discovered. The rise reveals that your immune system is busy preventing an an infection and that the antibodies usually are not simply leftover from an earlier battle.

In case your outcomes are increased, it might additionally imply that you’ve a connective tissue autoimmune illness, comparable to rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

In case your immune system is weakened, you might have decrease outcomes even with an lively an infection.

How is that this take a look at achieved?

The take a look at is completed with a blood pattern. A needle is used to attract blood from a vein in your arm or hand. 

Does this take a look at pose any dangers?

Having a blood take a look at with a needle carries some dangers. These embrace bleeding, an infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you could really feel a slight sting or ache. Afterward, the location could also be sore. 

What would possibly have an effect on my take a look at outcomes?

Different elements aren’t prone to have an effect on your outcomes.

How do I prepare for this take a look at?

You needn’t put together for this take a look at. Make certain your healthcare supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you take. This consists of medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medication you could use.