Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR (Qualitative) - respiratory specimen
- LIS Mnemonic: CMVPCR
Collect
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Volume Required
1 ml
Minimum Required
0.5 ml
Transport
Keep specimen at 4C
Processing
Bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, bronchial washings, nasal washings, and tracheal aspirates may be submitted. Collection of COMBINED THROAT AND NASOPHARYNGEAL SWABS is recommended for patients in which aspirates or washings cannot be readily obtained. Immediately transport specimens to the Clinical Virology Laboratory. If an extended delay in transport of specimens is anticipated, rapidly freeze the specimens to at least -60°C and transport to the laboratory on dry ice. Please consult the laboratory if necessary.
Unacceptable conditions
Swab specimens not received in viral transport medium or received in bacteriological transport medium are discouraged. DO NOT USE CALCIUM ALGINATE OR WOODEN SHAFT SWABS FOR COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS; ONLY USE DACRON OR RAYON TIPPED SWABS ON PLASTIC OR METAL SHAFTS.
Days Performed
Daily
Reported
Same day
Reflex Testing
N/A
CPT
87496
Methodology
Amplification and detection of CMV DNA polymerase gene using TaqMan real-time PCR technology. This test is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
Interpretation
If positive, results are reported as cytomegalovirus DNA detected.
Reference Values
Negative or no cytomegalovirus DNA detected
Remarks
Clinical Utility: CMV infections are common and usually asymptomatic in otherwise healthy children and adults; however, the incidence and spectrum of disease in newborns and in immunocompromised hosts establish this virus as an important human pathogen. CMV may cause pneumonitis in transplant recipients and congenitally-infected infants. In particular, pneumonitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after bone marrow transplantation and in recipients of lung or heart-lung transplants. CAUTION: In the evaluation of immunocompromised patients, detection of CMV in the respiratory tract may be useful to monitor these patients for viral shedding, but finding CMV in respiratory secretions does not necessarily equate to lower respiratory tract disease since shedding of CMV in the respiratory tract is common during asymptomatic infection.
Contact Us
- 215-590-2050
- Fax: 215-590-2556
- Contact Us Online