Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR (Qualitative) - ocular specimens
- LIS Mnemonic: CMVPCR
Collect
Aqueous humor, vitreous humor, or subretinal fluid
Volume Required
0.5 ml
Minimum Required
0.25 ml
Transport
Keep specimen at 4C
Processing
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.
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 is the most common viral cause of retinitis (edematous or granular). The disease is seen in newborns with congenital CMV and in severely immunocompromised patients, particularly patients with AIDS whose CD4 count is less than 50/ul. The diagnosis of CMV retinitis is usually made clinically by observing characteristic retinal lesions on ophthalmoscopic examination. PCR is the only useful test if a laboratory diagnosis is desired. Optic neuritis and acute retinal necrosis syndrome can also result from CMV infection of the eye.
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