Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR (Qualitative) - tissue specimens
- LIS Mnemonic: CMVPCR
Collect
Tissue specimen in viral transport medium
Volume Required
N/A
Minimum Required
punch biopsy size
Transport
Keep specimen at 4C
Processing
Biopsy tissue from specific organs, including lung, liver, colon, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, endocardium, brain, and adrenal glands. 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
Tissue not in viral transport medium
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. Specific organ damage with CMV may lead to pneumonitis in recipients of lung or heart-lung transplants; the development of myocarditis, retinitis, or accelerated vascular damage and atherosclerosis after cardiac transplantation; hepatitis and pancreatitis in liver and pancreas transplant recipients, respectively; and gastrointestinal disease. CMV infection in transplant recipients has also been associated with delayed or failed bone marrow engraftment, an increased incidence or severity of graft-versus-host disease, and an increased risk of graft rejection in solid-organ transplants. CMV infection, particularly when associated with pneumonitis, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after bone marrow transplantation. In patients infected with HIV, CMV is an important cause of sight-threatening retinitis, encephalitis, polyradiculomyelopathy, and gastrointestinal infections including esophagitis, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. CMV may also cause pneumonitis in congenitally-infected infants.
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