Laboratory Test Guide

CMV Quantitative by PCR

General Information

Lab Name

CMV PCR Quant

Lab Code

CMVQN

Epic Name

CMV PCR Quant

Description

Blood (EDTA Plasma)

The UW Clinical Virology Laboratory in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology incorporates the modified FDA approved Roche cobas® CMV Quantitative assay for the rapid detection of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) using real-time PCR amplification.

The lower limit of detection, LoD (the minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates), and the lower limit of quantitation, LLoQ, are both 34.5 IU/mL.

The Roche cobas® CMV assay uses primers specific for UL54 gene.

Serum, Sterile Body Fluids, Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing) or Swabs in Viral Transport Media.

The performance characteristics of the test were determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. The modified version has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration

For Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow or Cellular fluid (e.g. Washing), see CMV Qualitative by PCR, Tissue/Cells [CMVQLT].

For Dried Blood spots, see CMV Quant by PCR, Blood Spots [CMVBSQ].

For Eye Fluid, see CMV Quant PCR for Eye Fluids [CMVEYE] or Eye Fluid Viral PCR Quant Panel [EYEVQP].

For Urine, see Cytomegalovirus by Qualitative PCR, Urine (Sendout).

Synonyms

Cytomegalovirus by PCR, PCR-CMV, Viral load-CMV, Viral load-Cytomegalovirus

Components

Code	Name
CMVQNS	CMV Quant Specimen Description
CMQNR	CMV Quant Result
CMLOG	CMV DNA IU/mL (Log10)
CMVQNI	CMV Quant Interpretation

Interpretation

Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Reference Range

See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood (EDTA Plasma), Sterile Body Fluids or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g., BAL, or Washing), Swab

Collection

Blood: EDTA plasma, PPT, Red top, SST

Sterile Body Fluid: 1 mL in sterile container.

Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.

Swabs in Viral Transport Media

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Handling Instructions

Freshly drawn whole blood specimens may be held at 2 to 25°C for up to 36 hours prior to plasma/serum preparation through centrifugation.

Sterile Body Fluids, Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing) or Swabs in Viral Transport Media may be held at 2 to 8°C for up to 48 hours.

Quantity

requested: 2 mL serum/plasma. 1 mL for CSF or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing)
minimum: 0.75 mL serum/plasma, 0.5 mL for CSF or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing)

Processing

Blood: Centrifugation upon arrival, remove plasma/serum from cells.

Plasma/serum specimens may be stored and/or transported:

2 to 8°C for up to 6 days
-20°C ± 2°C for up to 12 weeks

Sterile Body Fluid: If CSF has cellular material, centrifuge & aliquot clear CSF. Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is unavailable, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Clear non-cellular fluid: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is unavailable, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Outside Laboratory: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is unavailable, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection if stored at 2-8°C. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Central Lab Virology (RVIR)

Performing Location(s)

CL	Virology, Renton 206-685-6656 1602 Raymond Ave SW Renton, WA 98057-3356	206-685-6656 opt 4