Ordering Recommendation

Aid in diagnosis of active cytomegalovirus infection. Molecular testing is generally preferred.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Lavender (EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA). OR bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), throat swab, tissue, or urine.

Specimen Preparation

Blood: Transport 5 mL whole blood. (Min: 1 mL)
Fluid specimen: Transfer specimen to a sterile container. Transfer 2 mL fluid to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL). Also acceptable: Transfer to viral transport media (ARUP supply #12884). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Swab or tissue: Place in viral transport media.
Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

CSF, rectal swab, or stool. Whole blood in viral transport media. Calcium alginate, eSwab, dry, or wood swabs.

Remarks

Specimen source preferred.

Stability

Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable.

Methodology

Cell Culture/Immunofluorescence

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-5 days

Reference Interval

Culture negative for CMV by early antigen test.

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

FDA

Note

Cytomegalovirus by PCR is a more sensitive method for the detection of CMV viremia and central nervous system infections, especially in the immunocompromised patient. Please refer to Cytomegalovirus by PCR, Whole Blood or Bone Marrow (ARUP test code 0060031) for whole blood or bone marrow specimens or Cytomegalovirus by PCR (ARUP test code 0060040) for CSF specimens.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87254

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0065004 Culture, Cytomegalovirus Rapid 5838-8
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • CMV Culture
  • Culture, CMV
Cytomegalovirus Rapid Culture