Cytomegalovirus – Detection – Real Time PCR

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 04 juin 2023.

Testing Indications

This assay has been validated for use as a qualitative PCR. This assay has not been validated for blood specimens.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Cytomegalovirus PCR	General Test Requisition	Bronchio-alveolar lavage (BAL)/bronchial wash	2.0 ml	Sterile container
Cytomegalovirus PCR	General Test Requisition	Urine	2.0 ml	Sterile container
Cytomegalovirus PCR	General Test Requisition	CSF	400 µl	Sterile container
Cytomegalovirus PCR	General Test Requisition	Tissue (e.g. Lung)	1.0 gram	Sterile container
Cytomegalovirus PCR Confirmation of CMV DNA detection on newborn screen test.	Newborn CMV PCR Test Requisition	Urine	2.0 ml	Sterile container

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO laboratory on ice packs.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Cytomegalovirus PCR is performed Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Turnaround time for CMV real-time PCR is up to 3 days after receipt by PHO laboratory.

Test Methods

Specimens are tested for CMV by real-time PCR (qualitative real-time PCR using Altona RealStar® CMV PCR Kit 1.0). This commercial assay, which is not Health Canada approved, has been validated at PHOL for testing clinical specimens for qualitative detection of CMV DNA. The manufacturer has reported a limit of detection of 0.668 IU/ml (95% CI 0.323 to 2.258 IU/ml) using the ABI 7500 FAST SDS system.

If detection of respiratory viruses is requested on the same specimen, additional testing will be done depending on the patient setting (respiratory virus testing is currently only routinely available for inpatients and patients being tested as part of an outbreak investigation).

Interpretation

The presence of CMV DNA in a sample does not always imply active infection; the diagnosis of CMV infection must be made using a combination of clinical suspicion, physical exam and detection of virus.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

CSF specimens that are positive for cytomegalovirus are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

References

LAB-SD-130, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – Change in Testing Methodology to Qualitative Real-Time PCR Testing

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 04 juin 2023.

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Mis à jour le 20 juill. 2020