CYTOMEGALOVIRUS ANTIGEN

​CMV pp65 Antigen (Cytospin): 6 mL unclotted blood in EDTA tube.

Note: Samples should be processed within 6-8 hours of sample collection for optimal results. The maximal storage time at room temperature have not been determined by the assay manufacturer.

CMV Ag: Nasopharyngeal aspirate, broncho-alveolar lavage, sputum, biopsy samples, urine.

If virus isolation is required as well, send all above (except blood and urine) in Virus Transport Medium.
Otherwise, send all above (except blood and urine) in sterile bottles with 1 – 2 mL of sterile saline added.
Send blood and urine without Virus Transport Medium.
(See also Virology Section, General Guidelines for Viral Antigen Detection)

​Refrigerate samples except EDTA blood for CMV pp65 Ag which should be kept at room temperature until transport to laboratory. Do not freeze.

​Immunofluorescence assay

​Reported as Positive or Negative

​<1 – 2 days

​Monday - Saturday