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Test Code
CYTPC
Test Name
Cytomegalovirus by Qualitative PCR
CPT Codes
87496
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

This test provides rapid qualitative detection of cytomegalovirus DNA. This test is not intended for the monitoring of CMV disease progression.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Container

Volume

Body fluid: spinal, pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial, amniotic, or ocular

Sterile Container

0.5 mL

Nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing

Sterile Container

1.5 mL

Tissue: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc.

Sterile Container

Entire Collection

Random Urine

Sterile Container

1 mL

Bone Marrow

Lavender Top (EDTA)

0.5 mL
Collection Instructions

Specimen source is required. Source information must include main anatomical site of collection.

For Bone Marrow:

  1. Collect bone marrow in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.

For All Other Samples:

  1. Collect sample in a sterile container.
Processing and Submission Instructions

For Bone Marrow:

  1. Transport 0.5 mL of bone marrow in the original collection container. Do not aliquot.

For All Other Samples:

  1. Transport sample in the original collection container.
  2. Do not centrifuge body fluid samples or nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

7 days
Causes for Rejection
  • Feces
  • Paraffin blocks
  • Breast milk
  • Heat-inactivated specimens
Methodology
Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reference Intervals

 See patient report.
Limitations

A negative result does not eliminate the possibility of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

This assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with CMV infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture.
Alternate Names
  • CMV Detection by Real-Time PCR
  • Cytomegalovirus, PCR
  • LightCycler CMV
  • LCMV
Reference Lab
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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