CMV Antibody Test
Alternate Names : Cytomegalovirus Antibody Test, CMV Blood Test, CMV Serology
This test detects the presence of antibodies in the blood to
cytomegalovirus,
also called CMV.
The body produces antibodies
to defend against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign particles. The
body produces large amounts of antibodies during infections. A person's blood
can be analyzed for particular antibodies. Their presence indicates that the
person has been exposed to that infection-causing particle.
Who is a candidate for the test?
The CMV test is performed when a doctor suspects a CMV
infection may be present. CMV usually only causes serious infections in
people who have a weakened immune system for one of these reasons:
they take medicines to suppress the immune system, such as after an organ
transplant
they have cancer or AIDS
How is the test performed?
In order to test for CMV antibodies, a blood sample is needed.
The blood is usually drawn from a vein in the forearm or the hand. First, the
skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube,
called a tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in
the lower arm by restricting blood flow. A thin needle is inserted into
a vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the
needle and is collected in a syringe or vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the
puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding. The sample is
sent to the lab to be analyzed.
|
