CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) BLOOD TEST

1. CMV SCREEN
   

   - CMV antibodies (Cytomegalovirus) IgG and IgM
   - Turnaround time is around 10 working days
   

2. UPGRADE

   Need more biomarkers? Check out our Essential All Systems Blood Test.

CMV stands for Cytomegalovirus, which is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is widespread and can infect people of all ages. Most healthy individuals infected with CMV may not experience any symptoms or only have mild symptoms, similar to the common cold. However, it can cause significant health problems for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as newborns, pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with HIV/AIDS.

CMV is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include close personal contact, such as kissing, sexual contact, breastfeeding, and organ transplantation. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy.

In healthy individuals, the immune system usually keeps the virus in check, and the infection remains dormant or latent. However, in people with weakened immune systems, CMV can become active and cause severe complications. Some potential complications of CMV infection include pneumonia, hepatitis, retinitis (inflammation of the retina), gastrointestinal issues, and neurological disorders.

Diagnosing CMV infection often involves laboratory tests that detect the virus's presence or the presence of specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection. Treatment for CMV typically involves antiviral medications to reduce the severity of symptoms and control the spread of the virus in individuals with compromised immune systems.