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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) QUANTITATIVE PCR (URINE/EYE FLUID)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3541    Geisinger Epic ID:  121984

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Random urine or eye fluid (vitreous or aqueous)


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL aliquot random urine in screw-capped tube; minimum 0.8 mL, OR 0.25 ml vitreous or aqueous eye fluid in sterile specimen container; minimum 0.05 mL.


Special notes: 

Urine: Collect in a sterile urinalysis container then transfer to sterile, screw top tube for shipment. 
If eye fluid received in syringe, transfer to aliquot prior to freezing.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Eye fluid: If eye fluid received in syringe, transfer to aliquot prior to freezing. Do not ship specimen in syringe. 
Urine: If received in sterile urinalysis container, transfer to sterile screw top tube for shipment.


Transport temperature: 

Frozen


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature Unacceptable. Refrigerated: 3 days. Frozen: 30 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limit exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  87497
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Viracor test code 5500, CMVU


Clinical significance: 

CMV is an important pathogen in the transplant setting causing pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, CNS disease, neutropenia, and disseminated disease. Prior to the availability of rapid and sensitive DNA PCR, CMV was a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the transplant population. Quantitative CMV DNA PCR can be used for early detection of CMV reactivation, primary infections, and monitoring response to treatment.


Review Date:  12/03/2024

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