CMV PCR

Testing Laboratory

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

CPCR

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8562

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Tissue specimens, CSF, and other fluid specimens should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section during normal working hours (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated VADD box in ALSS.

Sample Stability

Fresh tissue specimens, CSF, and other fluid specimens are stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, specimens should be frozen.

Associated Tests

• CMV Viral Load

Synonyms

Cytomegalovirus PCR,
CMV PCR

Turnaround Time

4 days

Tests performed as required.

Specimen Type

• Amniotic Fluid
• Biopsy
• Bronchial Washing
• Faecal
• Guthries Card
• Swab - see Additional Information
• Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Acceptable

• Please refer to Additional Information below

Additional Specimen Information

Sample requirements:
Bronchioalveolar Lavage (BAL), Tracheal aspirate - 2 mL in sterile container.
Urine: Minimum 1mL
Fresh tissue: submit in sterile normal saline.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block
Dried Blood Spots: Guthrie card testing for congenital CMV - Minimum of 6 Guthrie card 3mm punch samples required.
Stool samples: from immunocompromised patients with suspected CMV colitis where biopsy is contraindicated.

For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Sample requirements:
Fresh tissue in sterile normal saline.
Bronchial wash/BAL fluid, Tracheal aspirate: minimum 2 mL in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Urine: Minimum 1 mL.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block.

Sample stability
Fresh tissue and bronchial wash/BAL fluid Tracheal aspirate and urine sample: stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, freeze the specimen.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block stable at ambient temperature.
Transport:
Transport fresh tissue and bronchial wash/BAL fluid, Tracheal aspirate chilled at 2–8°C, if it will be received within 7 days of collection.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE/PET) tissue block at ambient temperature.

For any other specimen type, please contact Clinical Virology via AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz before sending the specimen.

Test Method

In-house real-time CMV PCR targeting tegument matrix protein pp65 standardised against Advanced Technologies quantitated HCMV AD169 strain.

Swabs, dried blood spot specimens, and faecal samples are tested qualitatively and reported as detected or not detected.

Limitations / Interference

The linear detection range of the assay is 200 - 200,000 copies/mL.

Uncertainty of Measurement

+/- 0.01 log copies/ml

Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Virology via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Contact Information