A Service of the Hamilton Regional Laboratory
Laboratory Test Information
Committed to Quality
The HRLMP is committed to providing high quality laboratory results for our clients.
As one of the largest integrated laboratory medicine programs in Canada we strive to produce the right results the first time on every sample we receive.
Test Name:
CMV Quantitative PCR
Alternate Name(s): CMV Viral Load, CMV Antigenemia, CMV PCR
Requisition Form: Download requisition form for: R_708112 (2025-12-09) - LRC Microbiology Requisition - Update - Fillable.pdf
Specimen Requirement: ADULT: 4 mL Lavender EDTA Tube, Blood
PEDIATRIC/NEONATAL VOLUME: 2.0 mL Lavender EDTA Tube, Blood
Specimen Handling Instructions:
Ship whole blood at 2 - 8ºC. Minimum volume: 1 mL EDTA Plasma. Send to lab ASAP. If transport is delayed >4 hrs, centrifuge blood. Separate and freeze 1 mL EDTA plasma. Ship frozen on dry ice.
Storage/ Transport::
 Ship whole blood at 2 - 8ºC. Minimum volume: 1mL EDTA Plasma. Send to lab ASAP. If transport is delayed >4hrs, centrifuge blood. Separate and freeze 1 mL EDTA plasma. Ship frozen on dry ice.
Reference Interval: < 106 IU/mL plasma. Below detection limit of assay.
Turnaround Time: 24-28 hours
Interpretive Comments:
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Detection Limit: 106 IU/mL plasma

Linear Range: from 290 IU/mL (log 2.46) to approx. 1,000,000 IU/mL (log 6.0).

For results within the linear range of the assay,
viral load will be provided in IU/mL and log 10 IU/ml.

This test is standardized to the International WHO Standard for CMV
quantification by molecular techniques.
Additional Information: Linear range 34.5 IU/mL to 1 E7 IU/mL
Method of Analysis: Roche Cobas 6800
Test was Last Updated: 6/26/2026
Testing Laboratory: Molecular Microbiology
Testing Site: SJHH