Committed to Quality

LRC Hamilton and HRLMP are 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.
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Test Name:
 		CMV Quantitative PCR
Alternate Name(s): CMV Viral Load, CMV Antigenemia, CMV PCR
Requisition Form: Download Requisition Form
Specimen Requirement: 1 mL EDTA Plasma Paediatric/Neonatal collection: 600 uL EDTA Plasma
Specimen Handling Instructions:
 Ship whole blood at 2 - 8ºC. Minimum volume: 600 uL 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.
Reference Interval: < 106 IU/mL plasma. Below detection limit of assay.
Turnaround Time: **
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: Turnaround Time - routine
Negative results will be reported the same day if specimen is received by noon. Positive specimens will be tested the following morning and reported with the viral load. On Fridays the viral load testing will be done without the screen test so that results will be available same day.
Test is performed weekdays excluding statutory holidays.
Method of Analysis: Specimens will be screened using a Laboratory Developed PCR. Positive samples will be tested using the Altona RealStar CMV Quantitative PCR to determine viral load.
Test was Last Updated: 12/9/2025
Testing Laboratory: Virology-Serology
Testing Site: SJHH