CYTOMEGALOVIRUS PCR, QUALITATIVE

Variable specimen types

Specimen source required. Requires dedicated sample.

Swab specimens (ocular, throat, rectal, mouth/oral) in viral transport medium.
Swabs in culturettes must be transferred to viral transport within 24 hours of collection.
Biopsy/tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (Snap frozen -20°C).
Bronchoalveolar lavage/wash in sterile, leak-proof container, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Sputum Undiluted in sterile, leak-proof container, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
CSF and body fluids undiluted in sterile, leak-proof container, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
Nasal washes in sterile, leak proof container, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
Urine undiluted in sterile, leak-proof container, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum)
Blood in EDTA (lavender top) tube, 2.0 mL (1.0 mL minimum)
EDTA plasma (lavender top), 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
Bone Marrow in EDTA, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
Amniotic Fluid, 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum) in sterile, leak-proof container

The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed.

Determined by specimen type

Varies by specimen type, see stability

Rectal swabs preserved in formalin, SAF, or PVA
Urine in Grey-Top (boric acid) urine Vacutainers
Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or ProbeTec transport media
Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media
Dry swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and swabs in gel transports
Culturettes older than 24 hours
Stool
Serum
Specimens received in non-sterile or leaking containers will not be tested

Room temperature (18-25°): 3 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 14 days
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months