Cytomegalovirus (DNA, qualitative, saliva)
3 days 
Available with home visit We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.
Cytomegalovirus (DNA, qualitative, saliva) is a molecular genetic test used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in a saliva sample using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Cytomegalovirus belongs to the herpesvirus family and, after primary infection, may remain in the body in a latent state for a long time. In most people, the infection is asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms; however, it may have important clinical significance in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns.
The test detects viral genetic material in saliva and is used as an additional method for diagnosing active viral infection or viral shedding.
Indications
The test may be recommended for:
- suspected active cytomegalovirus infection;
- persistent or unexplained infectious symptoms;
- enlarged lymph nodes, prolonged low-grade fever, and fatigue;
- evaluation of patients with weakened immunity;
- assessment and diagnosis of CMV infection risk in newborns and young children;
- pregnancy, when recommended by a physician;
- investigation of the cause of inflammatory changes or clinical symptoms.
What does the test detect?
The PCR method detects the presence of cytomegalovirus DNA in the saliva sample.
A positive result indicates that viral genetic material has been detected in the tested sample and may indicate viral shedding at the time of testing.
A negative result means that viral DNA was not detected in the sample. The result should be interpreted by a physician considering symptoms, immune status, and other laboratory findings.
It is important to understand that detection of CMV DNA does not always indicate active disease, as the virus may be present in the body without noticeable clinical symptoms.
Procedure
The test is performed using a saliva sample.
The sample is collected into a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for PCR analysis, which detects specific DNA sequences of cytomegalovirus.
The test is safe, painless, and does not require blood collection.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6829882/
https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TS_CMV_Saliva/cytomegalovirus-dna-qualitative-real-time-pcr-saliva
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386653223001506
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1006561
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytomegalovirus
IMPORTANT!
It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment purposes. If you experience any pain or aggravation of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.
Preparation:
For reliable results, it is recommended to:
- avoid eating and drinking (except water) for 30 minutes before sample collection;
- avoid brushing teeth or using mouthwash before sample collection;
- avoid smoking before the procedure;
- avoid chewing gum before collecting saliva.
Before testing, follow the laboratory's instructions for proper sample collection.
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