Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Synonyms
CMV
Specimen Type
See Collection Instructions
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB09496
Lab Test Days
Daily
Standard TAT
2-3 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
0.5-1 mL Whole Blood
Container Type
EDTA (Lavender-Top) Tube
Collection Instructions
0.5-1 mL Serum collected in red-top tube; 0.5-1 mL CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or random urine collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container; 0.25-0.5 mL vitreous (eye) fluid collected in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container; or 3 cubic mm fresh (unfixed) tissue collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container is also acceptable.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Frozen-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 48 Hours; Refrigerated: 8 Days; Frozen: 30 Days (Unacceptable for Whole Blood)
Rejection Criteria
Heparinized specimens; Paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue
Test Volume Required
1 mL
Minimum Test Volume
0.5 mL
Processing Instructions
Indicate source in EPIC, on specimen and on batch sheet submitted with specimen.
Comments
For plasma, refer to CMV DNA, Qualitative, PCR (LAB00344) done in-house.
CPT Codes
87496
Revised
11/7/25
Initials
SA