What does the Cytomegalovirus Antibodies - CMV Ab blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Cytomegalovirus Antibodies (CMV Ab) test is used to detect the presence of antibodies against the cytomegalovirus in a person's blood. CMV is a common virus that can cause mild to severe illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems. This test helps determine if a person has been exposed to CMV in the past or is currently infected. It's particularly important for pregnant women, as CMV can cause serious complications for the developing fetus. The test may also be used to monitor organ transplant recipients, who are at higher risk of CMV infection due to immunosuppression. Results are typically reported as positive (antibodies present) or negative (no antibodies detected).
A negative result (below the range_lower) indicates that no CMV antibodies were detected in the blood sample. This generally means that the person has not been exposed to or infected with CMV. However, it’s important to note that a negative result doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a recent infection, as it takes time for the body to produce detectable antibodies. In some cases, additional testing or retesting may be recommended, especially if there’s a strong clinical suspicion of CMV infection.
A positive result (above the range_higher) indicates that CMV antibodies were detected in the blood sample. This means the person has been exposed to or infected with CMV at some point in their life. However, a positive result alone doesn’t distinguish between a past infection and an active, current infection. Additional tests, such as CMV IgM antibodies or CMV DNA PCR, may be necessary to determine if the infection is recent or active. For pregnant women, a positive result may warrant further evaluation to assess the risk to the fetus. In immunocompromised individuals, a positive result may require close monitoring and possibly antiviral treatment.