CYTOMEGALOVIRUS, DNA by PCR, QUANTITATIVE (Viral Load)

Test Code

LAB8415 (MISCELLANEOUS)

CPT Codes
87497

Includes

IU/mL
Log10 IU/mL
Detected/Not Detected result

Preferred Specimen

1 Lavender tube (EDTA)

Patient Preparation
None

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL (1.2 mL optimal)

Instructions

MUST separate whole blood within six (6) hours of collection. Do not store whole blood at 2-25°C longer than six (6) hours. Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma from red cells. Once plasma has been removed from cells, sample will be stable.

Transport Container

Lavender tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate or freeze

Specimen Stability

Separated plasma is stable Refrigerated up to 7 days
Frozen at -20 - -80°C up to 6 weeks.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity not sufficient
Samples collected in any heparin tube
Pearl top (PPT) tubes

Methodology
PCR / DNA Probe Hybridization

Setup Schedule

T, F

Batched; once per day (Midnight shift)

Report Available

Report available the day after testing performed

Reference Range

Not Detected

Clinical Significance

Useful for early detection of viremia, predicting disease, and response to therapy. Higher viral loads are associated with tissue invasive disease while lower loads indicate asymptomatic infection.

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.