CMV PCR - Qualitative (Not blood); Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR, Qualitative

Specimen types:
See Important Comments

Test ID		LAB5807
EPIC Order		CMV PCR, Qualitative, NOT BLOOD
CPT Code(s)		87496
Group/Individual Test		Individual
Laboratory		Molecular Microbiology; 984-974-1820
Tube Station		82
Specimen	Routine:	Respiratory specimens, body fluids, urine, tissue Neonatal Saliva; See Comments
Availability	Routine:	Monday-Friday
	STAT	N/A
Turnaround Time		3 days
Reference Range	Normal:	Negative

Comments	CSF/urine/body/amniotic fluids/BALs/bronchial washings/mini-BALs/tracheal aspirates/tissue: collect in sterile tube/container *NOTE: Expectorated sputa is NOT an appropriate specimen.* *Note: Fresh bag urine is acceptable on neonates only and must be refrigerated until it is transported to the laboratory* Blood specimens are tested quantitatively and should be ordered as: CMV(Cytomegalovirus) Viral Load, Blood (PCR)
	Important Collection Instructions for Neonatal Saliva specimens Do NOT collect within one hour of breastfeeding. The swab for collection is the BD Universal Viral Transport flexible mini-tip flocked swab (Lawson #050750) After collecting saliva on the swab as demonstrated in the video, place the swab into the transport vial. UNCMC Swab Reference Chart Instructions for obtaining neonatal saliva (using collection kit above) can be viewed here: Neonatal Swab Collection CMV PCR on saliva within 3 weeks of birth is the standard laboratory test for diagnosing congenital CMV. Urine should be collected and tested for confirmation. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/cytomegalovirus/php/laboratories/index.html

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 21, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514