Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG Antibody Test

The CMV IgG Antibody Test is a blood test that detects the presence of IgG antibodies to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the bloodstream. CMV is a common virus that can cause symptoms similar to the flu in healthy individuals, but can be more serious in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or transplant recipients.

The presence of IgG antibodies indicates that the body has been exposed to the CMV virus in the past and has developed an immune response to it. This can help healthcare providers determine if someone has had a recent or past infection with CMV.

This test is typically ordered if someone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as CMV infection during pregnancy can cause complications for the fetus. It may also be ordered for individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are at risk for CMV infection.

A positive result on the CMV IgG Antibody Test means that the individual has been exposed to the CMV virus at some point in the past. It does not necessarily mean that the person has an active infection, as the antibodies can remain in the bloodstream for years after the initial exposure. A negative result means that the person has not been exposed to CMV or that the infection occurred recently and the body has not yet developed detectable levels of IgG antibodies.