Description

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM

Item# LC096727

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes virus family that includes the two well-known herpes viruses (I and II), the chickenpox virus, and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). All of these viruses very commonly infect humans, and all persist in our bodies for our lifetimes once we have been infected.

When someone is first infected with the virus, it may produce symptoms indistinguishable from infectious mononucleosis, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, enlarged spleen, and liver inflammation.

IgM is an antibody. Antibodies are proteins produced by our immune system when we have some kind of infection. IgM antibodies do not persist in the blood for more than a few months. A high level of IgM antibodies indicates a recent (acute) infection.

Instructions

Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed.