Molecular Diagnostics | CMV Qualitative by PCR, BAL

UWHC Lab Test Details
Test NameCMV Qualitative by PCR, BAL
Test Code(s)HCCMVBAL
CPT Code(s)87496
MethodologyReal-Time PCR
Clinical Information

Detect CMV in bronchoalveolar lavage.

Days PerformedMon-Fri.
In-Lab Turnaround Time2 - 3 days.
Stat In-Lab Turnaround TimeNot available stat.
Collection Requirements
Patient Preparation

Testing is performed Monday-Friday in batched runs. Specimens received by the Molecular Diagnostic lab by 8:30am will be run same day. If received after 8:30am it will be held to following day.

SpecimenBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Collection Container
Collection ContainerSterile screw cap container
Collection Volume50 mL
Pediatric Collection Volume12 mL
Specimen Processing Requirements
Stability
Stability Ambient

72 hours

Stability Refrigerated

72 hours

Stability Frozen

30 days

Sample AnalyzedBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid
Testing Volume3 mL
Pediatric Testing Volume1.2 mL
Specimen Transport

Transport to Laboratory within 2 hours of collection.

Interpretation
Expected Results

Not detected

Test Limitations

A "Not detected" result may be the result of PCR inhibitors, virus levels below the level of detection of this test, or virus diluted in a large sampling volume. Virus quantitation is not possible due to the nature of the specimen.

 

Inadequate specimen collection, processing and storage may invalidate test results. This test should not be used as the only criterion to form a clinical conclusion; instead, results should be correlated with other test results, patient symptoms and clinical presentation.

Additional Information

A "Detected" result in BAL specimens indicates the presence of CMV DNA. A result of "Not Detected" in BAL specimens does not rule out the presence of CMV DNA or the absence of infection. False negative results may be due to the suppression of viral replication to levels below the detection threshold, or to inhibitory substances that may be present in the specimen. 

 

The performance characteristics of this test were validated by UWHC Clinical Laboratories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved or cleared this test; however, FDA approval or clearance is currently not required for clinical use of this test. The results are not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions. The UWHC Clinical Laboratories is authorized under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform high-complexity testing.