Question 1

What is Congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV infection occurs when cytomegalovirus is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her developing fetus during pregnancy. It is caused by the cytomegalovirus entering the bloodstream of a mother who has never been infected before, then crossing the placenta to infect the baby. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative test is the most important test for diagnosing congenital CMV infection in newborns.

Question 2

What causes congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV infection is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) passing from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby through the placenta. This typically happens when a woman becomes infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy, as the virus enters her bloodstream and crosses the placental barrier. The virus can also be transmitted if a previously infected mother experiences a reactivation of dormant CMV or gets infected with a different strain during pregnancy, though primary infections pose the highest risk to the developing fetus.

Question 3

What is the best test for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative test is the most important test for congenital CMV infection because it detects the presence and amount of CMV IgM antibodies in an infant's blood. These IgM antibodies are the immune system's first response to a CMV infection and indicate a recent or active infection that was transmitted during pregnancy. The test provides definitive evidence of congenital CMV infection and allows healthcare providers to determine the severity of the infection and begin appropriate monitoring and treatment to minimize potential complications like hearing loss, vision problems, and developmental delays.

Question 4

When should I get tested for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get your infant tested for congenital CMV infection if you had a confirmed or suspected CMV infection during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester when transmission risk is highest. Testing is also recommended if your newborn shows symptoms such as jaundice, enlarged liver or spleen, low birth weight, small head size, rash at birth, or seizures. Early testing within the first three weeks of life is essential because it allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to address potential complications and improve long-term outcomes for your child.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Most babies born with congenital CMV infection have no visible symptoms at birth, but some infants may show signs including jaundice, small head size (microcephaly), enlarged liver and spleen, low birth weight, rash with purple spots, seizures, and feeding difficulties. Long-term symptoms that may develop later include hearing loss (which can be progressive), vision problems, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, motor skill problems, and seizures. About 10-15% of babies with congenital CMV will experience one or more of these complications, making early detection through blood testing crucial for managing the condition.

Question 6

Who is at risk for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women who have never been infected with CMV and who work in settings with frequent exposure to young children, such as daycare centers or preschools, are at highest risk because young children frequently shed the virus in their saliva and urine. Women who already have young children at home, healthcare workers, and those with compromised immune systems also face increased risk. First-time CMV infection during pregnancy poses the greatest danger to the fetus, with about 1 in 200 babies born with congenital CMV infection in the United States, making it the most common congenital viral infection.

Question 7

What happens if congenital CMV infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If congenital CMV infection is left untreated, babies can develop serious and permanent complications including progressive hearing loss, vision impairment or blindness, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and developmental delays affecting speech and motor skills. These complications can worsen over time, particularly hearing loss which may not be present at birth but can develop during the first years of life. Without early diagnosis and monitoring, children may miss critical windows for intervention therapies that can improve outcomes, and families may not receive the support and resources needed to address their child's special needs as they grow.

Question 8

Can congenital CMV infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, congenital CMV infection can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures CMV IgM antibodies in the infant's blood. The presence of these specific antibodies indicates that the baby was infected with CMV during pregnancy, as IgM antibodies represent the body's initial immune response to the virus. Blood testing is the primary diagnostic method for confirming congenital CMV infection and should ideally be performed within the first three weeks of life for the most accurate results, though urine or saliva testing may also be used to detect the virus itself in newborns.

Question 9

How is congenital CMV infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV infection is treated with antiviral medications, primarily valganciclovir or ganciclovir, which are given to infants who show symptoms of the infection at birth. Treatment typically lasts six months and has been shown to improve hearing outcomes and developmental progress in symptomatic babies. In addition to antiviral therapy, affected children receive ongoing monitoring and supportive care including hearing tests, vision exams, developmental assessments, and early intervention services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to address any developmental delays or disabilities that may arise as the child grows.

Question 10

How can I prevent congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women can reduce their risk of CMV infection by practicing good hygiene, especially when caring for young children. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds after changing diapers, feeding young children, wiping noses or drool, and handling children's toys. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes with young children, and avoid putting a pacifier in your mouth. Do not share towels or washcloths with young children, and kiss children on the forehead or cheek rather than on the lips. These precautions are particularly important during the first trimester when CMV infection poses the greatest risk to fetal development.

Question 11

What can I do at home for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment and monitoring are essential for congenital CMV infection, parents can support their child's development at home by following through with all recommended therapies and interventions. Engage in early intervention programs, attend all scheduled hearing and vision screenings, and work closely with developmental specialists to provide stimulating activities appropriate for your child's needs. Create a supportive home environment with proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and activities that promote cognitive and physical development. Connect with support groups for families affected by congenital CMV to share experiences and resources, and maintain open communication with your child's healthcare team to address concerns promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Congenital CMV Infection Blood Test

What is Congenital CMV infection?

What causes congenital CMV infection?

What is the best test for congenital CMV infection?

When should I get tested for congenital CMV infection?

References

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