Question 1

What is Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection?

Accepted Answer

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a viral infection present at birth that occurs when a baby is infected with CMV before birth through transmission from the mother during pregnancy. It is caused by the cytomegalovirus crossing the placenta during maternal primary infection or reactivation of a previous CMV infection. The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects IgM antibodies indicating recent or active infection in the newborn.

Question 2

What causes congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Congenital CMV infection is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV) crossing the placenta from an infected mother to her developing baby during pregnancy. This transmission can happen when a pregnant woman experiences a primary CMV infection for the first time or when a previous CMV infection reactivates during pregnancy. The virus can be transmitted at any stage of pregnancy, though the risk and severity of complications may vary depending on when during pregnancy the transmission occurs.

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 IgM antibodies that indicate a recent or active CMV infection in the newborn. IgM antibodies are the first immune response produced when the body encounters CMV, and their presence in a newborn's blood strongly suggests that the baby was infected during pregnancy. This quantitative test measures specific levels of these antibodies, helping doctors assess both the likelihood of infection and its potential severity, which guides decisions about monitoring and treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant and have symptoms of CMV infection such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, or swollen glands, or if you have been exposed to someone with CMV. Testing is also recommended for newborns who show signs of congenital infection at birth, including small head size, jaundice, enlarged liver or spleen, purple skin spots, or seizures. Additionally, babies who appear healthy at birth but fail newborn hearing screenings should be tested, as hearing loss is one of the most common complications of congenital CMV infection that may not be immediately apparent.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Most babies with congenital CMV infection appear healthy at birth and show no immediate symptoms, but about 10-20% are born with signs of the infection. Symptomatic newborns may have a small head size (microcephaly), premature birth, low birth weight, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, purple skin spots or rashes, seizures, or feeding difficulties. Even babies who seem healthy at birth can develop complications later, including hearing loss, vision problems, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, or coordination problems, which is why monitoring is important.

Question 6

Who is at risk for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

Babies are at risk for congenital CMV infection when their mothers become infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy or experience reactivation of a dormant CMV infection while pregnant. Pregnant women who work with young children, such as daycare workers or preschool teachers, face higher risk because CMV spreads easily among young children through saliva and urine. Women with weakened immune systems or those who have other children at home, particularly toddlers in daycare, are also at increased risk of contracting CMV during pregnancy.

Question 7

What happens if congenital CMV infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated congenital CMV infection can lead to serious long-term complications that may worsen over time. The most common complication is progressive hearing loss, which can occur even in children who appeared healthy at birth and may not develop until months or years later. Other potential complications include vision problems or blindness, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, seizures, coordination problems, and learning difficulties. Early detection through testing allows for antiviral treatment in severe cases and enables doctors to monitor children closely for these complications so interventions can begin as soon as problems are detected.

Question 8

Can congenital CMV infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, congenital CMV infection can be diagnosed with blood tests that detect antibodies the body produces in response to the virus. The CMV IgM antibody test is particularly useful because IgM antibodies appear first when someone is newly infected, making them a good indicator of recent infection in newborns. For the most accurate diagnosis of congenital CMV, testing should be done within the first three weeks of life, as this confirms the baby was infected before birth rather than after delivery. Blood tests may be combined with urine or saliva tests for comprehensive diagnosis.

Question 9

How is congenital CMV infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Babies with symptomatic congenital CMV infection may be treated with antiviral medications such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir, which can help reduce the severity of complications, particularly hearing loss and developmental problems. Treatment typically lasts for six months and is most effective when started early in infancy. Even if antiviral treatment is not used, all babies diagnosed with congenital CMV require ongoing monitoring, including regular hearing tests, vision checks, and developmental assessments throughout childhood. Supportive therapies such as hearing aids, speech therapy, physical therapy, and early intervention programs can help children reach their full potential.

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 if they have young children or work with children. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds after changing diapers, feeding young children, wiping noses or drool, or handling children's toys. Avoid sharing food, drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, or towels with young children, and avoid putting a child's pacifier in your mouth. Do not kiss young children on the mouth or cheek; instead kiss them on the head or give hugs. These simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of CMV transmission during pregnancy.

Question 11

What can I do at home for congenital CMV infection?

Accepted Answer

While congenital CMV infection requires medical supervision and cannot be cured with home remedies, you can support your baby's health and development at home with proper care. Ensure your baby attends all scheduled medical appointments and hearing screenings, as early detection of problems allows for prompt intervention. If your child is receiving therapies such as speech, physical, or occupational therapy, practice the recommended exercises and activities at home consistently. Maintain good nutrition, adequate sleep, and a stimulating environment with age-appropriate activities to support optimal development. Stay connected with your healthcare team and early intervention services to address any emerging concerns quickly.

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.
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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.
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            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.
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            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).
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            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 Cytomegalovirus (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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