Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes virus family which only infects humans. Infection is worldwide and usually asymptomatic. Complications with CMV infection are mainly seen if the immune system is immature (congenital infection) or suppressed eg as a result of HIV, solid-organ transplant, bone-marrow transplant.
A blood transfusion from an infected (seropositive) donor may transmit the virus to a non-infected (seronegative) recipient, leading to infection which can cause serious complications, particularly if the recipient’s immune system is suppressed or compromised. The exclusion of blood donations containing CMV antibodies can significantly reduce the risks of transmitting CMV infection in this way.
Lab21 has developed two CMV assays suitable for blood donor screening:
CMV Total Antibody EIA: a highly sensitive and specific screening assay for the detection of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies in serum or plasma. Based on a microplate format the assay is a one step EIA with a dual sample-conjugate incubation phase, reducing the running time to less than 2 hours. A full sample/reagent verification system enables both visual and automated addition verification, providing maximum traceability for operators. The test is also highly sensitive, detecting seroconverters up to 17 days earlier than existing assays. Click here to view our CMV total antibody EIA microsite.
CMV Total Antibody HA: an automated screening assay for the detection of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies in serum or plasma. Developed specifically for automated use on the Beckman Coulter PK7200/PK7300 analysers, this haemagglutination assay uses preserved avian erythrocytes coated with native CMV antigens which will bind with specific antibody present in patient’s serum or plasma. The cells are suspended in a medium containing components to eliminate non-specific reactions.
Assays for use as part of TORCH analysis:
IgG: Qualitative determination of IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum or plasma. Reaction: 15/15/5 min, 450nm, RT.
IgM: Qualitative determination of IgM antibodies to CMV in human. Reaction: 15/15/10 min, 450nm, RT.