Cytomegalovirus Test

What is Cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common virus. Once infected, you will remain infected for life. Most people don't know they are infected with CMV because healthy people usually have no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a Cytomegalovirus Infection?

Most healthy adults will not experience any severe symptoms. Some people however, will experience the following symptoms on first infection:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches

Pregnant women or people with weak immune systems are at significant risk of complications from a Cytomegalovirus infection. Women with an active CMV infection during pregnancy can pass the virus to their babies where CMV can cause serious complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, and death. Babies may suffer hearing loss, mental disability, liver or brain damage.

For people with weak immune systems, especially if they have had an organ, stem cell or bone marrow transplant, CMV can be fatal.

How is Cytomegalovirus spread?

CMV is spread from person to person via blood, urine, semen, breast milk and saliva. There is no cure for a CMV infection but certain medications can help reduce symptoms.

What illnesses are caused by a Cytomegalovirus infection?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause a number of illnesses, including:

• Mononucleosis: In rare cases, CMV can cause mononucleosis in healthy adults. Symptoms include fever, swollen glands, fatigue, tonsillitis, and liver malfunction.
• Pneumonia: CMV can cause a viral infection of the lungs that leads to inflammation and difficulty breathing. It primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have received an organ transplant.
• Retinitis: CMV can cause eye disease that threatens vision. This is due to inflammation of the light-sensing layer of the eye.
• Hepatitis: CMV can cause liver problems.
• Brain or spinal cord infection: CMV can cause meningitis or encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain or spinal cord.
• Digestive disease: CMV can cause digestive diseases such as gastritis, duodenitis, mouth ulcers, colitis, and bloody diarrhoea.
• Heart infection: CMV can cause myocarditis, which is a heart infection.
• Kidney disease: CMV can cause nephritis, which is a kidney disease.

Three reasons to choose the Better2Know Cytomegalovirus IgG/IgM test

• If you are planning to get pregnant and want to know if you are infected with this common virus
• If your immune system is weakened for any reason
• If you have experienced any symptoms of a Cytomegalovirus infection

Who is the Cytomegalovirus blood test for?

This test is designed for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the Cytomegalovirus.

How do I schedule my appointment?

To secure your appointment, simply click on the "Book Your Appointment" button at the top of the page. If you have any questions about this Cytomegalovirus test, please call our booking team on the number above.

What can I expect at my appointment?

Your friendly clinician will collect your blood sample. All our doctors and nurses are highly trained professionals and always keep your safety and comfort in mind.

What happens to my sample?

Your sample will be sent to our laboratory for fast and accurate analysis.

How will I receive my test results?

Your test results will be uploaded to your secure online Patient Area as soon as they are back from the laboratory and have been reviewed by the Better2Know medical team. We will send you an email or SMS as soon as they are ready.

What if I test positive?

If your test indicates a positive result, we will arrange a consultation with a doctor to provide you with advice and support.

Description provided by Better2Know.