Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG and IgM Test
The CMV antibody test measures IgG and IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus in a blood sample. IgG relates to present or past infection, and IgM relates to possible recent exposure, and clinicians read the two together rather than in isolation.
About this test
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus, and this test measures two kinds of antibodies the body makes against it: IgG, associated with present or past infection, and IgM, associated with recent exposure. A serum sample is analyzed using an immunoassay method to measure both antibody levels.
Interpretation is shaped by how CMV behaves in the body: the virus can stay latent and reactivate later, so a single positive IgG result indicates present or past infection without pinning down timing, and a positive IgM result suggests recent exposure but does not by itself distinguish a first infection from reactivation. That is why a clinician reads both results together, in the context of a person's history.
Test details
| Quest code | 6732 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1.5 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports two separate antibody results from the same serum sample: cytomegalovirus IgG antibody and cytomegalovirus IgM antibody. Reading the two together is how a clinician builds a picture of whether an exposure looks recent, past, or reactivated, rather than treating either result alone as a full answer.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CMV antibody test measure?
It measures two antibodies to cytomegalovirus in serum: IgG, associated with present or past infection, and IgM, associated with recent exposure.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw, analyzed using an immunoassay method.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What is the difference between the IgG and IgM results?
IgG reflects present or past CMV infection, while IgM reflects possible recent exposure. A clinician reads the two together, since CMV can remain latent and reactivate, which affects how either result alone is interpreted.
Why is CMV antibody testing sometimes discussed around pregnancy?
CMV antibody status relates to congenital CMV infection, which is usually linked to a primary infection during pregnancy in someone without prior immunity, so the test can come up in that context.
What does a Cytomegalovirus Antibodies test cost without insurance?
$179. Celio Health's price is a flat cash price and insurance is never billed: the required physician's order is included.