Test Directory

Cytomegalovirus Avidity

Containers - Adult

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Brown Capped Gel Tube
Volume Range

​4.9ml

Containers - Child

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White Cap - Paediatric
Volume Range

​1-2ml

Reference ranges

​AV INDEX

Laboratory Site

RIE
51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Telephone (Virology): Microbiology/Virology Office: 0131 536 3373 (option 1)

Transport arrangements

Inter-site van shuttle service, GP van service, External hospital van service, Couriers, Hospital porter collection (refer to collection times posted in wards / departments), Hospital Pneumatic Tube System (PTS)

Sample storage arrangements

Specimen transport arrangements must be in accordance with current postal and transport regulations. Samples should be transported to the laboratory without delay. If processing is delayed, refrigeration at 2-8 oC is preferable to storage at room temperature for all samples, with the exception of EDTA blood samples. EDTA blood samples must be stored at room temperature (19-23 oC). Patient samples can be transported at ambient temperature.

Special instructions for collection

Specimen transport arrangements must be in accordance with current postal and transport regulations. Samples should be transported to the laboratory without delay. If processing is delayed, refrigeration at 2-8 oC is preferable to storage at room temperature for all samples, with the exception of EDTA blood samples. EDTA blood samples must be stored at room temperature (19-23 oC). Patient samples can be transported at ambient temperature.

How to request

​This is not a test that can be requested by user. This test is done as part of CMV diagnostic algorithm, often on stored samples in the Laboratory. Please contact Virology to request testing virology.advice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Availability

​Weekdays 08.30 - 17.00

Anticipated turnaround

​5 days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Low avidity samples in Pregnant women would be phoned to relevant obstetrician. Referring hospital would be contacted with low avidity result to ensure clinical context is understood.

Static information/disclaimer

​False negative results may occur for a variety of reasons including: inappropriate timing of sample collection, inappropriate sample type, inappropriate sample storage and presence of virus below the detectable limit of the assay. New and emerging variants may also occur which may not be detected by specific assays. Towards the limit of detection of an assay sampling variation will result in lower reproducibility. Haemolysed or lipaemic samples can also cause interference with assay results.

General additional information

​Please contact virologyadvice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for all non-urgent clinical enquiries.