pharmeasy-logo

Express delivery to

Select Pincode

60-Min Home Collection, Same-Day Report
MedicineHealth BlogsPLUSValue Store

12+ orders placed in your location

nabl_icon

100% NABL & ISO Certified Lab • 100% Accurate Reports

Cytomegalovirus Antibody (CMV) Test - IgM

Cytomegalovirus Serologic IgM Test, Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody Test, CMV IgM Antibody, CMV IgM Blood Test

  • Summary
    The CMV IgM test detects IgM antibodies against Cytomegalovirus, indicating a recent or active CMV infection. It is especially important in pregnancy, as CMV can be passed to the fetus, and in immunocompromised individuals. The test is done using a blood sample, and fasting is not required.Read more
  • Reports Within
    15 Hrs
    sample_report
    View Sample Report
    certified_badge100% NABL & ISO Certified Labs
  • Sample
    Blood
    Blood_icon
  • AgeAll Age Group
  • GenderMale and Female
  • FastingNot Required
pharmeasy-logo

PharmEasy Promises

On-time at Home collection
On-time at Home collection Or Free
Safe and hygienic with
Safe and hygienic with Expert care
Report Analysis & Health trends
Report Analysis & Health trends for free

Know More About The Test

Dr. Viraj Sadrani
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Viraj Sadrani, MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Written By Dr. Kaunain Fatima, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D)
12 min read • Last Updated On: 28 January 2026 | 12:20 PM (IST)
A quick info on Cytomegalovirus Antibody (CMV) Test - IgM

A quick info on Cytomegalovirus Antibody (CMV) Test - IgM

Sample Type

Sample Type

A blood sample is required for this test. A healthcare professional or lab technician will draw a blood sample from a vein using a sterile needle. About 2-3 mL of blood is drawn.

CMV antibody IgM Test Preparation

No test preparation is required. If any other samples are to be used for the diagnosis, the health care professional or your doctor will give you instructions for the same. It doesn't need any fasting.

The usual way to collect a blood sample is by drawing it from one of the veins. This vein is usually the most prominent one in the forearm of a person. This procedure lasts for five minutes.

CMV Antibody IgM Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included in the CMV IgM Antibody Test?

This procedure is used to detect the presence of IgM antibodies in response to the Cytomegalovirus. When the virus enters the body, it produces an antibody response.

No other parameters are tested in this test.

How Frequently Should You Take CMV Antibody IgM Test?

  • The CMV antibody IgM test is prescribed if there is a possibility of a recent or re-infection.
  • You need to retake the CMV antibody IgM test again in 2 weeks if there is a reason for the doctor to believe that there is a possibility of re-infection.
  • This test is not part of a regular health check-up.
Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Chickenpox, Herpes simplex, Mononucleosis

Ranges

Ranges

The following chart displays the ranges or values of the CMV antibody IgM test:

CMV–IgM

<30

Negative

>35 or =35

Positive

30-34.9

Equivocal

 Unit: IU/mL

Test Result Interpretation

Test Result Interpretation

Typically, the CMV IgM Antibody test results are interpreted in conjunction with the results of the CMV IgG antibody test.

  • If both CMV IgG and CMV IgM are negative: it indicates no current or prior infection.
  • If CMV IgG is positive and CMV IgM is negative: it indicates past exposure to the virus.
  • If CMV IgG is negative and CMV IgM is positive: it indicates a recent infection that was active, or it may also indicate re-exposure to CMV or a latent stage of the disease.
  • If both CMV IgG and CMV IgM are positive: it indicated active primary infection or re-infection that was latent but is now active again.
Overveiw

Overveiw

CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is a common virus. It belongs to the herpes family. CMV is an infection that is widespread in many areas, but the symptoms are not severe. In most people, a mild illness develops with almost no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms such as sore throat, mild fever, tiredness, swollen glands, malaise, etc.

Serological testing is widely used in the diagnosis of CMV. This type of test is called a Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI). The type of specimen required for the test is the patient’s serum (serum is the liquid component of blood after all cells like RBC, WBCs, and platelets are removed). The CMV antibody IgM test detects the presence of CMV antibody in the patient’s serum and is then used for the diagnosis of a CMV infection.

Antibodies are a natural immune response of the body to fight off infection. When the virus enters the body, antibodies are formed (IgM and IgG). The IgM antibodies are the first to appear in the sample. Their presence can be evaluated a week or two after the initial exposure to CMV through the CMV antibody IgM test results.

The level of IgM antibodies declines after two weeks, after which they are not detectable in the blood. The range of IgG antibodies rises after the first two weeks.

CMV especially causes major health concerns in pregnant women and newborn infants. Women who contract the infection during their pregnancy have a high chance of passing it on to the foetus. The CMV antibody IgM test helps in preventing congenital CMV in the newborn baby.

CMV is also a major cause for concern for immunocompromised individuals. This may include people who have undergone bone marrow transplants or organ transplants, etc.

Thus, it may prove to be fatal for people with weakened immune systems.

Doctors recommend this type of testing as it is one of the most accurate methods and provides fast and satisfactory results of either positive or negative very clearly.

CMV spreads through blood, urine, saliva, semen, breast milk, etc. It is particularly prominent in certain parts of the United States, where most people acquire the infection by the time they turn 40 years of age. Most people retain the virus in their bodies and do not even show any symptoms.

In India, the prevalence of this disease is up to 80-90%. This means that this amount of the adult population in India has antibodies for the virus.

Other Names of CMV IgM Antibody IgM Test

  • Cytomegalovirus serologic IgM test
  • Cytomegalovirus IgM antibody test
  • CMV IgM antibody

What Does The CMV IgM Antibody Test Measure and Who is It Prescribed For?

CMV antibody IgM test measures the levels of IgM antibodies in the serum of individuals who have been infected with CMV.

 It is usually prescribed if one of the following conditions is suspected by the doctor:

  • Chickenpox
  • Herpes simplex
  • Mononucleosis

This test may be asked when a person with weak immunity or a pregnant female shows flu-like symptoms.

These include

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Malaise
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Further, CMV antibody IgM is used in the diagnosis of

  • People who have a current CMV infection or those who have had it in the past but are at risk of re-infection or developing the disease again.
  • Newborns where there is reason to believe there would be a congenital disease when a baby shows certain typical signs such as jaundice or spleen or liver enlargement, etc. or if it shows developmental abnormalities.
  • Healthcare practitioners who have been monitoring a patient closely.
  • A person who has had a bone marrow or organ transplant.

Was This Test Information Helpful?

Please rate your experience

helpful-iconYes Helpful
not-helpful-iconNot Helpful

People Also Ask

What does CMV IgM positive mean?

A positive CMV antibody IgM test result means that you have recently acquired the CMV infection or have been re-infected with it.

What is a CMV antibody test for?

A CMV antibody test is a procedure performed to detect the presence of CMV antibodies in the patient’s serum. These will occur in the blood if the person has acquired the infection.

How long is IgM positive in CMV?

The IgM antibodies remain detectable in the patient’s blood for about two weeks after the initial infection. A small number of antibodies may persist lifelong, which means you have had the infection at some point in your life.

What happens if you are CMV-positive?

If you are CMV positive, you may experience mild symptoms such as sore throat, mild fever, tiredness, swollen glands, malaise, etc. Some people experience no symptoms at all. You can spread this disease to other people via blood, saliva and other body fluids; hence it is essential to maintain proper hygiene.

Is CMV a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

CMV can be transmitted sexually as it gets transferred from one person to another through bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, etc.

Have any doubts? Ask us.

Ask us anything about the Cytomegalovirus Antibody (CMV) Test - IgM to understand it better

Explore More at PharmEasy

trust-shield-icon

We provide trusted, expert-curated health content to support better awareness,prevention, and care.

Backed by experienced doctors, medical experts, and strict editorial standards.

Introduction

Most Booked Package

percentage-icon

Limited-time Offer! Buy 1, Get 1 FREE

₹1449

₹3599

60% OFF

with Coupon Discount

Why trust PharmEasy?

# One of India's most trusted healthcare platform

Left Icon
100% NABLCertified Labs
Right Icon
Left Icon
80 LAKHS+Happy Users
Right Icon
Left Icon
27 YEARS+Lab Expertise
Right Icon
700+
700+
100% NABL & ISO Certified Labs
70,000+
70,000+
Test processed everyday
70 Million
70 Million
Total customer served
700
700
Collection Center
7000
7000
Quality & trained Phlebotomist
why trust IconMaking lab test bookings affordable, high-quality, and easily accessible across India