Cytomegalovirus Ab., IgG Blood Work Lab Test

A Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibody, IgG test measures the levels of IgG antibodies in the blood that are produced by the body in response to a CMV infection. CMV is a common virus that is usually harmless and can cause flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, CMV can cause serious complications.

A positive result for the CMV IgG antibody indicates that a person has been exposed to the virus and has developed immunity to it. This can be useful for individuals who are planning to become pregnant, as a primary CMV infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. A negative result indicates that a person has not been exposed to the virus or has not yet developed immunity to it. This test may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in people with CMV-related conditions.