Cytomegalovirus – IgG Antibodies (CMV-IgG)

Testing for CMV infection is a simple blood test, called a CMV IgG antibody. It will determine if a pregnant woman has had CMV. A positive result indicates a current or past CMV infection. A second blood test, called CMV IgM antibody will help determine if the CMV infection is current or past.

A high level of IgG is not as important as a rising level. If there is a 4-fold increase in IgG between the first and second sample, then you have an active CMV infection (primary or reactivated). A positive CMV IgM and negative IgG means you may have very recently been infected.

CMV stands for cytomegalovirus. It is a common virus that can infect anyone, anytime. Donors who have had a CMV infection, but not an active one during the time of donation, will have a positive (+) CMV status. Sperm donors who have never had a CMV infection will have a negative (-) CMV status.