From 1st September 2024, UCD NVRL will cease to investigate Dried Blood Spots (DBS)/Guthrie card samples for anti-CMV IgM. 

 In line with UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations*, DBS samples will continue to be investigated for the presence of CMV DNA by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).

 Please note that the specimen of choice for the investigation of congenital CMV infection in a patient less than 3 weeks old is a URINE sample, for the presence of CMV DNA by NAAT.

Where indicated, serological investigation of CMV infection in neonates will be performed using the Architect anti-CMV IgM assay.

*UK SMI - V 28i4 - Investigation of cytomegalovirus infection - June 2019