What do CMV serology test results mean?

Serologic laboratory tests are used to detect the presence of CMV antibodies IgM and IgV in blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serology tests that are positive for CMV IgV means that the individual has been exposed to the virus at some point in their lives.

A serology test that is positive for CMV IgM means that the individual is newly infected with CMV, has recently been re-exposed to CMV, or that the virus has recently become reactivated in their body, notes the CDC. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, test is the most commonly used serologic test for measuring the presence of CMV antibodies in blood.