Home / Blood Tests / CMV Avidity

CMV Avidity

CMV avidity is a measure of the strength or maturity of antibodies produced in response to infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is a common virus that can cause significant illness in people with weakened immune systems, such as transplant recipients or individuals with HIV/AIDS. When a person is infected with CMV, their immune system produces antibodies in response to the virus. Over time, the strength of these antibodies increases, a process known as maturation. CMV avidity testing measures the strength of these antibodies by assessing their ability to bind to CMV antigens. Avidity testing can be useful in determining the timing of CMV infection. In the acute phase of infection, antibodies are present but may not have reached full maturity, resulting in low avidity. As the immune system responds and antibodies mature, avidity increases. Therefore, high avidity levels suggest that the infection occurred at least several months ago, while low avidity levels suggest a more recent infection.

There is an additional £20 phlebotomy fee for every donation.