CMV Positive
owl2909
Posts: 2
What does it mean to be CMV positive. Why are so many donors cmv positive?
0
owl2909
Posts: 2
Comments
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that the majority of adults will be exposed to during their lifetime. Most people don't know that they have CMV because it rarely causes symptoms. Once infected with CMV, (similar to the chicken pox virus) the virus will remain with you for life, but will not always be active.
In the U.S., approximately 50%-85% of the adult population will test positive for a prior CMV infection.
It's important to understand that donors listed on our catalog as "CMV Total Antibody Positive" did NOT have an active infection at the time of donation. They were exposed to the virus in the past. (Any applicant or donor that tests positive for an active CMV infection would not be eligible to participate in our donor program.)
Unless your physician has tested you for CMV antibodies and made a special recommendation on which type of donor to order, you should be able to choose a donor with any CMV status.
Here's more info on CMV:
https://www.cryobank.com/How-It-Works/Donor-Qualification/Infectious-Diseases-Screening/CMV-Testing/
Regards,
Nicole
CCB