• Chronic fatigue symptoms: persistent fatigue not explained by other findings.
• Immune-related symptoms: recurrent or prolonged illness suggesting altered immune activity.
• Post-viral symptoms: ongoing symptoms following a viral illness.
• Neurological symptoms: dizziness, balance issues or auditory symptoms such as those seen in Ménière’s disease.
• Autoimmune-associated symptoms: systemic symptoms in conditions such as scleroderma or lichen planus.
• Mucosal symptoms: recurrent mouth ulcers or aphthous stomatitis.
• Pulmonary symptoms: unexplained respiratory symptoms or pulmonary fibrosis context.
• Immune evaluation: assessment where antibody-based CMV tests may be inconclusive.

Overview

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) EliSpot test assesses CMV-specific T cell responses using an interferon-gamma release assay performed on a venous blood sample. Unlike antibody tests that evaluate humoral immune responses, EliSpot technology focuses on cellular immunity by measuring T cell activation when exposed to CMV antigens.

Clinically, this test may be useful when individuals present with symptoms that raise consideration of CMV-related immune activity, particularly in cases where IgG or IgM antibody testing does not provide clear insight. The assay distinguishes between responses to CMV lytic antigens, associated with viral replication activity, and latent antigens, associated with past exposure.

Practitioners typically interpret results alongside clinical history, immune status, symptom presentation and other laboratory findings, including antibody-based CMV tests where available. When reviewed in context, the test can support informed discussions with clients about cellular immune responses to CMV.

Practical

3 x ACD/CPDA tubes

This sample requires a blood draw