Calbiotech Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG ELISA

SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION 
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpes group of viruses. Most adults and children who catch CMV have no symptoms and are not harmed by the virus. CMV infection is of clinical significance primarily in pregnant women, newborn infants with possible congenital infection, immunosuppressed transplant patients and individuals with AIDS. CMV is so prevalent as over 60% of people catch the infection at some time in their lives. Significant increases in CMV IgG antibody by ELISA suggest recent infection or reactivation of a latent CMV infection. ELISA can detect CMV IgM antibody in both primary CMV infections (93-100%) and in reactivated infection (40%). An IgM response may be reduced or absent in immunocompromised patients with active infection. In transplant patients the CMV infection can be associated with higher morbidity and mortality.

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST 
Diluted patient serum is added to wells coated with purified antigen. IgG specific antibody, if present, binds to the antigen. All unbound materials are washed away and the enzyme conjugate is added to bind to the antibody-antigen complex, if present. Excess enzyme conjugate is washed off and substrate is added. The plate is incubated to allow the hydrolysis of the substrate by the enzyme. The intensity of the color generated is proportional to the amount of IgG specific antibody in the sample

STORAGE AND STABILITY 
1. Store the kit at 2-8°C. 
2. Keep microwells sealed in a dry bag with desiccants. 
3. The reagents are stable until expiration of the kit. 
4. Do not expose test reagents to heat, sun or strong light.