By providing a new swab sample, you can increase your chance getting that call to donate and help patients get their best possible match.
C-M-V. Easy as 1-2-3.
To update your CMV status, all you need to do is:
- Fill in the form to order your swab (follow the link in your email)
- Complete your swab
- Post it back
This simple way of upgrading your lifesaving status can make all the difference to blood cancer patients. So don’t delay, order your CMV swab pack today to take part!
CMV FAQs
What is 'C-M-V'?
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- CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a tricky to pronounce but very common virus. 50-60% of the UK population have it, but most healthy people never realise as their immune system keeps on top of it.
Why do we need to know your CMV status?
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- Stem cell transplant patients have weakened immune systems. This means they’re more at risk of an active CMV infection, and that it will be harder for them to fight it off.
- CMV can stay inactive (or dormant) in the body for life. If a patient has never had CMV but you have, then your stem cells could pass on the infection. Alternatively, if their CMV is dormant, the virus could reactivate after transplant.
- A CMV status can either be positive or negative. Our research shows that when a donor and a transplant patient have the same CMV status, the risk of life-threatening complications reduces. The stem cell transplant is three times more likely to work.
How do you test my swab?
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- When we receive your swab back in our labs, we place it into a special solution that picks up any CMV indicators. These indicators are loaded into a machine for processing. If they are visible at the end of the test, then CMV is present. If no indicators are visible, then the test is negative.
- The result is double-checked by a scientist and uploaded onto your record.
Why are we contacting you?
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- When we receive your completed swabs back in our labs, the swabs are popped into a solution that picks up any CMV indicators off the swab.
- These indicators are then loaded into a machine with specific proteins, and a colour change will show the result which is then double checked by a scientist and uploaded onto your record.
How is my CMV status tested?
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- This isn’t a medical test, so we won’t routinely update you on your updated CMV status. This information is for doctors to help choose the best possible match for a patient.
Will you tell me my CMV status?
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- This isn’t a medical test, so we won’t routinely update you on your updated CMV status. This information is for doctors to help choose the best possible match for a patient.
What does it mean if I have CMV?
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- For most healthy people, your immune system will control the virus - most people do not realise they have it. People with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant should speak to their doctor if they have flu like symptoms.
- You can find out more about CMV on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cytomegalovirus-cmv/
If I come up as a match for a patient, how would I donate?
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- There are two ways you might be asked to donate: 90% of people donate via their bloodstream and 10% have their stem cells collected via their bone marrow while under general anaesthetic. Watch our donation animation to find out more:
Any further questions?
If you have any more questions about CMV or your status on the stem cell register, please do get in touch by calling 020 7284 8252 or email CMV@anthonynolan.org