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Transfusion acquired CMV is of little concern in immunocompetent individuals, but can be a serious problem in immunocompromised patients. In the latter group of patients, CMV transmission can result in pneumonitis, chronic hepatitis, gastroenteritis, chorioretinitis, or disseminated disease. CMV negative blood components are indicated for patients in the first two groups in the table below. Indications for CMV negative units have not yet been well established for the third group of patients.
Indications for the Transfusion CMV Negative Products
Established Indications
All fetal and intrauterine transfusions
Low birth weight premature infants born to CMV seronegative mothers
CMV negative recipients of organ, peripheral blood stem cell or bone marrow transplants from CMV negative donors
Antepartum transfusions for CMV negative women
Less Well Established Indications
CMV negative patients with HIV
CMV negative patients who are potential candidates for autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplant
CMV negative patients undergoing splenectomy
Potential seronegative donors for bone marrow transplant
Unestablished Indications
CMV negative BMT recipients from CMV positive donors
CMV positive BMT recipients
CMV negative solid organ transplants from CMV positive donors
CMV positive recipients of solid organ transplants
Depending on need, a blood center screens a certain percentage of donated units for CMV IgG and IgM antibody. Seronegative donors serve as a continuous supply of CMV negative products. The CMV status of these donors is reconfirmed with each donation. Administration of CMV negative units is the same as regular units of red blood cells and platelets.
