Detection of cytomegalovirus antibodies in serum using the TranSTAT-CMV and CMV Scan assays

Two hundred serum samples were tested with two assays for rapid detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies. The assays were CMV Scan, a two-step latex particle agglutination assay for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies, and TranSTAT-CMV, a newly available six-step solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for CMV IgG antibodies. Comparison of initial results to reference results revealed a sensitivity/specificity of 97.2%/96.8% for CMV Scan and 94.3%/83.0% for TranSTAT-CMV. The same comparison after testing discrepant samples in duplicate increased the sensitivity/specificity to 99.1/100% for CMV Scan and 100%/93.6% for TranSTAT-CMV. Borderline-positive results were observed much more frequently with TranSTAT-CMV than CMV Scan (35 vs. 2), compromising easy interpretation of results. CMV Scan is superior to TranSTAT-CMV on the basis of performance characteristics, simplicity of test performance, and ease of interpretation of results.