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Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Congenital CMV) hearing screening
Your baby did not have a clear response on their hearing screen. They have been referred for a formal hearing test and a congenital cytomegalovirus (congenital CMV) hearing screening.
One of the causes of hearing loss in babies is congenital CMV. It's best to diagnose babies as early as possible. You will be asked for consent for your baby to be tested for congenital CMV.
What is Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Congenital CMV)
Congenital cytomegalovirus (Congenital CMV) is when your baby catches cytomegalovirus (CMV) during the pregnancy. CMV is a common virus. It causes cold-like symptoms in adults but in babies it can cause more serious symptoms like permanent hearing loss.
Most babies with congenital CMV will seem well and have no signs of infection. It can cause hearing problems in babies who are otherwise well.
Testing for congenital cytomegalovirus (congenital CMV)
To test for congenital CMV, the doctor will need 2 types of sample. They will need both a:
- Saliva swab
- Urine sample
Once the samples are collected they will be sent to a specialist laboratory. At the specialist laboratory they will test the samples for congenital CMV. This will be arranged by the neonatal teams.
Saliva sample collection
A saliva sample collection is very simple. The doctor will use a small swab. The swab will look like a cotton bud.
- The swap will be put into your baby's mouth
- They will gently pressed against your baby's cheek. This will collect the saliva for the test.
Urine sample collection
You will be asked to collect a 'clean catch' urine sample from your baby. This type of sample reduces the chance of contamination.
A good time to collect a urine sample is:
- before bath time
- just after your baby has had a feed
- changing your baby's nappy
- early in the morning on the day of the appointment
Boys
- Clean around your baby's genitals with warm water and cotton wool. Do not use baby wipes.
- Place your baby's penis inside the bottle.
- Wait for your baby to pee.
- Avoid touching the rim of the container. This may contaminate the sample when you screw the lid on.
- Screw the lid on.
- Place into your fridge until you go to the appointment.
Girls
- Clean around your baby's genitals with warm water and cotton wool. Do not use baby wipes.
- Place your baby on the large jug or gallipot you have been given.
- Wait for your baby to pee.
- When your baby has peed, carefully pour the pee into the bottle provided. Avoid touching the rim of the container. Touching the container may contaminate the sample.
- Screw the lid on.
- Place into your fridge until you go to the appointment.
Treating congenital CMV
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (congenital CMV) is a treatable condition. It is treated using antiviral medications.
Research has shown that treating babies with congenital CMV with antiviral medication can stop hearing loss. In some cases the antiviral medication has improved the baby's hearing loss.
Current research shows that the antiviral medication needs to be given by 4 weeks old.
Getting test results
You will be informed about the Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Congenital CMV) test results via telephone call or a letter in the post.
If your baby tests positive
If your baby has tested positive for congenital CMV, they have congenital CMV. You will be contacted by telephone to arrange 2 new appointments:
- formal hearing test
- medical review
The medical review is for doctors to find out if your baby has had any other symptoms of congenital CMV.
These appointments will be arranged as soon as possible. This is because it is important for your baby to be treated as soon as possible. A paediatrician will discuss the treatment options for your baby.
Your baby will be offered a follow-up clinic. This will include regular hearing tests.
If your baby tests negative
If your baby has tested negative for congenital CMV, they do not have congenital CMV. You will be informed by a letter in the post. The letter will tell you that your baby does not have congenital CMV.
You will still need to take your baby to a formal hearing test. Your baby did not have a clear response during their hearing screening. Your baby may still have hearing loss.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
