Abstract Details
9/08/2025 | 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Breakout 3 | University Hall
Spot the difference: Minnesota’s experience with spot-to-spot variability in the detection of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) in dried blood spots using real time PCR
Abstract Summary
Minnesota’s Newborn Screening Laboratory has been universally screening for cCMV in dried blood spots for since February 6, 2023, and the spot-to-spot variability was the most unanticipated hurdle. Join this breakout session to learn more about the methodology, example results, and approaches used to address the spot-to-spot variability. Minnesota’s screening method utilizes Revvity’s NeoMDx™ cCMV Real-Time PCR Assay and the QuantStudio 7 Pro Real -Time PCR System for analysis. Background will be provided on how the QuantStudio software analyzes the amplification plots and uses cycles of quantification as units of measurement. Examples of routine results showing the detection of CMV will be touched on to open a larger discussion on those results showing spot-to-spot variability in the detection of CMV. We will discuss how laboratory scientists use established cut-offs to determine which specimens will require additional testing when repeat results show variability in the detection of CMV from the initial test result. An explanation of our extensive repeat rule will be presented along with a brief discussion of the potential for false negative results due to the spot-to-spot variability.
Learning Objectives
- Describe Minnesota’s methodology for screening of cCMV.
- Recognize spot-to-spot variability seen in dried blood spot testing.
- Define false negative results versus no CMV detected based off dried blood spot screening limitations.
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Presenters
Trenna Lapacinski-Ludens | Primary Presenter, Author, Co-Author
trenna.lapacinski-ludens@state.mn.us;
Trenna Lapacinski-Ludens is a research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Health Newborn Screening Laboratory. She has been with the Newborn Screening Program for 11 years. Trenna was a key MDH contributor to the federally funded study with the University of Minnesota and the CDC titled, “Diagnosing Congenital CMV Infection in Newborns as a Model for Universal Newborn Screening and Early Intervention.” She was part of the team responsible for optimizing, validating, and implementing universal CMV screening for all newborns in the state of Minnesota.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Suzanne Skoog | Co-Presenter, Author, Co-Author
suzanne.skoog@state.mn.us;
Suzanne Skoog is a research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Health Newborn Screening Laboratory. She has been with the Newborn Screening Program for 10 years. Suzanne has played a key role in the testing, verification of results, and training of laboratory scientists for the universal screening of congenital CMV for all newborns in the state of Minnesota.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.