Test Overview
Test Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Test Usage

Detection or quantitation of BK virus DNA. Used for monitoring nephropathy in transplant patients; determining BK virus reactivation disease in bone marrow and renal transplant patients.

Reference Range *

A 1/2 to 1 log (5-10 fold) change in viral load is considered clinically significant. Urine titers are 4-6 logs higher than blood titers.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Diagnosis of BK infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive PCR result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. A negative result indicates the absence of BKV DNA in the sample tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of the infection.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Saturday
Analytic Time

2 - 5 days

Soft Order Code
SO
MiChart Code
BK Virus DNA, Urine
Synonyms
    Laboratory
    Sendout
    Reference Laboratory
    Viracor Eurofins 2500
    Section
    Special Testing
    Specimen Requirements
    Collection

    CSF: send 2 mL in sterile tube; freeze. Tissue: Send moistened with saline, in sterile cup; freeze.

    Normal Volume
    2.0 mL CSF; 5 mg fresh tissue
    Minimum Volume
    0.5 mL CSF; 5 mg fresh tissue
    Additional Information

    BK virus is a human polyomavirus. After primary infection, the virus enters latency in the host, most likely in the urogenital tract. Asymptomatic reactivation and intermittent shedding of the virus in urine occur spontaneously in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed persons. BK virus replication in the urogenital tract can also present as hematuria, hemorrhagic cystitis, ureteric stenosis and interstitial nephritis. Persistent viral replication in recipients of renal allografts can cause progressive dysfunction and eventual loss of the transplanted kidney. Test sent to Viracor Eurofins.

    Billing
    CPT Code
    87799
    Fee Code
    36120
    NY State Approved
    No