Test Overview
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
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.
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.
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
2 - 5 days
- VBK
- BKV DNA qPCR
Specimen Requirements
CSF: send 2 mL in sterile tube; freeze. Tissue: Send moistened with saline, in sterile cup; freeze.
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.