BK Virus DNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR, Plasma

Test Code

11274

CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen

2 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Do not freeze whole blood or samples stored in primary tube. Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25° C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 6 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube • Unspun PPT tubes • Frozen whole blood

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day

Reference Range

BK Virus DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (IU/mL)
BK Virus DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (Log IU/mL)

Clinical Significance

This test detects and quantitates BK Virus DNA in plasma specimens of kidney transplant recipients who are at risk of developing BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) and associated hemorrhagic cystitis leading to kidney failure. Prospective viral load monitoring of BKV DNA in plasma (and urine) is useful to exclude a diagnosis of BKVAN and to monitor the course of BKV infection. The assay is calibrated to the First World Health Organization International Standard for BKV DNA with a Reportable Range of 21.5-100,000,000 IU/mL (1.33-8.00 log IU/mL).

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.