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

Test Code
11274


CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen
0.7 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or ACD (yellow-top) tube or
0.7 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST) or
0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or ACD (yellow-top) tube


Minimum Volume
0.3 mL


Instructions
Plasma: Collect blood in sterile tubes containing EDTA as an anticoagulant, or in plasma preparation tube (PPT). Collect whole blood at room temperature and separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer plasma to sterile, transport aliquot tubes. Freeze and ship frozen.

Serum: Collect blood in sterile tubes with no anticoagulants; serum separator tubes (SST) are recommended. Allow blood to clot at room temperature and separate serum within 1 hour of collection. Transfer serum to sterile, transport aliquot tubes. Freeze and ship frozen.

Whole blood: Collect using standard procedures. Store samples refrigerated following collection. Do not freeze whole blood.


Transport Temperature
Plasma or serum: Frozen
Whole blood: Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Plasma and serum
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Whole blood in heparin tube


Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day


Reference Range
BK Virus DNA,QN RT PCRNot Detected (copies/mL)
BK Virus DNA,QN RT PCRNot Detected (Log copies/mL)


Clinical Significance
This test is used to determine the presence of BK Virus DNA in patient's specimens. Detection of the virus in these specimens may be indicative of an active infection, as PCR detects the presence of the virus, and not the host's reaction to the virus. Polyomavirus BK DNA detection in urine or plasma is associated with an increased risk of graft rejection in renal recipients. Quantitative testing may indicate change in risk over time. This is a quantitative molecular test, with a linear range of 500-500,000,000 copies/mL.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153



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.