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

Test Code

11351X

CPT Codes
87798

Includes

For CSF: Please use 18889 BK Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, CSF.
For Urine: Please use (16553X) [16553] BK Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Urine.

Preferred Specimen

0.7 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top), or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum • Whole blood collected in: EDTA (lavender-top), or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Plasma/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?)

Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

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 FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Sets up 7 days a week.

Clinical Significance

This test is used to determine the presence of BK Virus DNA in patients' 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 plasma, serum and whole blood is associated with an increased risk of graft rejection in renal transplant recipients.

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.