JC Polyoma Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Serum or Plasma

Test Code

17220

CPT Codes
87798

Preferred Specimen

0.7 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or EDTA PPT (white-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL plasma • 0.3 mL serum

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: ACD solution A (yellow-top) tube • 0.7 mL Serum

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

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 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

Not detected

Clinical Significance

JC polyoma virus is the cause of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating neurologic disease of immunosuppressed patients. This test detects JC polyoma virus DNA in CSF, urine or plasma. Detection of virus in specimens from AIDS and other severely immune compromised patients may indicate disease. Serum antibodies are not helpful in diagnosing PML as antibodies are common in the general population. JVC can also be detected in the urine of 3% of pregnant women, but is not associated with proven disease.

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

Last Updated: October 7, 2019

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.