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

Test Code

17220X

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

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 FDA. 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

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 serum 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. JCV can also be detected in the urine of 3% of pregnant women, but is not associated with proven disease.

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.