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HelpTest Code LAB1374 BK Virus PCR Quant, Blood
Infectious
Additional Codes
LAB1374
Clinical System Name
BK Virus PCR Quant
Synonyms
BK Virus PCR Quant
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container: Lavender / EDTA
Preferred Vol: 3.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 1.4 mL
| Note: When drawing for multiple PCR tests (e.g. ADV PCR, BKV PCR, CMV PCR, and EBV PCR), please note that ADV PCR requires 1.0 mL EDTA whole blood. CMV PCR, EBV PCR, and BKV PCR requires 1.4 mL EDTA whole blood EACH. |
Heparin whole blood (Green Top Tubes) are not acceptable and will be rejected. This test is validated for plasma from EDTA whole blood only.
Specimen: EDTA Plasma
Container: Sterile Container
Preferred Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.7 mL
| Note: When aliquoting for multiple PCR tests (e.g. ADV PCR, BKV PCR, CMV PCR, and EBV PCR), ADV PCR requires 0.5 mL EDTA plasma. CMV PCR, EBV PCR, and BKV PCR requires 0.7 mL EDTA plasma EACH. |
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send whole blood to Microbiology. The sample may be shared with other Viral PCR tests (CMV PCR, EBV PCR, BKV PCR, ADV PCR Qnt) but cannot be shared or added on to samples that have been run through any analyzer. For shared whole blood samples, CPA will collaborate with Microbiology on an aliquot plan if there is a specimen integrity situation (i.e. QNS).
Off-site collection: Off-site Children's Lab locations should spin down EDTA whole blood and aliquot the plasma for storage and transport to the SCH Microbiology Laboratory. Sample should be frozen at -20C for both storage and transport.
Other off-site locations: It is recommended that the whole blood sample be spun down to obtain EDTA plasma. The EDTA plasma is stable for up to one week when stored at -20C and is the preferred sample for testing from off-site locations.
Stability
| Specimen | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Room temp | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours | |
| Frozen | N | |
| Plasma | Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Availability
| Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
|---|---|---|
| PCR | Tue / Fri @ 6am |
1-4 days |
This test is not available STAT.
BKV PCR testing is not performed on holidays, but will resume on the next business day.
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Microbiology Laboratory
CPT Codes
87799
Description
BK Virus DNA is detected via nucleic acid amplification. Quantitative nucleic acid detection assays offer analytic sensitivity to detect infection at an early stage before clinically significant disease occurs. The quantitative nature of these assays also allow threshold levels that can be used to monitor or begin treatment.
This test is validated for blood plasma only. The sample may be shared with other Viral PCR tests. For Urine, see BKV PCR Quant, Urine. For Bone Marrow or other tissue, see BK Virus Qualitative PCR Assay. Please forward requests for BK Virus PCR Quant to the Microbiology Laboratory.
Reference Ranges
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| None Detected | Negative |
| <21.5 IU/mL | Positive, (no titer reported, see comment*) |
| ≥21.5 IU/mL | Positive, (titer reported) |
*BKV: The limit of quantitative detection (the minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates) is 21.5 IU/mL (or 1.3 log IU/mL). The clinical significance of very low positive results is uncertain and should be individually analyzed with clinical discretion.