BK Virus PCR

Diagnostic Use

Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are members of a genus of DNA viruses in the Polyomaviridae family. Fourteen HPyV species have been identified. BK virus (BKV) was first reported in the 1970s as well as another HPyV, JC virus (JCV). BKV was isolated in tissue culture from the urine of a kidney transplant recipient with ureteral stenosis; JCV was isolated from the brain tissue of a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

BKVL

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Sample can be shared with CMV Viral load and/or EBV Viral load, if there is sufficient volume received

Laboratory

Testing is batched and performed weekly on Thursday afternoon, with results available Friday morning.

Test Adds

Add-on requests for Viral load testing are only able to be performed if other plasma viral loads have been requested as dedicated sterile samples are required. Viral loads cannot be added to samples previously processed for CBC testing. Please contact Virology ext 80356 to discuss.

Synonyms

BK virus
Polyomavirus PCR

Turnaround Time

8 days

Test Code

6025

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Whole Blood
• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1.0

No of Samples Required

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1.0

Pre-testing Requirements

Please refer to separating guidelines in the Additional Information section below

Additional Specimen Information

Testing is performed on EDTA plasma and/or urine.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

If possible 1.0 mL - 3.0 mL plasma is preferred.

Where possible, separate aliquots for each viral load test requested is preferred (eg CMV viral load). If EBV Viral load is requested as well, please sterile separate a whole blood aliquot for EBV before centrifugation to separate plasma.
Please refer to separating guidelines in the Additional Information section below

Testing is batched weekly on Thursday afternoon, results available Friday morning.

Test Method

Nucleic acid extraction, quantitative PCR for BK virus

Non-Funded Test Cost

$179.43 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

6025

Resources

Contact Information

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Contact Information

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