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Test ID: JCPCR JC Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Preferred: 12 x 75-mm screw cap vial

Acceptable: Sterile screw cap vial

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.


Useful For

Aiding in diagnosing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus

 

This test is not to be used as a diagnostic tool for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

 

This test is not recommended for screening asymptomatic patients

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

JC Virus, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Clinical Information

JC virus (JCV), a member of the genus Polyomavirus, is a small nonenveloped DNA-containing virus. Primary infection occurs in early childhood, with a prevalence of greater than 80%.(1) The virus is latent but can reactivate in immunosuppressed patients, especially those with AIDS.

 

JCV is recognized as the etiologic agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.(2,3) Histologic examination of brain biopsy tissue may reveal characteristic pathologic changes localized mainly in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Detection of JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (target gene, large T antigen) in the cerebrospinal fluid specimens of patients with suspected PML infection has replaced the need for biopsy tissue for laboratory diagnosis.(4) Importantly, the PCR test is specific with no cross-reaction with BK virus, a closely related polyomavirus.

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

Detection of JC virus (JCV) DNA supports the clinical diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JCV.

Clinical Reference

1. Safak M, Khalili K: An overview: human polyomavirus JC virus and its associated disorders. J Neurovirol. 2003;9 Suppl 1:3-9

2. Khalili K, White MK: Human demyelinating disease and the polyomavirus JCV. Mult Scler. 2006 Apr;12(2):133-142

3. Ahsan N, Shah KV: Polyomaviruses and human diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2006;577:1-18

4. Romero JR, Kimberlin DW: Molecular diagnosis of viral infections of the central nervous system. Clin Lab Med. 2003 Dec;23(4):843-865

5. Chen Y, Bord E, Tompkins T, et al: Asymptomatic reactivation of JC virus in patients treated with natalizumab. N Engl J Med. 2009 Sep 10;361(11):1067-1074

6. Egli A, Infanti L, Dumoulin A, et al: Prevalence of polyomavirus BK and JC infection and replication in 400 healthy donors. J Infect Dis. 2009 Mar 15;199(6):837-846

7. Kartau M, et al: JC polyomavirus DNA detection in clinical practice. J Clin Virol. 2022 Jan;146:105051

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/ 1 to 4 days

Test Classification

This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
JCPCR JC Virus, PCR, CSF 33295-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
618305 JC Virus, PCR, CSF 33295-7
Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Microbiology and Infectious Disease Catalog Additional Information:

mml-mbid-cnsinfections