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HelpTest ID: PBKQN BK Virus DNA Detection and Quantification, Plasma
Shipping Instructions
1. Ship specimen frozen on dry ice only.
2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze plasma at -20 to -80° C (up to 84 days) until shipment on dry ice.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial.
Useful For
Detection and serial monitoring of BV virus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients using plasma specimens
Detection and serial monitoring of BV virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis in organ transplant recipients
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reporting Name
BKV DNA Detect/Quant, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 84 days | |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
Clinical Information
BK virus (BKV) is a circular, double-stranded DNA virus with an approximately 5 kilobase-size genome in the polyomavirus family, of which 13 members of the family are known, including the JC virus (JCV) and SV40. BKV shares about 75% of its DNA sequence with JCV. Nearly 80% of the adult population worldwide have antibodies to both viruses, indicating previous infection or exposure to these viruses.
Initial infection with BKV is usually acquired in childhood, mostly asymptomatic or manifesting as a mild flu-like illness. After primary infection, BKV establishes latency in the kidney and bladder of the infected individual. In the setting of immunosuppression, the virus reactivates and begins to replicate, triggering renal tubular cell lysis and viruria. As the reactivation progresses, the virus multiplies and crosses into the bloodstream, causing viremia and invading the kidney graft. In patients with kidney transplants, reactivation of BKV typically reaches peak incidence at 3 months posttransplantation with BK viral replication in the kidney graft, causing BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), which manifests as kidney dysfunction that may result in eventual loss of the transplanted kidney. Reactivation of BKV in the bladder can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis. Currently, there are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved antiviral agents or treatments for BKVAN or BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis. The main treatment is to decrease the immunosuppression, with the risk of acute rejection of the kidney graft.
After BK reactivation, the virus is first detectable in the urine, with viremia developing several weeks later. Quantitative BKV DNA in the plasma is the most widely used and preferred test for the laboratory diagnosis of BKVAN and BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis, as BKV viremia has higher positive predictive value (50%-60%) than BKV viruria for the diagnosis of BKVAN. Serial monitoring of BKV DNA level in plasma is recommended to guide optimal immunosuppressant dosing regimen. In those with BKVAN, clearance of BK viremia is a sign of resolution of the nephropathy.
Reference Values
Undetected
Interpretation
The quantification range of this assay is 22 to 100,000,000 IU/mL (1.34 log to 8.00 log IU/mL), with a limit of detection (95% detection rate) at 22 IU/mL.
An "Undetected" test result indicates the absence of BK virus (BKV) DNA in the plasma.
A test result of "<22 IU/mL (<1.34 log IU/mL)" indicates that BKV DNA is detected in the plasma, but the assay cannot accurately quantify the BKV DNA present below this level.
A quantitative value (reported in IU/mL and log IU/mL) indicates the level of BKV DNA (ie, viral load) present in the plasma.
A test result of ">100,000,000 IU/mL (>8.00 log IU/mL)" indicates that BKV DNA level present in plasma is above 100,000,000 IU/mL (8.00 log IU/mL), and the assay cannot accurately quantify BKV DNA present above this level.
An "Inconclusive" result indicates that the presence or absence of BKV DNA in the plasma specimen could not be determined with certainty after repeat testing in the laboratory, possibly due to polymerase chain reaction inhibition or presence of interfering substance. Submission of a new specimen for testing is recommended if clinically indicated.
Clinical Reference
1. Bechert CJ, Schnadig VJ, Payne DA, Dong J. Monitoring of BK viral load in renal allograft recipients by real time PCR assays. Am J Clin Pathol. 2010;133(2):242-250. doi:10.1309/AJCP63VDFCKCRUUL
2. Hirsch HH, Randhawa P, AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. BK polyomavirus in solid organ transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2013;13 Suppl 4:179-188. doi:10.1111/ajt.12110
3. Hirsch HH, Randhawa PS, AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. BK polyomavirus in solid organ transplantation-guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. Clin Transplant. 2019;33(9):e13528. doi:10.1111/ctr.13528
4. Muhsin SA, Wojciechowski D. BK virus in transplant recipients: current perspectives. Transplant Research and Risk Management. 2019:11:47-58. doi:10.2147/TRRM.S188021
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87799
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PBKQN | BKV DNA Detect/Quant, P | 32284-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 614567 | BKV DNA Detect/Quant, P | 32284-2 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
-Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)