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HelpTest ID: UBKQN BK Virus DNA Detection and Quantification, Random, Urine
Specimen Required
Supplies: COBAS PCR - Urine Sample Kit (T903)
Container/Tube: cobas PCR urine tube
Specimen Volume: 4.3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect random urine into a sterile, plastic, preservative-free container.
2. Transfer 4.3 mL of urine into the cobas PCR urine sample tube using the disposable pipette provided within 24 hours of collection. The correct volume of urine has been added when the fluid level is between the black fill lines on the urine transport tube. Place the labels on the transport tube so the black fill lines are still visible for volume confirmation at Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
3. Transport and store urine specimen transport container at 2 to 30° C (refrigerate is preferred temperature).
Additional Information: cobas PCR media contains guanidine hydrochloride. Do not allow these tubes to come in direct contact with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or other highly reactive reagents such as acids and bases. These mixtures can release a noxious gas.
Useful For
Detection and serial monitoring of BK virus (BKV)-associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients using random urine specimens
Detection and serial monitoring of BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis in organ transplant recipients
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Reporting Name
BKV DNA Detect/Quant, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 84 days | COBAS PCR URINE |
| Ambient | 84 days | COBAS PCR URINE |
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 post-transplantation 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 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.
Interpretation
The quantification range of this assay is 200 to 100,000,000 IU/mL (2.30 log to 8.00 log IU/mL), with a limit of detection (95% detection rate) at 12 IU/mL.
An "Undetected" test result indicates the absence of BK virus (BKV) DNA in the urine.
A test result of "<200 IU/mL (<2.30 log IU/mL)" indicates that BKV DNA is detected in the urine, 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 urine.
A test result of ">100,000,000 IU/mL (>8.00 log IU/mL)" indicates that BKV DNA level present in urine 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 urine 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 Feb;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 Mar;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 Sep;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 Sep: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 |
|---|---|---|
| UBKQN | BKV DNA Detect/Quant, U | 32285-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 614568 | BKV DNA Detect/Quant, U | 32285-9 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
-Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830)