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Test Code
BKVLB
Test Name
BK virus, PCR, Plasma
CPT Codes
87799
Included Tests
  • BKV Viral Load, IU/mL
  • BKV Viral Load, log IU/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Clinical Utility
BK Virus may cause nephropathy in renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, resulting in renal dysfunction and possible graft loss. Monitoring of BK viral load in urine and blood has been used as a surrogate marker of BKV nephropathy.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Plasma

  

Collection Container:  Lavender Top (EDTA)

    

Desired Specimen Volume:  2 mL


Minimum Acceptable Volume:  1 mL
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Within 24 hours of collection, centrifuge for 10 min <1300 rcf.
  2. Aliquot plasma into a sterile plastic tube.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

Whole Blood or Plasma, 24 Hours

Refrigerated

Whole Blood, 24 hours

Plasma, 6 days

Frozen

Plasma, 6 Months

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

 4 Freeze / Thaw
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Any specimen shared with another laboratory test will be rejected.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection tube will be rejected.
Methodology
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)
Reference Intervals

BKV Virus Not Detected
Limitations

Technical Range of Assay

21.5 - 1.0 x 100,000,000 IU/mL

1.33 - 8.00 log IU/mL
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • BKV Viral Load, Plasma
  • BK Virus, Plasma
  • BKV Viral Load
Testing Schedule
Routine, 2 times per week
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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