JC/Bk Virus DNA detection Plasma

CLINICAL UTILITY – detect and quantify BK virus in blood or urine

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 8 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA), or serum separator tube or urine

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – transport 1 ml whole blood, serum, plasma or urine in a sterile container

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY – ambient: 24 hours; refrigerated: 72 hours; frozen: 1 month

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS – heparinized specimens

MRP – 5000

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory