BK Virus DNA,Qual,PCR,Urine
ID: LAB7817
Last Review: 09/22/2025
Components
BK Virus DNA,Qual,PCR,Urine
 
Specimen Sources
Urine Indwelling Cath
Urine Single Cath
Urine Straight Cath
Urine, Catheter
Urine, Clean Catch
Urine, Unspecified Source
Urine, Voided
Collection Requirements
Collect clean catch urine and immediately Transfer to Cobas PCR Urine Sample Kit.
Collection cannot be shared with other tests.

Refer to the Electronic Test Catalog, LAB7817 for further details: Hyperlink to Electronic Test Catalog: LAB7817
Shipping And Handling
Send immediately.
Must be received into Microbiology laboratory within 24 hours of collection
 
Refer to the Electronic Test Catalog, LAB7817 for further details:Hyperlink to Electronic Test Catalog: LAB7817
Turn Around Time (TATs for Specific Labs Below May Differ)
Turn Around Time:
  • ASAP: 5 Day(s)
  • STAT: 5 Day(s)
  • ROUTINE: 5 Day(s)
Performing Labs, Collection Containers and TATs
▷  Duke Microbiology Laboratory
Clinical Indications
BK Virus DNA, Qual, PCR, Urine is intended to be used for immunosuppressed patients, mainly renal transplant recipients and hematopoietic stem cell/bone marrow transplant recipients. It is not intended for use in immunocompetent patients.
Clinical Significance
Primary infection with BK virus generally occurs during childhood without specific symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include fever or a non-specific upper respiratory infection. Infection is widespread, with approximately 90% of adults seropositive globally. The virus remains latent in the urogenital tract and hematolymphoid tissues, but reactivation can occur.



In immunosuppressed patients, BK virus reactivation has been associated with hemorrhagic cystitis in hematopoietic stem cell/bone marrow transplant recipients and in patients with ureteral stenosis. In renal transplant recipients, BK virus-associated nephropathy may lead to allograft failure. According to retrospective studies, BK virus nephropathy develops in 1 to 5 percent of renal-transplant recipients, with loss of allograft function occurring in about half the cases. BK virus-specific antiviral therapy is not currently available. In some cases, BK virus replication may be controlled by reducing the level of maintenance immunosuppression therapy, though this change may result in an increased risk of subsequent rejection. 



For kidney allograft recipients:

If BK virus is detected in the urine, a quantitative plasma PCR may be indicated.
Limitations
1.	Specimen MUST be collected using the Cobas PCR Urine Sample Kit. All other collection devices, including sterile container, will be cancelled by the laboratory.
2.	This is a qualitative test, and only “Detected” or “Not Detected” results will be reported. 
3.	Negative result does not exclude the possibility of viral infection since very low levels of infection or sampling error may cause a false-negative result.
4.	Changes in DNA sequence due to nucleotide polymorphism or mutation at the primer or probe binding site may cause false negative results. Primer or probe mismatch may also be due to subtype-associated polymorphism.
5.	Variability in urine volume, content, and pH may affect viral load measurement.
6.	This test is subject to interference by various factors including the presence of PCR inhibitors. Inhibitors may include heme present in bloody urine specimens.
Methodology
Testing is performed using the FDA-approved Roche Cobas system. This is a real-time PCR test
Critical Values
No Critical Values