JC Polyoma Virus DNA PCR, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Serum or Plasma

JC Virus (JCV) DNA Detection, JC Polyoma Virus DNA, Real-Time PCR, JC Polyoma Virus DNA PCR, Qualitative

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231957, Beaker: JCPolyomaQL, Quest: 17220

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube or Pink-top EDTA tube.
Also Acceptable: Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge blood specimens to separate serum or plasma from cells. Transfer serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) immediately.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.7 mL serum or plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected or processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Centrifuge blood specimens to separate serum or plasma from cells. Transfer serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) immediately.

Transport: 0.7 mL serum or plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available in 2-4 days. 

Reference Range

Not detected.

Test Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

JC Polyoma Virus DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Serum or Plasma - JC polyoma virus is the cause of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating neurologic disease of immunosuppressed patients. This test detects JC Polyoma Virus DNA in serum or plasma. Detection of virus in specimens from AIDS and other severely immune compromised patients may indicate disease. Serum antibodies are not helpful in diagnosing PML as antibodies are common in the general population. JCV can also be detected in the urine of 3% of pregnant women but is not associated with proven disease.

CPT Codes

87798

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2025