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Test Code JCPCR JC Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Preferred: 12 x 75-mm screw cap vial

Acceptable: Sterile screw cap vial

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.


Useful For

Aiding in diagnosing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus

 

This test is not to be used as a diagnostic tool for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

 

This test is not recommended for screening asymptomatic patients

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reporting Name

JC Virus, PCR, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability

Clinical Information

JC virus (JCV), a member of the genus Polyomavirus, is a small nonenveloped DNA-containing virus. Primary infection occurs in early childhood, with a prevalence of greater than 80%.(1) The virus is latent but can reactivate in immunosuppressed patients, especially those with AIDS.

 

JCV is recognized as the etiologic agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.(2,3) Histologic examination of brain biopsy tissue may reveal characteristic pathologic changes localized mainly in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Detection of JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (target gene, large T antigen) in the cerebrospinal fluid specimens of patients with suspected PML infection has replaced the need for biopsy tissue for laboratory diagnosis.(4) Importantly, the PCR test is specific with no cross-reaction with BK virus, a closely related polyomavirus.

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

Detection of JC virus (JCV) DNA supports the clinical diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JCV.

Cautions

A negative result does not rule out the possibility of JC virus (JCV) infection.

 

The reference value in cerebrospinal fluid is "negative" for this assay, although JCV DNA may be detectable in the absence of clinical symptoms in certain patient populations.(5,6) However, this assay is only to be used for patients with appropriate neurological and neuroradiological features of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and is not indicated for screening asymptomatic patients.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

Same day/ 1 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
JCPCR JC Virus, PCR, CSF 33295-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
618305 JC Virus, PCR, CSF 33295-7

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.