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Test Code FJCQP JC Polyoma Virus DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR, Plasma


Specimen Required


Specimen Type: Plasma (Preferred)

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or, yellow-top (ACD-A) or white top (PPT) tube(s).

Specimen Volume: 0.7 mL

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA), yellow-top (ACD-A) or white top (PPT) tube(s).

2. Centrifuge and transfer 0.7 mL EDTA, or ACD-A or PPT plasma to a screw-cap plastic vial. Submit frozen.


Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reporting Name

JC Virus DNA, QN PCR

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma EDTA Frozen (preferred) 30 days
  Refrigerated  7 days
  Ambient  48 hours

Reject Due To

Other reasons for rejection Specimens other than serum, plasma; anticoagulant other than ACD, EDTA, PPT

Clinical Information

JC Polyoma Virus DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR, Serum/Plasma – JC Polyoma Virus is the cause of  Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. PML is a particular concern for individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Quantification of JC virus DNA is based upon the real-time PCR amplification and detection of JCV genomic DNA. Reportable range is 50 to 50,000,000 IU/mL (1.70 to 7.70 Log IU/mL).

Reference Values

JC Virus DNA, QN PCR:  Not Detected (IU/mL)

JC Virus DNA, QN PCR: Not Detected (LogIU/mL)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

3 to 5 days

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics

Test Classification

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

CPT Code Information

87799