BK/JC (Polyomavirus) Virus

Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.

Testing Indications

Testing for BK virus was discontinued by National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) on March 31, 2020. Testing of both BK/JC virus is not performed at Public Health Ontario (PHO).

Specimens for JC virus testing are referred to the NML, Winnipeg.

For more information on JC testing please visit this link.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

JC Virus

CSF

300 ul. 600 ul preferred.

Sterile Plastic Container

JC Virus

Fresh Biopsies/Fixed Biopsies

N/A

Plastic container. Fresh Biopsies should be frozen immediately and shipped on dry ice. Fixed biopsies may be shipped at room temperature.

Submission and Collection Notes

1

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), CNS fresh biopsies or fixed tissue. Sample of CSF required is 600 µL (minimum 300 µL). Plasma, serum and urine will not be accepted by NML. Minimum volume will not allow repeat testing of samples with equivocal results.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Specimens for JC Virus testing are referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Winnipeg. Submitter may arrange testing directly by contacting NML – Viral Exanthemata and STD Laboratory at 204-789-6024.

Turn around time is 14 days from receipt at NML.

For more information on JC testing please visit this link.

Stat Testing

STAT samples may be considered under special circumstances. Please contact the National Microbiology Lab – Viral Exanthemata and STD Laboratory at 204-789-6024 to inquire about shorter turnaround times.

Test Methods

JC Virus specimens are tested by quantitative multiplex PCR at NML.

Refer to this link.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

contact lab

Contact Laboratory Customer Service

Laboratory Services

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Updated 3 Sep 2021