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 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
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.
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.
JC Virus specimens are tested by quantitative multiplex PCR at NML.
Refer to this link.
Don’t have a MyPHO account? Register Now