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HelpTest ID: LCJC JC Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
JC Virus PCR, CSFUseful For
Aids in diagnosing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus (JCV)
This test is not to be used as a diagnostic tool for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
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 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.
Interpretation
Detection of JC virus (JCV) DNA supports the clinical diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JCV.
Testing Algorithm
See Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Analytic Time
Monday through Thursday: 2 days; Friday, Saturday: 3 daysDay(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Safak M, Khalili K: An overview: human polyomavirus JC virus and its associated disorders. J Neurovirol 2006;9 Suppl 1:3-9
2. Khalili K, White MK: Human demyelinating disease and the polyomavirus JCV. Mult Scler 2006 Apr;12(2):133-142
3. Ahsan N, Shah KV: Polyomaviruses and human diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol 2006;577:1-18
4. Romero JR, Kimberlin DW: Molecular diagnosis of viral infections of the central nervous system. Clin Lab Med 2003 Dec;23(4):843-865
5. Chen Y, Bord E, Tompkins T, et al: Asymptomatic reactivation of JC virus in patients treated with natalizumab. N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 10;361(11):1067-1074
6. Egli A, Infanti L, Dumoulin A, et al: Prevalence of polyomavirus BK and JC infection and replication in 400 healthy donors. J Infect Dis 2009 Mar 15;199(6):837-846
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T465)
Preferred: 12 x 75-mm screw cap vial (T465)
Acceptable: Sterile screw cap vial
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LCJC | JC Virus PCR, CSF | 33295-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 88909 | JC Virus PCR, CSF | 33295-7 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-Behavioral, mml-Movement-Disorders, mml-Demyelinating-Diseases, mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric