Committed to Quality

LRC Hamilton and HRLMP are committed to providing high quality laboratory results for our clients.
As one of the largest integrated laboratory medicine programs in Canada we strive to produce the right results the first time on every sample we receive.
View Test
Test Name:
 		BK Virus Quantitative PCR
Alternate Name(s): BK PCR, BK Viral Load, BKV
Test Description: FOR TRANSPLANT PATIENTS ONLY.
Requisition Form: Download Requisition Form
Specimen Requirement: 1 mL EDTA plasma. Minimum volume: 600 µL EDTA plasma.
Urine 4.3mL added to cobas® PCR Media tube
Specimen Handling Instructions:
 Transport ASAP to SJH Virology Lab. If transport is delayed, centrifuge blood. Separate and freeze 1 mL EDTA plasma. Ship on dry ice. Minimum volume: 600 µL EDTA Plasma. Urine specimens must be transferred into the cobas® PCR Media tube (stabilized) immediately. If specimens cannot be transferred immediately, they can be stored at 2°C to 30°C for up to 24 hours. Once the urine samples are stabilized in cobas® PCR Media, samples may be stored for up to 90 days at 2-30°C.
Storage/ Transport::
 Urine specimens must be transferred into the cobas® PCR Media tube (stabilized) immediately. If specimens cannot be transferred immediately, they can be stored at 2°C to 30°C for up to 24 hours. Once the urine samples are stabilized in cobas® PCR Media, samples may be stored for up to 90 days at 2-30°C.
Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours
Interpretive Comments:
ear47mtete|20504125C0E0|LRCTEST_background|InterpretiveComments|Comments|0xfffff682010000001a01000001001a00
For results within the linear range of the assay, viral load will be provided in copies/mL and log 10 copies/mL. An increase or decrease of one log in viral load may be significant.
Additional Information: Linear range 21.5 IU/mL to 1E8 IU/mL for plasma
Linear range 200 IU/mL to 1E8 IU/mL for urine
Method of Analysis: Roche Cobas 6800
Test was Last Updated: 6/26/2026
Testing Laboratory: Molecular Microbiology
Testing Site: SJHH