What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're a kidney transplant recipient whose transplant team wants to monitor for BK virus, a common infection that can silently damage a transplanted kidney. BK virus often has no obvious symptoms, so this blood test helps catch rising virus levels before they cause serious kidney problems. It's especially useful if you're at higher risk of infection due to the medications used to prevent transplant rejection.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear number for how much BK virus DNA is in your plasma, along with an explanation of what that range means. If your levels are elevated, next steps typically involve retesting more frequently to track the trend and considering adjustments to transplant medications. A downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can use the trends feature to watch how your BK virus levels change over time, which is one of the most useful things for kidney transplant monitoring.

Who should consider this test?

This test is meant for people who have received a kidney transplant, since they're the population at risk for BK virus reactivation. It's also useful if you've had unexplained changes in kidney function after a transplant, since BK virus is a common hidden cause. Regular monitoring is often part of routine post-transplant care in the months and years following surgery.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

BK virus infection usually doesn't cause obvious symptoms early on, which is exactly why routine testing matters after a kidney transplant. Some people notice blood in their urine, pain while urinating, or reduced urine output, which can signal the related complication called hemorrhagic cystitis. If your recent kidney function tests show unexplained changes after a transplant, that's also a common reason to check for BK virus.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. Because this is a specialized PCR test that measures the exact amount of virus in your blood, it takes a bit longer than routine blood work. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

What does high BK virus DNA mean?

A high or rising BK virus DNA level means the virus is actively multiplying in your bloodstream, which raises the risk of it attacking your transplanted kidney and causing a condition called BKV nephropathy. This doesn't always mean permanent damage has occurred, but it's a signal to act quickly. Many people manage this by working with their transplant team to reduce immune-suppressing medication doses, which helps the body's own defenses control the virus.

What causes high BK virus levels after a transplant?

BK virus is extremely common and most people are exposed to it harmlessly in childhood, but it stays dormant in the body afterward. The immune-suppressing medications needed to prevent transplant rejection can lower your body's ability to keep the dormant virus in check, allowing it to reactivate and multiply. Higher doses of anti-rejection medication generally mean a higher chance of BK virus reactivation.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on your individual risk and history, but many transplant recipients get checked regularly during the first one to two years after surgery when risk is highest. If a previous result showed detectable virus, more frequent monitoring (such as monthly) is common until levels drop back down. Using the trends feature in your account can help you and your transplant team spot patterns over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your BK virus DNA level comes back elevated, the report in your account will explain what the number means and how it compares to typical thresholds of concern. A common next step is more frequent retesting to see if the level is rising, stable, or falling. If you notice symptoms like blood in your urine or reduced urine output alongside an elevated result, seek medical care promptly since this can signal a more urgent kidney issue.

What is BK virus nephropathy and why does it matter?

BK virus nephropathy (BKVAN) is a condition where the reactivated BK virus damages the tissue of a transplanted kidney, which can lead to reduced kidney function or even transplant failure if not caught early. It's one of the more common infection-related complications after kidney transplant surgery. Because it often has no early symptoms, quantitative blood monitoring is the main way to catch it while it's still manageable.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

BK Virus DNA Test - Kidney Transplant Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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