Test Menu Details

8/10/2022 (reviewed 5/23/2023)

Submit one Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042) per specimen. In the “Other” section, write in "Orthopox PCR."

Specimens submitted must meet the criteria outlined in the Submitting Specimens for Orthopox (monkeypox) Testing guidance.

Note: OSPHL does not perform testing for specimens deemed “High risk” for smallpox, which would be immediately sent out for referral.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on regular business days

Within 3 working days after receipt of specimen.

Specimen Collection Details

2-4 separate, dry lesion swabs

2 dry lesion swabs

Refrigerate (2-8°C) or freeze (-20°C or lower) specimens within an hour after collection. Store refrigerated for up to 7 days and frozen up to 60 days.  Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.  

Refer to biosafety measures for collection and handling of suspected Orthopox patients and specimens   https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/lab-personnel/lab-procedures.html

Refrigerated specimens should be transported with cold packs and frozen with dry ice. 

Transport for receipt at OSPHL as soon as possible after collection. 

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).

OSPHL utilizes CDC's Orthopoxvirus PCR procedure and CDC's FDA cleared non-variola Orthopoxvirus DNA PCR assay. Both assays will detect the members of the Orthopox genus such as vaccinia, cowpox, monkeypox, camelpox, ectromelia, and gerbilpox, but neither assay will differentiate between the species. Neither test will detect molluscum or orf virus.

Testing may be paired with PCR for Vaccinia and/or Varicella Zoster virus.

OSPHL does not perform testing for specimens deemed “High risk" for smallpox, which would be immediately sent out for referral.

Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

Method Details

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