Test Detail

Mpox Virus

Reporting Requirement
Test Description		Contact: Molecular Biology and Virology (319) 335-4279 Test Request Form: Viral and Bacterial PCR SHL OpenELIS Code: 1285
The Mpox Virus, Real-Time PCR test is intended for the qualitative detection of mpox virus DNA using swabs from human pustular or vesicular rash specimens.
Tests ordered by a healthcare provider or clinical laboratory are posted to the SHL Web Portal upon completion, generally less than 12 hours from the time the specimen arrives at the lab. Healthcare providers will report results to the patient. The State Hygienic Laboratory will report results to the State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Positive specimens from SHL will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further studies.
Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F	2 - 3 business days	Real-Time PCR
Fee	CPT Code(s)
No charge (covered as a test of public health significance by Iowa HHS).	87798
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Lesion Swab
Collection Kits:	SHL "Virus PCR Kit - Mpox" (contains M4-RT viral transport medium and swabs) or equivalent viral transport medium. Order SHL "Virus PCR Kit - Mpox" at http://www.shl.uiowa.edu/kitsquotesforms/clinicalkit.xml. Healthcare facilities may use their own collection supplies as long as they meet the requirements (see Unacceptable Conditions).
Collection Instructions:	Collect specimen using a SHL "Virus PCR Kit - Mpox" (contains M4-RT viral transport medium and stiff shafted swabs) or equivalent viral transport medium. Specimens should be collected within three days of onset of symptoms. Collect two swabs per lesion and place each swab in separate transport media. Rub lesion vigorously with stiff shafted swab; for best collection do not use flexible shaft swabs that are commonly used for Nasopharyngeal collection. Do not use calcium alginate swabs or swabs with wooden shafts. Specimen should be immediately placed into viral transport medium.
Packaging Instructions	Once collected keep specimens refrigerated until transported to the lab.
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerated (4 +/- 1 °C). Frozen: 30 days.
Unacceptable Conditions:	Specimens received at room temperature, without two patient identifiers, leaking or quantity insufficient, and swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips and wooden shafts.
Expected Results:
Presumptive Positive Mpox, Clade II Positive Mpox, Not Detected, Invalid
Shipping:
Ship refrigerated (on ice packs) via STAT Courier to SHL (Category B).
Comments
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is unrelated to the chickenpox virus of the Herpesviridae family. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of mpox that have been reported in several countries that have not reported mpox in the past, including the United States. The CDC is making the Jynneos vaccine available to clinical laboratory personnel who have a risk of exposure. Vaccination is voluntary. https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/vaccines/index.html According to the CDC, mpox is rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact. The threat of mpox to the general U.S. population remains LOW as of 8/2/22.
Alternate Names
Monkeypox, Monkeypox Virus, Orthopoxvirus