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VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order
Mpox Virus Detection - PCR

ā€‹Information Category
 ā€‹Information Detail
Pre-Approval

Not Applicable
ā€‹Supplemental Information Required
 Not Applicable
ā€‹Submittal Forms

VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form

(Mpox group submittal form available on request from Monkeypox.LRNB@cdph.ca.gov) 
Methodology 

Real-time PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing
  • May be reflexed to Non-variola Orthopox Virus
  • May be reflexed to Varicella Zoster and/or Herpes Simplex Virus
  • May be referred to CDC for additional testing
ā€‹Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method
 Human Specimens:
  • Lesion swabs, in Viral Transport Medium (preferred) or dry
  • Dry lesion scabs or crusts
ā€‹Minimum Volume Required
 Submitters should sample at least  two (2) Mpox lesions per patient (maximum 4 lesions). Each lesion should be sampled with 2 separate swabs to accommodate confirmatory testing, if needed. 
ā€‹Transport Medium (if using)
 For lesion swabs only: 1-3 ml of Viral Transport Medium
ā€‹Specimen Labeling
 ā€‹Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers; e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
ā€‹Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions

Freeze (-20Ā°C or lower) or refrigerate (2-8Ā°C) specimens promptly after collection. Freezing is strongly recommended. Refrigerated specimens should be delivered to VRDL on cold packs. Frozen specimens should be delivered to VRDL on dry ice. 
ā€‹Shipping Instructions
Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance ā€“ Category B (UN 3373) shipment.  

Ship speciments and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to:
     CDPH VRDL
     ATTN: Specimen Receiving VRDL-1
     850 Marina Bay Parkway
     RIchmond, CA 94804
     Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time
 5 business days
Interferences & ā€‹Limitations
 ā€‹Negative results do not preclude the possibility of infection.
ā€‹Additional Information
 ā€‹This assay can distinguish between Mpox Clades I and II viruses. 

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox.aspx 

CDC Guidelines for Collecting and Handling Specimens for Mpox Testing  https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/prep-collection-specimens.html  
ā€‹VRDL Points of Contact
 Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or Monkeypox.LRNB@cdph.ca.gov. 
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