Monkeypox virus PCR

Diagnostic Use

Mpox (monkeypox) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), an orthopoxvirus closely related to variola virus which is the causative agent of smallpox. MPXV is a large double-stranded DNA enveloped virus. Genetically there are 2 clades of MPXV, the West African clade and the Congo Basin clade. The first cases in humans were reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the decades since, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Western and Central Africa. In the month of May of 2022 a number of countries outside of Africa reported cases of MPXV infections mainly in the MSM population. Mpox infection is a notifiable disease in NZ.

PLEASE NOTE: Currently there is no serology testing available for Mpox.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

MPOX

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Testing is performed on routine weekdays, if urgent testing is required please discuss with the on-call CHL Microbiologist.

Synonyms

MPOX
MPXV

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Test Code

5093

Specimen Type

• Swab - see Additional Information

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral

Pre-testing Requirements

PCR testing should be performed on lesion samples. Lesions should be vigorously swabbed to collect skin cells that come off the lesion. Because the lesion is deep seated, the lesion does not need to be unroofed for specimen collection. If there are multiple lesions, 3 should be sampled. Use separate swabs for each site and please clearly identify the swab site for each sample.

Clinical information and relevant patient history eg international travel, contact with known positive patient

Additional Specimen Information

Collection packs (Herpes / Syphilis packs are suitable for Mpox) can be ordered by emailing LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz
Packs contain a sterile plastic swab and a tube of Viral Transport Media (VTM). After swabbing of the lesion, place the swab into the tube of VTM and snap it off at the marked break point. Recap the VTM tube, please ensure the lid is securely fitted. Place the sample into a specimen collection bag for transport to the laboratory, please label with "Query MPOX Do not open".

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

If there is a high clinical suspicion for Mpox, please send under Category A conditions.

Test Method

Nucleic acid extraction; PCR for Mpox virus DNA.

Contact Canterbury Health Laboratories on +64 3 364 0484 or email LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

Billing Code

TBC

Resources

• Swab Guide (232 KB)

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form