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HelpMpox (Orthopoxvirus), DNA, PCR
Infectious
Additional Codes
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Swab in UTM (Universal Transport Media)
Specimen Requirements
Specimen: Lesion swab
Volume: One swab in UTM or VTM
Minimum Volume: One swab in UTM or VTM
Container: Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media (VTM)
Collection: Vigorously swab or brush the base of the lesion with a sterile dry polyester, rayon or Dacron swab. Insert the swab into the tube containing UTM or VTM. Carefully break the swab at the scoreline and tightly close the sample. Some UTM kits may contain two swabs; however, only one swab needs to be collected and submitted for testing. If multiple lesions with differing appearances are present, consider submitting an additional UTM/VTM collection, as described above, for each lesion.
Specimen Stability
Stability Requirements
|
Temperature |
Period |
|---|---|
|
Refrigerated |
7 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
|
Frozen |
30 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Reference Range
Not Detected
Methodology
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Use
Vesicular specimens collected from persons infected with a non-variola Orthopoxvirus (such as vaccinia, mpox, or cowpox) are expected to produce a positive result with this assay. Although this assay does not differentiate vaccinia or mpox virus from cowpox, camelpox, ectromelia or gerbilpox virus, a positive result with this assay in the United States is most likely due to mpox virus or vaccinia virus. However, potential exposure to other Orthopoxviruses should be considered.
Additional Information
If mpox is suspected, do not submit specimens for any Viral Cultures. Testing for HSV and VZV by molecular methods is available.
Limitations
A false negative result may occur if a sample is improperly collected, transported or handled. False negative results may occur if the quantity of viral DNA present in the sample is below the limit of detection for the assay. An inconclusive result may be returned if the lesion is not adequately sampled.
CPT
87593
LOINC
100434-0
Turnaround Time
3 - 4 Days