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VRDL Test Page - Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus PCR

VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

Test Order
Monkeypox Virus (Mpox) Detection - PCR

Information Category	Information Detail
Pre-Approval	Not Applicable
Supplemental Information Requested	Not Applicable
Submittal Forms	Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal. (Mpox group submittal form available on request from VRDL.Submittal@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
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method	Human Specimens: Lesion swabs, in Viral Transport Medium (preferred) or dry Dry lesion scabs or crusts
Minimum Volume Requested	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.
Transport Medium (if using)	For lesion swabs only: 1–3 mL of Viral Transport Medium
Specimen Labeling	Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers; e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions	Lesion swabs: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Freezing is strongly recommended. Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
Shipping Instructions	Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment. Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: CDPH VRDL ATTN: Specimen Receiving 850 Marina Bay Parkway Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time	5 business days
Interferences & Limitations	Negative results do not preclude the possibility of infection.
Additional Information	This assay can distinguish between Mpox Clades I and II viruses. CDPH Mpox Disease Information CDC Guidelines for Collecting and Handling Specimens for Mpox Testing
VRDL Points of Contact	Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.Submittal@cdph.ca.gov

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