Non-variola Orthopoxvirus, (MPX virus), RT-PCR

This assay detects Orthopoxvirus DNA by real-time PCR in clinical specimens. This assay does not detect smallpox (variola virus).

Storage and Transport Criteria: Specimen Storage Specimen Transport

Acceptable Specimens

Minimum Volume

Frozen Range
-70°C - 0°C

Refrigerated Range
0.1°C - 8°C

Room Temperature Range
8.1°C - 30°C

Stability at
4°C - 25°C

Dry swabs of lesion N/A Acceptable at -20°C or lower up to 60 days Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 7 days Reject 8 hours

Swabs of lesion in VTM N/A Acceptable at -20°C or lower up to 30 days Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 7 days Reject 8 hours
Includes: Send to CDPH for clade typing
Methodology: RT-PCR
Assay Category: FDA Approved
Reference Range: See laboratory report
Alternative Names: Non-variola Orthopoxvirus Real-Time PCR Test

MPXV
Preferred Specimen(s): Dry swabs of lesion
Alternative Specimen(s): Swabs of lesion in VTM
Minimum Volume: N/A
Special Instructions: Please Contact Sonoma County Disease Control at (707) 565-4568 for suspect Clade I
Reject Criteria: Inadequately labeled specimens

Leaking specimens

QNS (quantities not sufficient)

Cotton or calcium alginate swabs

Swabs in Amies medium

Swabs with wooden shafts

Specimens not meeting the Storage & Transport criteria upon receipt at laboratory
Setup Schedule: Testing is performed on an as-needed basis.
Turn around time (TAT): 2 business days from arrival at the lab

Acceptable Specimens	Minimum Volume	Frozen Range -70°C - 0°C	Refrigerated Range 0.1°C - 8°C	Room Temperature Range 8.1°C - 30°C	Stability at 4°C - 25°C
		Specimen Storage			Specimen Transport
Dry swabs of lesion	N/A	Acceptable at -20°C or lower up to 60 days	Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 7 days	Reject	8 hours
Swabs of lesion in VTM	N/A	Acceptable at -20°C or lower up to 30 days	Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 7 days	Reject	8 hours