Orthopox-Human Monkey Pox

Test Code
hMPox


Alias/See Also
Monkey Pox
Human Monkey Pox


Preferred Specimen
COLLECTION SAMPLE:
2 SWAB FROM CUTANEOUS FLUID
PLACED IN M4 VIRAL TRANSPORT MEDIA OR 
Kits are available on demand. Most locations can receive a kit within one
business day of ordering them, via FedEx or other couriers as
appropriate.  If you would like to order a kit, please call 802 338 4724.


Instructions
Select two lesions, preferably from different locations on the body and 
with different appearances
Vigorously swab or brush each lesion with a different sterile dry nylon 
swab. Rub as vigorously as the patient can tolerate to ensure a 
conclusive result. 
Insert each swab into a VTM tube. Label each tube indicating patient 
name, date of birth. lesion location, and collection date and time then 
place in a biohazard bag. 
Specimens can be stored for up to two days at 15-30°C (room temperature) 
or up to seven days at 2-8°C (refrigerated). Temperature timelines need 
to be considered for shipping. Please do not ship room temperature 
specimens that have already been stored for two days. Refrigerated specimens should be sent in a cooler with cold packs to maintain 
temperature. 
Specimens must arrive at the Lab within seven days of collection. 

Package the specimens
Complete a Clinical Laboratory Test Request Form for each site. Include 
the site of the lesion on the request form. Select "MPOX PCR" in the 
Molecular Virology section. See an example of a completed form here.
Specimens should be packaged and transported as Category B specimens as 
outlined in Transporting Infectious Substances Safely.
Segregate tubes by site of lesion then, in each biohazard bag, include 
the request form in the outer pocket (not in the pocket with the 
specimen). 
For example: if you chose an elbow and a knee lesion, you should have two 
bags, one with a tube labeled "elbow" and one with a tube labeled "knee" 
each with their own request form in the outer pocket of the bag.  
Place the specimen bags with the request forms in a cooler with a frozen 
ice pack.
 


Transport Container
VDHL, 359 South Park Dr, Colchester, VT 05446.

  • If using an assembled kit, add a UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B label to comply with DOT/IATA shipping regulations. Mark “MPOX PCR” on the outside of the package. Pre-made kits will include this label. 

  • Please do not send specimens to the Lab without prior approval. After your initial conversation with Epi, Lab staff will reach out to discuss the best means of specimen transport. 


2 Separte biohazard bags with Vt Dept of Health forms from both sites in each package,
Ship in container with ice pack


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated with ice pack


Specimen Stability
Receipt within 7 days


Setup Schedule


Performing Laboratory
VDHL, 359 South Park Dr, Colchester, VT 05446.



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.