Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Mpox virus (MpxV), RT-PCR
BPHL has internally validated (LDT) a qualitative molecular detection reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) mpox test utilizing the CDC protocol to detect non-variola Orthopoxvirus.
Analyte(s)
Mpox virus (MPXV), non-variola Orthopoxvirus
Test Code
9778
Testing Location
Testing Department
BT
Pre-approval Required?
Yes.
Requires prior approval from regional epidemiology and notification to the testing lab.
Contact the local county health department (CHD) to start the process for approval.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847 – Add test requested in additional information section.
Include all required fields, who authorized the testing, onset date, collection date, travel history, and symptoms.
Turn around Time
48 hours after receipt at the laboratory
Unsatisfactory specimen
1) Swab was collected using an inappropriate collection media
2) Specimen was received too old for testing
3) Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
4) Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
5) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
6) Specimen leaked in transit
7) Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
Minimum Volume
At least 0.3 mL of viral transport media (VTM)
Collection Media
Dry synthetic swab in a dry sterile urine cup or a dry sterile 15mL screw cap conical tube (Preferred).
Viral transport medium (VTM) using a nylon, dacron, or polyester swab.
Do not use swabs with metal shafts.
Specimen Sources
Swabbed lesion material is required for persons with an active lesion or rash.
Collect lesion material using 2 swabs per lesion site. If possible, collect from 2 different lesion sites.
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Specimens should be collected as soon as possible after rash, preferably within 3 days following onset of rash.
Collect lesion material using 2 swabs per lesion site. If possible, collect from 2 different lesion sites for a total of 4 swabs.
Notify the laboratory after you obtain approval that you are sending specimen(s) for testing. Provide the tracking number if being shipped or estimated time of arrival for specimens that are couriered.
Please contact a BT Coordinator with any questions.
Storage Conditions
It is strongly recommended to send samples within 7 days of collection.
For dry swabs:
Freeze (-20° C or lower) or refrigerate (2-8° C) specimens promptly after collection. Store frozen samples for up to 60 days. Freezing is strongly recommended. However, if there is no freezer available, refrigerate samples (2-8° C) and store for up to 7 days.
For swabs in viral transport media:
Freeze (-20° C or lower) or refrigerate (2-8° C) specimens promptly after collection. Store frozen samples for up to 30 days. Freezing is strongly recommended. However, if there is no freezer available, refrigerate samples (2-8° C) and store for up to 7 days.
Packaging and Shipping
Packages should be labeled as “ATTN: BT LAB”
Specimens should be shipped overnight frozen using dry ice at -20° C or lower. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Specimens can also be shipped overnight refrigerated using frozen ice packs at 2-8° C. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C or -20° C or lower. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
Cotton and rayon swabs and swabs in media designed for bacterial preservation and/or transport may cause PCR inhibition and should not be used. Do not use swabs with metal shafts.
Commonly misleading and unacceptable media includes “Universal Viral Transport Media” and “Universal Transport Media”.
Specimens with insufficient human DNA will be resulted as inconclusive.
Reference Range
Not detected
Result Indicator
Detected
Inconclusive
Not detected
Reference lab
CDC
Reflex testing
None