Synonyms
Orthopox Virus; Poxvirus PCR; Monkeypox; Monkey pox
Specimen Type
Swab
Performing Lab
San Diego Public Health Lab
Epic ID
Other Reference Test
Lab Test Days
Monday-Friday
Collection Information
Specimen Required
2 Swabs (same lesion)
Container Type
Viral Transport Media (VTM)
Collection Instructions
Step 1: For external providers, request approval for clade-specific testing for suspect MPOX Clade I cases by contacting SD County Public Health Services (for epidemiological criteria and clinical assessment), prior to sending sample for testing. Call phone # (619) 692-5500 during regular business hours (M-F 8:00am-5:00pm) and phone # (858) 565-5255 for afterhours, weekend, and holiday approvals. If you reach a voice mail, please leave a message requesting for a call back and leave a direct number where you can be reached. For internal County clinicians contact San Diego County Public Health Laboratory at phone# (619) 990-1470 during business hours and phone # (619) 666-8889 after hours for requesting specimen pick up. Step 2: Once clinical/epidemiological assessment is complete and testing is approved, please complete San Diego County Public Health laboratory requisition form for submission. Use online fillable form SD_County_Test_Req.pdf (sandiegocounty.gov) For specimen collection see instructions below (wear appropriate PPE): a. Collect 2 swabs from each lesion, by vigorously swabbing and applying firm pressure to collect adequate DNA. Put 2 swabs in separate containers. One set of swabs is for preliminary testing, and the other set will be for confirmatory testing. Make sure that both swabs touch the same lesion. Multiple collections can be made depending on lesion location. b. Acceptable sample types – Swab in VTM (preferred) or Dry swab. c. Acceptable swab type – sterile synthetic swabs (including polyester, Dacron, nylon) with a plastic, wood, or thin aluminum (wire) shaft should be used to collect specimens. Do not use cotton swabs. d. Avoid touching the length of the swab shaft that will be submerged in viral transport media. e. Store specimens refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (-20°C or lower) within an hour after collection. Refrigerated specimens can be stored for up to 7 days and frozen specimens for up to 60 days.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Frozen-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: 1 Hours; Refrigerated: 7 Days; Frozen: 60 Days
Test Volume Required
2 Lesion Swabs (same lesion)
Minimum Test Volume
2 Lesion Swabs (same lesion)
Processing Instructions
Send LESION swab collected in VTM (viral transport media) to San Diego County public health laboratory for further testing. Specimens must be shipped as Category B. Please note that prior to shipment, contact San Diego Public Health Lab at phone# (619) 990-1470 during business hours and at phone # (619) 666-8889 after hours for notification (San Diego Health Lab specimen receiving address is – 5570 Overland Ave, Suite 103, CA 92123). Send completed SDPH requisition form with specimen refrigerated with next available courier pick up or if needed sooner, call a "Rush" courier to deliver during business hours.
Revised
11/11/25
Initials
SA