Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Synonyms
Monkey Pox; Orthopoxvirus; Monkeypox; Poxvirus
Specimen Type
Swab
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB09694
Lab Test Days
Daily
Standard TAT
2-3 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
Lesion swab collected in 3 mL viral culture media (VCM) or equivalent
Container Type
Quest Viral Transport Media (VCM)
Collection Instructions
Swab a pustule/lesion vigorously and place the swab into a viral culture media (or equivalent) tube. No additional confirmatory testing is required at the CDC, therefore a duplicate swab from the same lesion is not needed. If clinically indicated, consider submitting additional swabs if multiple lesions with different stages are present. Multiple specimens collected on a single patient should be submitted separately and be accompanied by its own separate requisition and transported in its own sealed bag.
Processing Information - Lab Use Only
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate-OK/Frozen-OK
Specimen Stability
Room Temp: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 Days, Frozen: 30 Days
Rejection Criteria
Calcium Alginate swabs; Cotton swabs; Wooden swabs; Dry swabs; Eswabs; Avantik VTM
Test Volume Required
3 mL VCM
Minimum Test Volume
0.5 VCM
Processing Instructions
Each individual specimen submitted for Monkeypox virus testing should be accompanied by its own separate order. Batch and package each specimen separately and the collection container is sealed with parafilm.
Included Tests
Orthopoxvirus and Mpox Virus
CPT Codes
87593 (x2)
Revised
11/11/25
Initials
SA