Specimens for suspected cases of mpox are presently being tested per the following algorithm:
If your facility has a suspected mpox case, please call your local or state health department first. If you are not sure which health department to call, you can contact Texas Department of State Health Services Health (DSHS) Service Region 6/5 South at 713.767.3000.
Your local (or state) health department epidemiologist (EPI) will conduct the initial investigation. If mpox is suspected, the health department may consult with DSHS and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Operations Center (EOC). A case number may be assigned by CDC.
The facility will collect specimens appropriately and coordinate with the Local Health Authority to send them to the health department's Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratory for testing by real-time PCR.
Per CDC, collection of specimens is recommended as follows:
- More than one lesion should be sampled, preferably from different locations on the body and/or from lesions with differing appearances.
- Vigorously swab or brush lesion(s) with separate sterile dry polyester or Dacron swabs.
- Two separate swabs must be collected to allow for preliminary and confirmatory testing.
- Note: Specimens collected in viral transport media has now also been approved, but dry swab is preferred.
- Break off end of applicator of each swab into a 1.5- or 2-mL screw-capped tube with O-ring or place each entire swab in a separate sterile container.
- Specimen can be stored in a 2-8oC refrigerator up to 24 hours after collection. Specimen must be frozen (-20oC) if to be sent greater than 24 hours.
The CDC has stated in recent calls that mpox virus is now a Cat B agent and can now be shipped Cat B.
Additional information can be found at 2022 Mpox: Information for Healthcare Professionals | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
