June 2 LOCS (CDC) Email
Subject: Lab Advisory: CDC Publishes Non-variola Orthopoxvirus PCR Testing Procedure
Audience: Clinical Laboratory Professionals
Level: Laboratory Advisory
On May 30, 2022, CDC published a Real-Time PCR test procedure to detect Non-variola Orthopoxvirus. This procedure is intended for international partners and any laboratories interested in pursuing a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT). This procedure includes sequence information for primer and probe development and cycling conditions.
This assay is designed to detect non-variola orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox virus. It is not intended to specifically detect monkeypox virus or to differentiate monkeypox virus from the other orthopoxviruses this assay detects. Clinical presentation and positive test results from a Non-variola Orthopoxvirus assay is adequate for treatment and laboratories should notify the appropriate state or territorial public health authorities of positive results.
Public health laboratories have capacity for the current testing demand. Laboratories with specimens that are suspected to contain monkeypox virus should contact their state or territorial public health department (contact list) as soon as possible. Please refer to the CDC Specimen Collection Guidelines for Monkeypox Virus for more information.
Online resources:
- Monkeypox - Information for Laboratory Personnel
- U.S. Monkeypox 2022: Situation Summary
- Real-time PCR assays for the specific detection of monkeypox virus West African and Congo Basin strain DNA
- Detection of monkeypox virus with real-time PCR assays
Questions?
- If you are a clinical or public health laboratory professional, contact LOCS.
- For media inquireies, contact the CDC Newsroom.
- For all other questions, contact CDC-INFO.