Vesicular specimens collected from persons infected with a non-variola Orthopoxvirus (such as vaccinia, monkeypox, or cowpox) are expected to produce a positive result with this assay.
Specimen Type
Swab
Container
Viral Trn
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media (VTM) (No RUHOF ) Specimen: Swab (polyester, rayon, or Dacron) of cutaneous or mucosal lesion in Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media (VTM). No Dry Swabs. Collection Instructions: Unroof the vesicle, then carefully but vigorously swab the base of the lesion with a swab. Please note that the assay has a human cell control. If insufficient human cells are collected in specimen, this may cause an Inconclusive result. Simply swiping intact skin will probably result in frequent inconclusive results. If multiple vesicles or lesions are present, then sensitivity can be enhanced by swabbing additional lesions and combining two swabs into one UTM/VTM. This will be tested as a single specimen. If lesions are present at very different sources/anatomic sites (e.g. genitals & face, or face and leg, etc.), then submit a second separately labeled and ordered specimen. Limit two specimens per patient. Enter the Source/Site of collection the electronic ordering/requisition and write on the specimen tube. Pease indicate patient’s race/ethnicity as requested by the Department of Health for epidemiology purposes. Transport temperature: Refrigerated
Transport Instructions
Close UTM or VTM tube screw-top cap carefully to avoid specimen leaks. Keep refrigerated for stability.
