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Non-variola virus orthopox (mpox) PCR

$110 | CPT Code: 87593 | Laboratory Response Network (LRN)

Methodology

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

Acceptable specimen(s)

Health care providers and other clinical submitters must email cdphe_vpd@state.co.us for approval prior to submitting a mpox sample to the State Lab.

Swabs
Transport vesicle swabs and wet lesion swabs in viral transport media (VTM). Do not transport in universal transport media (UTM). Vesicle lesions may also be transported in an empty collection tube or container. Use only polyester, nylon, or Dacron swabs. Do not use cotton swabs.

A minimum of two swabs must be collected per lesion. Both swabs from the same lesion source must be transported in the same collection container. One of the swabs will be processed at the State Lab, and the second swab may be sent to CDC for additional testing.

Specimen labeling

A minimum of two of the following are required on the specimen label:

  • Patient first and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)

The lesion source must be included on the specimen label and on the test order form.

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • Collection date
  • The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline

The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.

Specimen stability

  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours
  • Frozen (≤ -20°C): indefinitely

Samples in VTM must be received by the State Lab to ship to CDC within three (3) days of collection.

Turnaround time

Five (5) business days

Results will be available in LabOnline.

Rejection criteria

Incomplete or missing test order, incomplete specimen labeling, specimen collected in expired collection kits, quantity not sufficient for analysis, gross contamination, received out of hold time, received out of temperature

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: mpox testing
  • Testing type: mpox testing
  • Matrix: fresh biopsy, lesion swab, swab, vesicle fluid, vesicle skin, vesicle swab

Supplemental information

Health care providers and other clinical submitters must email cdphe_vpd@state.co.us for approval prior to submitting a mpox sample to the State Lab.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires reporting of all suspected or confirmed cases of mpox by physicians, health care providers, and laboratories within four (4) calendar days. Call 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours) to report suspect or confirmed mpox cases. 

Contact information