Mpox testing

Please request testing supplies using this form: Public Health Testing Supply Order Form 

• The option for mpox test kits is found at the bottom of the second page of the form.

• Test kits include swabs, conical tubes, and specimen collection bags.

The pre-approval and test ordering process for mpox is now available in LabOnline. LabOnline is an online portal where you can order tests and view results from the state lab.

• If you do NOT have a LabOnline account, please register for an account using the LabOnline Registration for Clinical Testing form.

• If you already have a LabOnline account, please use the Customer Contact Update form to update your account to include mpox testing.

1. The pre-approval screening questions are found at the beginning of the mpox test ordering process in LabOnline. Please complete these questions first to gain approval to collect a specimen from the patient.

2. Testing approval may be dependent on whether the patient:

   • Has a rash, lesions, or bumps that resemble mpox.

   • Is a man who identifies as gay or bisexual or reports sexual or intimate contact with other men.

   • Is experiencing homelessness or lives in a congregate setting.

   • Had direct skin-to-skin contact with a person diagnosed with mpox or experiencing similar symptoms.

   • Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.).

3. If testing is indicated, collect a specimen from a maximum of two different lesions using dry swabs. Each lesion must be swabbed twice. Place each swab in its own transport tube.

   • Review CDPHE's mpox collection guidance. 

4.  A test order must be submitted for each lesion location for a patient. Insert the requisition form into the outer pocket of the specimen collection bag.

   • For example, if specimens are collected from the left leg and right arm of a patient, you will order a test for the specimens collected from the left leg, and then order another test for the specimens collected from the right arm. In the end, two requisition forms with two different chain of custody numbers (the number found under the bar code of the form) will be generated. 

5.  When labeling the specimen, please list the following on the tube label:

   • Patient first and last name.

   • Date of birth.

   • Collection date AND time.

   • Lesion location.

6.  Store the collected samples at refrigerated temperatures while waiting for pick-up.

Place a request to pick up mpox samples using the courier request form.

• A courier request can be made 24-48 hours prior to pick-up.

• If you have any courier related emergencies, please call (720) 507-5917.

Progress and results of a test can be viewed in LabOnline.

• If you have additional questions, please contact cdphe_labcoordinators@state.co.us.