Monkeypox laboratory tests

Monkeypox Microchapters

Home

Patient Info

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Epidemiology & Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Causes of Monkeypox

Differentiating Monkeypox from other Diseases

Natural History, Complications & Prognosis

Diagnosis

History & Symptoms

Physical Examination

Lab Tests

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

MRI

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Monkeypox laboratory tests On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Monkeypox laboratory tests

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Monkeypox laboratory tests

CDC on Monkeypox laboratory tests

Monkeypox laboratory tests in the news

Blogs on Monkeypox laboratory tests

Directions to Hospitals Treating Monkeypox

Risk calculators and risk factors for Monkeypox laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  Bassel Almarie M.D.[2]

## Overview

[edit | edit source]

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred test to confirm monkeypox virus (MPXV) given its sensitivity and accuracy. Samples should be obtained from skin lesions, precisely, the roof or fluid from vesicles and pustules, and dry crusts[1]. PCR blood tests are usually inconclusive because the virus does not live long in the blood[2].

## Laboratory Findings

[edit | edit source]

### Molecular Methods

[edit | edit source]

#### Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

[edit | edit source]

* Confirmation of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection is based on nucleic acid amplification testing, using real-time or conventional PCR, for detection of unique sequences of viral DNA. PCR can be used alone, or in combination with sequencing[3][1].
* It is the preferred test due to its accuracy and sensitivity.
* Samples advisably obtained from skin lesions, precisely, the roof or fluid from vesicles and pustules, and dry crusts.
* PCR blood tests are usually inconclusive because the virus does not live long in the blood[2].

### DNA extraction

[edit | edit source]

* DNA can be extracted from samples using any standard extraction protocols or kits[1].
* Sample lysis in DNA extraction inactivates live virus. Therefore, sample lysis should be performed under a biosafety cabinet.
* For crust samples, DNA extraction kit for tissue samples should be used to insure appropriate sample lysis.

### Molecular detection

[edit | edit source]

* Swabs from lesions, crusts and vesicular fluids can be obtained and tested for MPXV using a real-time PCR. Positive findings should be reported to healthcare authorities, followed by distinction of clades: Congo Basin and West African[4].
* Some protocols advise to detect OPXV via real-time PCR. Upon positive findings, additional testing for MPXV via real-time PCR to be performed. Confirmed cases of MPXV must be reported to healthcare authorities[1].

## References

[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Laboratory testing for the monkeypox virus: Interim guidance". Retrieved 2022-06-15.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Monkeypox". Retrieved 2022-06-15.
3. ↑ "www.cdc.gov" (PDF). Retrieved 2022-06-15.
4. ↑ Li Y, Zhao H, Wilkins K, Hughes C, Damon IK (2010). "Real-time PCR assays for the specific detection of monkeypox virus West African and Congo Basin strain DNA". J Virol Methods. 169 (1): 223–7. doi:10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.07.012. PMID 20643162.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)