Rash Disease Investigation

Brief Description

Laboratory testing for patients with vescicular/pustular rash illness or unknown origin. Support of smallpox immunization program.

NOTE: This testing is limited to patients determined to have low or moderate risk of Smallpox.

For information on mpox-specific testing, see Instructions for Submitting Mpox Specimens to the State Public Health Laboratory.

Laboratory Unit

Molecular

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Specimen Collection

Instructions for Submitting Mpox Specimens to the State Public Health Laboratory

Rash investigation testing for suspect cases of Non-Variola Orthopox or rashes of unknown origin is available from the MSPHL only if indicated after a case investigation has been initiated. Consultation with the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272) is required and testing approval must be granted prior to collecting clinical specimens. Specimens received without prior approval from the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention will not be tested.

Storage/Transport

Store refrigerated during storage and transport.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

For information on mpox-specific testing, please see Instructions for Submitting Mpox Specimens to the State Public Health Laboratory

Dry swab
Swab in transport medium
Scab/lesion material
Microscope slide impression

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form
CDC Poxvirus Human Submission Form

Possible Results

Determined by test(s) performed

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Specimen not identified
  • Incorrect specimen type
  • Specimen not related to outbreak investigation
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

Day of receipt, by arrangement with submitter.

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

Virus Tests Performed:

Non – Variola Orthopox virus (Vaccinia, Mpox, etc.) Testing will ONLY be performed after approval by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (1-800-392-0272) 
Varicella zoster (chicken pox) 
Adenoviruses
Enteroviruses
Herpes Simplex virus

Documents:

Instructions for Submitting Mpox Specimens to the State Public Health Laboratory
Mpox Information (CDC)
Mpox Specimen Collection Instructions (CDC)
Testing Patients for Mpox (CDC)
Tips for Adequate Collection of a Lesion Specimen from a Suspect Mpox Virus Case (CDC)
CDC Poxvirus Human Submission Form