Rash Disease Investigation

Brief Description

Laboratory testing for patients with vesicular/pustular rash illness of unknown origin or suspected cases of Mpox. This testing is performed in support of the 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

If samples will arrive at the State Public Health Laboratory within 7 days of collection, samples should be stored in a refrigerator and shipped on frozen freezer packs (2–8°C)

If samples will arrive at the State Public Health Laboratory after 7 days of collection, samples should be stored frozen and shipped on dry ice (=-20°C).

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Please see Instructions for Submitting Mpox Specimens to the State Public Health Laboratory

Dry swab
Swab in viral transport medium
Scab/lesion material

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

Testing performed:

  • Non-Variola Orthopoxvirus (Mpox, Vaccina, etc)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus I and II (performed only for rash illnesses of unknown origin)
  • Additional testing is available through reference laboratories as needed. Additional consolation is required.

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