Mpox Test Information

Labcorp is running the FDA-cleared, PCR-based mpox (orthopoxvirus) DNA assay developed by the CDC

Where are samples collected?

  • At a hospital, healthcare provider office or other designated testing location under supervision of a healthcare provider
  • At an individual's home using Provider-initiated Mpox At Home Collection Kit

Results

The mpox test is qualitative and will indicate a detected, not detected, equivocal or inconclusive result for the presence of DNA from non-variola orthopoxvirus species, of which mpox is one. Here is what these results indicate:

  • Detected: A non-variola orthopoxvirus was detected. In addition to mpox, there are several viral species in the genus orthopoxvirus. But since there are no current epidemiological concerns about those other viruses, a positive result is presumptive positive for mpox. Variola is the virus that causes smallpox. This test will not detect smallpox.
  • Not Detected: This means that an orthopoxvirus was not detected, and the patient is therefore negative for mpox.
  • Equivocal: This result can occur when the virus is detected at levels close to the limit of detection of the assay, and a definitive result cannot be determined. For any equivocal result, the CDC recommends that a new patient sample is collected and tested.
  • Inconclusive: This result can occur when the assay control criteria are not met and no virus is detected. The concern here is a poorly collected sample, and the CDC recommends that a new patient sample should be collected and tested.

Related tests suggested by the CDC

The appearance of mpox lesions may resemble those of STIs such as herpes or syphilis. For this reason, the CDC recommends comprehensive evaluations in patients presenting with genital or perianal ulcers for STIs. Patients co-infected with mpox virus and other infectious agents (e.g., varicella zoster, herpes, syphilis) have been reported, and should therefore have mpox on their differential diagnosis when presented with an STI-associated or STI-like rash.

Furthermore, a recent study by the CDC showed amongst 1,969 persons with mpox in eight U.S. jurisdictions, 38% had HIV infection, and 41% had an STI in the preceding year. Therefore, screening for HIV and other STIs and other preventive care should also be considered for persons evaluated for mpox.

082345

Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Screening Cascade

Serological test for screening for syphilis infection. This panel includes a Treponema-specific test which may be positive in all stages of syphilis. It may be positive with treponemal infections other than syphilis (bejel, pinta, yaws). Like FTA-ABS and TP-PA, once positive, it remains so; it cannot be used to judge the effectiveness of treatment.

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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Profile (Lesions), PCR

This test is intended to be used as an aid in identifying the specific etiologic agent of vesicular lesions; caused by either varicella zoster virus (VZV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV). It also differentiates HSV-1 from HSV-2.

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HIV p24 Antigen/Antibody With Reflex to Confirmation

CDC-recommended algorithm for laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection, including acute and primary infection.

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Chlamydia/Gonococcus, NAA

Detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

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CDC Mpox Global Outbreak Map

Stay up-to-date with the level of transmission with the CDC's Mpox Outbreak Global Map.


Frequently Asked Questions

Provider FAQs

  • Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Testing: what to know

  • Specimen collection can be done at a professional healthcare setting and self-collected at home using the At Home Mpox Collection Kit. Once collected, the specimen will then be sent to Labcorp for testing. Labcorp does not collect this specimen type at patient service centers.

  • Order to result time is three to four days.

  • Patients results will be sent to their ordering healthcare providers and Labcorp Patient™ Portal.

  • Labcorp is running the CDC's test for detecting mpox. It has been FDA approved, and is based on highly sensitive PCR technology. False positives or false negatives are highly unlikely.

Mpox At-Home Test Collection Kit FAQs

  • Patients’ results will be sent to their ordering healthcare providers and available to patients through our secure Labcorp Patient™ Portal.

  • Labcorp LINK™, which is both our ordering platform for this test, as well as the provider portal for results, resource guides, etc.

  • Turnaround time from the date of order to results available is typically less than 1 week.

  • Please call our customer service line 1-800-833-3935   for a possible replacement kit if you kit is damaged in transit or through any other error.

Patient FAQs

  • Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also include variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

How do I find out if I have mpox?

  • If you think you have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox, consider taking precautions and visit a healthcare provider to help you decide if you need to be tested for mpox.

  • Please call your doctor or other healthcare provider

Testing with a Labcorp Kit

  • For questions about your kit or to request a replacement, please call Labcorp at 1-800-833-3935.

  • Lesion swab sample is collected by your doctor or through self-collection using an at home collection kit (link to IFU)

  • At a healthcare provider’s office or at home using the clinician ordered at-home collection kit.

  • The current average time to deliver results for the mpox swab test is 3-4 days from the date of specimen arrival at the testing laboratory. Results are delivered to your doctor and online at: Labcorp Patient™.

  • Labcorp runs the CDC’s test for detecting mpox. It has been FDA approved for diagnosing mpox and is based on highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology.

  • If you suspect you have mpox, consider following CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of mpox. Consult your healthcare provider for any questions about treating symptoms at home.

I have mpox. Now what?

  • Your results will be sent to your ordering providers and your designated state health departments, if required. Labcorp complies with all state and local reporting requirements.