As of Thursday, July 21, 2022, Monkeypox testing will be an orderable test in Epic (Orthopox and Non-Variola Orthopox (Monkeypox) DNA PCR). Some critical details are included in this broadcast that will ensure that samples are acceptable for testing.

Follow the instructions in the order. These instructions are likely to change often, and the Epic order will be the source of the current testing protocol.

• Testing uses the straight, larger-headed flocked swabs used for other viral testing such as HSV or VZV. These are the same as used for oropharyngeal swabs for COVID-19, NOT the flexible, small-headed NP swabs used for respiratory viruses. Sites should have adequate supply of these, but if not the Hospital Stores numbers follow: (Hospital Stores #173604 or #182039)
• Each lesion should be vigorously scrubbed with two different swabs. The lesion does not need to be unroofed. Collect at least two pairs of swabs from different lesions (up to 4).
• Each order is for one lesion (two swabs, two labels). Each swab needs its own State Hygienic Laboratory form (linked from the order), so each order should have two forms with it.
• Break each swab into a dry tube (the tube included in the viral transport kit, which has been emptied of media). Invert the tube to dump the media out, and give it a gentle tap to remove residual media.
• Each order will print two labels with the “site” field (e.g. “right arm”). The site can be updated when the samples are collected if a different site has been selected. The label must then be reprinted, and when reprinted will have the corrected site.
• Return tubes to Specimen Control at UIHC. Offsite, add to a packing list per standard procedure for transporting specimens.

Questions specifically related to this issue can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford@uiowa.edu; *8290).