Non-variola orthopoxvirus (includes Mpox or monkeypox virus)




Test Mnemonic

OPXPCR

CPT Codes

  • 87593 - QTY (1)

Aliases

  • Vaccinia virus
  • Non-variola orthopoxvirus
  • Monkey
  • Monkeypox
  • Mpox
  • Monkeypox Virus Qualitative PCR

Includes

  • Orthopoxvirus Source
  • Orthopoxvirus by PCR

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
SwabFluid, lesionUniversal Transport Media (UTM) FrozenSpecimen source required.

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
SwabFluid, lesionViral Transport Media FrozenSpecimen source required.

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Refrigerated7 days
Frozen30 days
Ambient48 hours

Days Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Turnaround Time

2 - 4 days

Methodology

Name Description
Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction 

Reference Range

ORTHOPOXVIRUS BY PCR
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       NormalNot Detected 

Special Info

Specimen source required. Calcium alginate swabs, wooden swabs and specimens without swabs will be rejected.

Clinical Info

This qualitative PCR test is used to detect members of the Orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox virus and vaccinia virus. This assay does not differentiate members of the Orthopoxviruses. Due to the 2022 global monkeypox outbreak, a detected result is most likely due to monkeypox virus. Identification of non-variola Orthopoxvirus DNA in an individual without suspicion for other recent Orthopoxvirus exposure meets the CDC definition for a “probable case” of monkeypox. Other Orthopoxviruses may be considered if appropriate.

Clinical Limitation

This test is intended for the detection of non-variola Orthopoxvirus DNA. A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or assay specific nucleic acid in concentrations below the level of detection by the assay. Clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine patient infection status.