07/15/2022: Lab Advisory: For Mpox Testing, Use Lesion Swab Specimens to Avoid False Results

Audience: Clinical Laboratories

Level: Lab Advisory

On July 15, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication advising laboratories to use swab specimens taken directly from a lesion (rash or growth) when testing for mpox virus. The FDA is not aware of clinical data that supports the use of other types of specimens (such as blood or saliva) for mpox virus testing. Testing these other types of specimens may lead to false results.

Please review the safety communication in detail and share this message with your networks.

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Online resources:

• Preparation and Collection of Specimens
• Information For Laboratory Personnel
• Laboratory Procedures and Biosafety Guidelines
• How to Report Test Results
• U.S. Mpox 2022: Situation Summary

Questions?

• If you are a clinical or public health laboratory professional, contact LOCS.
• For media inquiries, contact the CDC Newsroom.
• For all other questions, contact CDC-INFO

Thank you,

The Laboratory Outreach Communication System

Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) | Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS)

Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

LOCS@cdc.gov

www.cdc.gov/locs