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Test ID: Orthopoxvirus PCR (OPX)
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Orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox PCR
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Useful For
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In vitro diagnostic test for the detection of zoonotic (non-variola) Orthopoxvirus DNA in swab specimens of skin, Respiratory and genital lesions present in individuals with suspected monkeypox.
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Method name and description
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Method based on real-time PCR technology, for the detection of zoonotic (non-variola) Orthopoxvirus species specific DNA. Real-time PCR technology utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the amplification of specific target sequences and target specific probes for the detection of the amplified DNA. The probes are labeled with fluorescent reporter and quencher dyes. A second line real time PCR method is used for the confirmation of Monkeypox detection.
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Clinical information
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The genus Orthopoxvirus contains a number of species that can infect animals and humans. The most well-known member of the genus is variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Other notable members include vaccinia virus which is used in the current smallpox vaccine; cowpox virus, first introduced by Edward Jenner in the late 18th Century as the material of the first vaccine; and monkeypox virus.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health. Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas.
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/diseases.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
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Aliases
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Monkeypox PCR
Monkeypox virus PCR
Non-variola
Mucosal
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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- Human cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesion swabs
- Human cerebrospinal fluid
- Whole blood in EDTA tube (2-3 ml)
- Whole blood in serum separator tube (2-3 ml)
- Body fluid Plain (sterile screw capped container, 0.5 ml)
- Corneal Vesicular (UTM Swab)
- Intraocular Aqueous/ Vitreous Humor (Fluid)
- Respiratory swab (UTM Swab)
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Collection as per organization guidelines
No special precautions / Timing of collection
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Description of symptoms and the clinical signs suggestive of Monkeypox
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Storage and transport instructions
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The specimens should be transported immediately to Central Processing (CP) in the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), 3rd floor, HBK MC in cool box with ice pack.
If blood specimen(s) cannot be delivered immediately to CP, store in a refrigerator (4 - 8◦C) for no more than 6 hours. Beyond that, separate plasma (centrifugation) and store at -70◦C
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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- An inadequate volume of specimen for testing is received (QNS).
- The specimen has leaked
- Heparinized blood
- The specimen is in a wrong container
- Improper storage of specimen before submission to virology laboratory.
- Clots detected in plasma by receiving bench or by instruments
- Patient information on request does not match with information on the sample tube/container.
- There is gross hemolysis in plasma sample.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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- A positive result indicates the presence of specific Orthopoxvirus DNA and supports the diagnosis of Monkeypox infection in the current epidemiological situation. A second line real time PCR specific for Monkepox virus is used for confirmation.
- A negative result indicates that the Orthopoxvirus DNA including Monkeypox is was not detected in the specimen.
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround time: within 24 hours
Test performed on Sunday-Saturday 7:00am-3:00PM
Specimen retention time: 1 month
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