Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transporting Infectious Substances Safely and Managing Solid Waste Contaminated with a Category A Infectious Substance (pg. Therefore, specimens and material suspected or confirmed to contain Clade IIb of monkeypox virus can be shipped as UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B. government does not consider Clade IIb of monkeypox virus as meeting the definition of Category A infectious substance under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Laboratory testing has indicated that the current monkeypox outbreak is associated with Clade IIb of monkeypox virus. Specimens received outside of acceptable temperature ranges will be rejected.

When possible, ship specimens on dry ice. CDC 50.34 form must be included for each specimen. Specimen collection, storage, and shipping of human specimens is subject to CLIA restrictions. If using transport media, only VTM is accepted at CDC at this time do not use universal or other transport media. Swabs and other specimens should each be placed in different containers. Two swabs from each lesion should be collected, preferably from different locations on the body or from lesions which differ in appearance.

Break off the end of each swab’s applicator into a 1.5-or 2-mL screw-capped tube with O-ring or place the entire swab in a sterile container that has a gasket seal and is able to be shipped under the required conditions. It is not necessary to de-roof the lesion before swabbing. Using two sterile synthetic swabs (including, but not limited to polyester, nylon, or Dacron) with a plastic, wood, or thin aluminum shaft, swab the lesion vigorously to collect adequate DNA. Two swabs from each lesion (in general, 2-3 lesions should be sufficient) should be collected for testing. When possible, use a plastic, sterile, leak-proof container rather than glass materials for specimen collection. Specimens should be collected in the manner outlined below. Personnel who collect specimens should use personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with recommendations for healthcare settings. To ensure specimens are stored and shipped within the required timeframe, consultation with the CDC is suggested. Please contact the appropriate public health department or commercial laboratory to determine acceptable specimens.įor further characterization of the specimen at CDC, dry swabs of lesion material, swabs of lesion material in VTM, or crusts are acceptable. Specifics on the acceptable specimen type accepted within these laboratories may vary. Procedures and materials used for collecting specimens may vary depending on the phase of the rash (i.e., swab of lesion surface or crust from healing lesion).įor initial laboratory testing of monkeypox virus specimens at Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratories or authorized commercial laboratories, the recommended specimen type is lesion material. Collection, Storage, and Shipment of Specimens for Monkeypox Diagnosis