Handling of samples from suspected Monkeypox virus (MPXV) cases

The current outbreak of Human Monkeypox infections (HMI) has resulted in samples being sent to UCD NVRL for Orthopox and MPXV West African Clade specific PCR. 

It is vital that samples for MPXV are transported to UCD NVRL as a Category A pathogens. Please see here the link to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) regarding transport of these samples.

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/guidance/Laboratory%20transport%20plan.pdf (Version 3, dated 30/05/2022)

Notice should be given to the NVRL Clinical team prior to sending swabs for testing (01-7164401). All other samples from the patient SHOULD REMAIN in the source laboratory until a ‘MPXV DNA not detected result’ is reported. Sample packaging should be clearly labelled as ‘Category A pathogen’, and as per the Guidance from the HPSC, this is provided by the recommended courier. The local Public Health department MUST be consulted prior to sending samples for MPXV investigation.

UCD NVRL performs Orthopox and MPXV West African Clade specific molecular testing daily – Monday to Friday. Samples received by 11AM will be reported the same day.  Any sample received after this time will be stored on site for testing the following working day.

The Virus Testing Index (LF-UM-001r) and the User Manual (UM-001) will be updated in due course.

Reference: CN-22-11