Test Order

Test Order

Poxvirus Serology
CDC-10516

Synonym(s)
Orthopoxvirus serology

CDC Pre-Approval Needed
Poxvirus Inquiry Line
(404) 639-4129
poxvirus@cdc.gov
Whitni Davidson
(404) 639-2933
wdavidson@cdc.gov

Supplemental Information Required
Consultation is required prior to specimen submission. A brief written clinical summary with pertinent medical information (e.g. rash onset date, rash type, symptoms, smallpox vaccination date if relevant) and exposure history should be included. Information must be documented in written form, discussion during initial phone consultation is not a suitable alternative to a written record.

Supplemental Form

Performed on Specimens from
Human

Acceptable Sample/ Specimen Type for Testing
Serum

Minimum Volume Required
0.5 mL; 1 mL preferred

Collection, Storage, and Preservation of Specimen Prior to Shipping
Use blood collection tubes containing a clot activator and/or gel for serum separation. Separate and aliquot serum prior to storage and transport.

Refrigerate (2-8 °C) or freeze (-20 °C or lower) specimens within an hour after collection. Refrigerated samples must arrive at CDC within 7 days and frozen samples within 60 days after collection.

Transport Medium
No transport media is required.

Specimen Labeling
This test order can accommodate diagnostic and non-diagnostic specimens. Testing subject to CLIA regulations requires two primary patient identifiers (e.g., patient first and last name, date of birth, unique patient identifier from time of collection, such as medical record number) on the specimen container and on the test requisition.

Research or surveillance specimens may be labeled according to protocol. Labels should not include personally identifiable information. The results reported should NOT be used for diagnosis, treatment, assessment of health or management of the individual patient.

Shipping Instructions which Include Specimen Handling Requirements
CDC does not accept routine shipments on weekends or holidays. Please make sure packages arrive Monday - Friday. Ship specimen(s) refrigerated on cold packs, unless frozen, then ship on dry ice.  
 
Ship to:
<Insert CDC Point of Contact>
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
RDSB/STATT Unit 47
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
<Insert CDC Point of Contact's Telephone Number>
 
All samples must be shipped in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.

Methodology
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Turnaround Time
14 Days

Interferences & Limitations
Blood collection in tubes with either heparin and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) may interfere with results. Detection of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies is dependent upon the number of days the specimen was collected post-symptom onset. A previous history of smallpox vaccination or orthopoxvirus exposure may affect result interpretation.

Additional Information
Submitters should contact the Poxvirus Inquiry Line by telephone prior to using email and/or contacting the second POC.

ELISA can detect an antibody response in persons infected with an orthopoxvirus (e.g. variola, monkeypox, vaccinia, or cowpox virus).

CDC Points of Contact
Poxvirus Inquiry Line
(404) 639-4129
poxviruslab@cdc.gov
Whitni Davidson
(404) 639-2933
wdavidson@cdc.gov

Version
1.6