Laboratory Information for Smallpox

What to know

  • Laboratory testing of specimens from suspect smallpox vaccine adverse events or smallpox cases takes place in reference level Laboratory Response Network (LRN) member laboratories and at CDC.
  • Consultation with the state epidemiologist, state health laboratory, and CDC is necessary before sending specimens to CDC.
  • Follow the protocols for collecting, packaging, and shipping specimens to ensure specimen adequacy and adherence to transport guidelines.

Laboratory guidelines

Specimen collection

Rash illness protocol

Occupational health