Mpox PCR (formerly known as Monkeypox PCR) (Swab)

  1. Home
  2. Auckland Te Toka Tumai
  3. Test Guide
  4. Mpox PCR (formerly known as Monkeypox PCR) (Swab)
Print Page

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MPOX

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8178

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Same-day transport at room temperature is acceptable.

Laboratory

Lesion swab, Throat swab, Rectal swab in UTM/VTM: should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section at ambient temperature on the day of collection during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, specimens should be stored at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.

Sample Stability

Lesion swab, Throat swab, Rectal swab in UTM/VTM: stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days, should be aliquoted and frozen after 7 days.

Synonyms

Mpox PCR
MPXV PCR
Mpox virus nucleic acid detection

Turnaround Time

2 days

Test performed as requested.

Specimen Type

  • Swab - see Additional Information

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
  • Please refer to Additional Information below
  • Swab - Viral PCR
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Lesion / throat / rectal swab in UTM/VTM

DO NOT use a flimsy flocked swab (such as nasopharyngeal swabs). Please use a thick shaft swab.

For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.

Last updated: 29/08/2026