Starting today, Labcorp will start employing the CDC’s orthopoxvirus test to check for monkeypox (which detects all non-smallpox related orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox).
According to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., “The capacity of commercial labs to test for monkeypox is a vital pillar in our holistic plan to combat this disease.” In addition to increasing testing capacity, this will also make it easier for patients and providers to access tests by utilizing already-existing provider-to-lab relationships.
This testing will be provided by Labcorp at its biggest facility in the US, and it will be able to receive samples from all throughout the nation. Up to 10,000 tests per week are anticipated by Labcorp, more than doubling the capacity currently offered by the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network (LRN), which has also rapidly increased testing capacity over the past seven weeks.
HHS said on June 22 that five commercial laboratories would shortly start providing monkeypox testing. Since then, the CDC has sent the tests to the labs and, among other things, taught their staff on how to administer them.
Even if they don’t believe they have had contact with someone who has monkeypox, anyone with a rash that resembles monkeypox should discuss whether or not they need to be tested with their healthcare professional.
Nationwide healthcare providers can order the orthopoxvirus test from Labcorp in the same way they would typically order other tests. No one from the general public will be able to bring a sample to a Labcorp lab.
In accordance with the CDC reporting guidelines, Labcorp will report results to jurisdictions via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that more commercial laboratories will open and that monkeypox testing capacity will keep growing throughout the month of July.
Visit www.labcorp.com/monkeypox* to learn more about Labcorp’s test for healthcare professionals.
Visit www.cdc.gov/monkeypox to access the most recent CDC information about monkeypox.