Test Catalogue


Test ID: Mpox PCR (MOH Subsidy) - NPHL

Test Name:
Mpox PCR (MOH Subsidy) - NPHL
Test Code:
O MPOX NP
Specialised Test:
No - Send Out Test
Turnaround Time:
Test Schedule:
NA
Test Type:
Send Out Test
Additional Test Note:

Mpox testing at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) is indicated for:

  • Patients meeting MOH case definition.
  • Patients with high index of suspicion for mpox, presenting with symptoms consistent with mpox, AND relevant epidemiological history. Referral to ID Physician is recommended. 

Pre-Collection Consultation: Before collecting samples, approval has to be sought from Ministry of Health (MOH) Surveillance Duty Officer (Tel: 9817 1463). Samples without approval will not be accepted at NPHL.

 

Sample Requirement:

The recommended specimen type for MPX is skin lesion material (swabs of lesion surface and/or exudate, roofs from more than one lesion, or lesion crusts). More than one lesion from the same body site should be swabbed using one swab stick and lesions at different body sites should be sampled separately if applicable. 

If samples other than skin lesions are considered, such as rectal swab, throat swab and blood, please discuss beforehand with MOH. 

Specimen collection: Use flocked swabs without Universal Transport Medium (UTM) for sample collection. They can be obtained from your respective hospital laboratories. Placed the collected specimen in a biohazard specimen bag and send it to the laboratory. Indicate “Mpox PCR”, your name and contact number in the lab request form. No fees are levied for testing at NPHL. 

Packaging and transport conditions: After collection, hospital laboratories will triple-pack the specimens. Specimens should be stored refrigerated (2-8°C) and transported at 2-8°C (with ice pack), and should reach NPHL within 24 hours after collection.

 
Fasting Requirement:
None
Parkway Laboratory Services
Last Update:
26/09/2024
Update:
Test Schedule

Test Catalogue Keyword Search