We will be testing for the two different variants of the Monkeypox virus. 

 

• Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus)

• Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus) Congo Basin Clade

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When to Get Tested

• Currently, testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with monkeypox.

• If you think you have monkeypox or have had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, consider taking precautions and visiting a healthcare provider to help you decide if you need to be tested for monkeypox.

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What to Expect When You Get Tested​

• To get a specimen to test, the healthcare provider will use a swab to rub vigorously across the lesions of your rash. They will take swabs from more than one lesion.

• This swabbing may be uncomfortable but is necessary to get enough material to detect the monkeypox virus from the specimens.

• The specimens will be tested in a lab to see if the monkeypox virus is detected.

• Results will be available the next day (24 hours) from sample collection.

• While waiting for your results, take precautions to avoid getting or spreading the monkeypox virus to others.

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What Your Results Mean

• If your test result is positive, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others until you have entirely recovered from your infection.

• If your test result is negative: a negative test result means the test did not detect the virus, and you probably do not have monkeypox. Continue to take steps to protect yourself and others.

• If your test result is inconclusive, your test will need to be conducted again because not enough of the specimen was taken.