Monkeypox Virus Testing Considerations to Prevent False Positive Test Results

COLA Inc. is engaged with the CDC’s Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) to transmit their public health messages to our laboratories and affiliates. 

On August 23, 2022, CDC issued a recommendation to laboratories on how to prevent false positive results for the Monkeypox virus. To prevent false positive test results, CDC recommends that laboratory professionals perform repeat testing to verify positive diagnostic results for Orthopoxvirus or Monkeypox virus DNA in specimens with high Cycle Threshold (Ct) values from persons who do not meet identified epidemiologic risk criteria for monkeypox. Be sure to obtain approval from your CLIA director before you implement this recommendation in your laboratory.