Non-Variola Orthopox (NVO)

TEST NAME Non-Variola Orthopox (NVO)
DISEASE/DISORDER Vaccinia, Cowpox, Mpox
ALTERNATE NAME(S) Non-Variola Orthopoxvirus
METHODOLOGY LRN-B Non-Variola Orthopoxvirus PCR/7500DX
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
  • Specimen Submission REQUIRED 
ORDERING INFORMATION Lab Web Portal (LWP) -> Biothreat/LRN -> Lesion Swab -> Non-Variola Orthopoxvirus 

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation None
Specimen Collection
  • Acceptable Specimen Sources/Type(s) for Submission
Dry swab of lesion(s), collected in duplicate from each site. Swabs should be nylon, dacron, polyester or rayon. 
Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying LWP Submission.
Specimen Processing None 
Specimen Storage and Preservation Freeze (-20°C or lower) or refrigerate (2-8°C) samples promptly after collection. Freezing is strongly recommended, and frozen samples can be stored for up to 60 days. However, if there is no freezer available, refrigerate samples (2-8°C) and store refrigerated for up to 7 days. It is strongly recommended that samples arrive to the laboratory within 7 days of collection. 
Specimen Transport

Ship swab specimens on dry ice if frozen or with ice packs if refrigerated. It is preferred to ship samples frozen on dry ice. If dry ice is not available, specimens may be shipped refrigerated with frozen cold packs. Please include several ice packs to ensure samples arrive at the correct temperature (2-8°C). The laboratory does not accept routine shipments on weekends or holidays; please make sure packages arrive Tuesday – Friday.
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection Specimens that do not adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected. Cotton swabs and swabs with wooden shafts may cause PCR inhibition and should not be used. 
Testing Location
  • Nashville 
  • Knoxville

This Page Last Updated: July 9, 2025 at 9:41 AM