ARUP Laboratories has begun in-house testing for the monkeypox virus with its Orthopoxvirus by PCR test. This is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to detect the DNA of orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox.
ARUP’s test is similar to the CDC assay that other labs have been offering to address overflow testing in public health laboratories and to heighten the national response to monkeypox, the company says. The ARUP test differs from the CDC assay in that it has been validated for both dry-swab specimen collection and for collection using viral transport media. Specimens are easier to collect and transport when viral transport media can be used.
Additionally, ARUP’s laboratory-developed test has been validated for an automated specimen extraction method and can be performed on high-throughput instruments to optimize workflow efficiency, decrease turnaround times, and enable rapid scaling of testing capacity if needed.
“Since the initial outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, ARUP has actively participated with the CDC and other national reference laboratories in formulating an appropriate national response,” says Tracy George, MD, ARUP president and chief scientific officer. “We are well prepared and deeply committed to support the needs of public health laboratories and our hospital and health system clients nationwide to help manage this outbreak.”
ARUP’s test will also be submitted for New York Department of Health approval. During this approval process, ARUP will continue to offer monkeypox testing to New York clients through a referral partner.
ARUP also continues to perform all medically relevant tests, with the exception of viral cultures, to help provide a differential diagnosis for individuals suspected or confirmed to have monkeypox.
