Monkeypox testing plays an important role in public health by enabling case identification and limiting further transmission. Accurate testing is an important step for managing the disease and informing public health interventions. It helps healthcare providers make timely diagnoses, contributing to outbreak control and community protection.
When to Get Tested
Individuals should consider testing for monkeypox if they develop specific symptoms or have had close contact with an infected person. The primary symptom is a rash, which can initially resemble pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. This rash can appear on various body parts, including the face, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus, and progresses through stages, forming scabs before healing.
Other symptoms accompanying the rash include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. A sore throat or respiratory symptoms may also occur. Symptoms usually begin 3 to 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of 7 to 14 days.
Testing is also recommended for those with close contact to a confirmed monkeypox case, even if symptoms are mild or absent. Consult a healthcare provider for an assessment, as many monkeypox symptoms resemble other conditions like chickenpox, measles, or sexually transmitted infections. A healthcare professional can determine if testing is appropriate based on symptoms, medical history, and potential exposures.
How Monkeypox Testing Works
Monkeypox testing primarily relies on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a laboratory technique detecting the virus’s genetic material. This method is highly sensitive and accurate, identifying even small amounts of viral DNA for diagnosis. For active infections, samples are most commonly collected directly from skin lesions.
During sample collection, a healthcare provider typically uses a sterile synthetic swab to vigorously rub the surface of a lesion, such as a vesicle, ulcer, or crusted scab. This ensures enough viral material is collected for accurate testing. Swabbing two or more lesions, especially if distinct or in different locations, is common practice to maximize sample adequacy.
The collected swab is placed into a sterile container, sometimes with viral transport media, and sent for laboratory analysis. While lesion swabs are preferred, other sample types, such as throat or anal swabs, may be collected if no visible skin lesions are present. Blood samples are not recommended for diagnosing active infection because the virus is only present in the bloodstream for a short period.
Interpreting Your Test Results
A “positive” result indicates monkeypox virus DNA was detected in the sample, confirming an active infection. If positive, healthcare providers advise on isolation measures to prevent further spread, and contact tracing may be initiated. Isolation typically continues until all lesions have crusted, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed, usually taking two to four weeks.
A “negative” result means the test did not detect the monkeypox virus. While this suggests no infection, clinical context is important. False negatives can occur if the sample was collected too early or late in the illness, or lacked sufficient viral material. If symptoms persist or worsen after a negative result, retesting or further medical evaluation may be necessary.
In some instances, test results may be “inconclusive” or “equivocal,” often due to insufficient specimen collection or laboratory assay issues. In such cases, new sample collection and retesting are recommended for a definitive diagnosis. While rare, false positive results can occur, especially with atypical symptoms or no clear exposure history, prompting additional confirmatory testing to prevent unnecessary interventions.