NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - NUlirt batch list of NPHL Test Request Form (completed in its entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459 for further clarification.
BACK | PRINT
| Test: |
Smallpox
- Contact NPHL emergency pager before sending specimen 402-888-5588
|
| Synonym: |
Variola, Variola virus, Orthopox, Orthopoxvirus, Small pox |
| Method: |
- CDC Laboratory Response Network approved methods
|
| Availability: |
- Test performed Monday-Friday
- Turnaround time 1-7 days
|
| Specimen: |
- Vesical fluid
- Skin
- Crust
- Dry or wet swab of lesion (dry is preferred)
- Touch prep (slide) of lesion/vesical fluid
- Fresh biopsy (NO FORMALIN)
|
| Collection Device: |
- Viral transport media may be added to swabs
- Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identfiers on container and requisition forms
|
| Volume: |
- Requested volume for liquid clinical samples: 1 mL
- Minimum volume for liquid clinical samples: 0.5 mL
|
| Storage/Transport: |
- See Category A shipping instructions
- Specimen Packaging & Shipping - NPHL
- Seal tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material
- NPHL Test Request Form (completed in its entirety) must accompany specimens
|
| Unacceptable: |
- Swabs collected in inappropriate transport media
- Leaking container
- Inappropriate specimen type
- Insufficient volume
|
| Specimen Stability: |
- Store frozen dry swabs (-20° C) up to 60 days
- Store frozen crusts and swabs (-20° C) in transport media up to 30 days
- Freezing strongly recommended, however if no freezer is available, refrigerate samples (2°-8° C) up to 7 days
|
| Comments: |
Contact NPHL emergency pager before sending specimen 402-888-5588 |
| Revised: |
10/24/2025 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 800-334-0459.
BACK
