Monkeypox Testing Using Blood, Serum, Plasma, and Swabs: Step-by-Step Guide

The global spread of Monkeypox has led to an urgent need for reliable diagnostic tools that can quickly and accurately detect the virus. The iCARE Monkeypox Virus Antigen Rapid Test Kit provides a versatile solution for testing in clinical settings, allowing healthcare professionals to test different specimen types such as blood, serum, plasma, oropharyngeal swabs, and blain exudate. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the correct procedures for testing each of these specimen types using the iCARE test kit. By following these steps, you’ll ensure proper testing and accurate results.

Preparation and Materials Needed

Ensure that the test kit has been stored correctly, at a temperature between 2°C and 30°C, and avoid freezing the components. Before starting the test, all materials should be at room temperature, ideally 15°C to 30°C​.

1. Monkeypox Testing with Whole Blood

Whole blood is one of the specimen types that can be used with the iCARE Monkeypox Virus Antigen Rapid Test. Below are the steps for testing with this specimen type:

Step-by-Step Process for Whole Blood Monkeypox Testing

Collect the Blood Sample

• You can collect whole blood either by venipuncture into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant (such as EDTA or citrate) or via a fingertip puncture using a sterile lancet.
• Ensure that the blood is fresh and has not undergone any hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Prepare the Test

• Open the sealed foil pouch containing the test card and place the card on a dry, level surface.
• Use a pipette or dropper to collect the blood sample.

Apply the Blood Specimen

Using the dropper, add one drop of blood (about 30 µL) into the specimen well (S) of the test card. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the drop.

Add the Extraction Solution

Immediately after applying the blood, add two drops of extraction solution into the same well (S). This will help the specimen migrate through the test membrane.

Start the Timer

Allow the test to run for 15 minutes.

Read the Results

After 15 minutes, check the test card. A positive result is indicated by two colored lines-one in the control line region (C) and one in the test line region (T). A negative result shows only a control line. Results after 30 minutes should be disregarded as invalid.

2. Monkeypox Testing with Serum or Plasma

Testing with serum or plasma requires more precision, but it offers reliable detection. Here’s how to conduct the test using these specimen types:

Step-by-Step Process for Serum/Plasma Monkeypox Testing

Collect Blood for Serum/Plasma

• For serum, allow the collected blood to clot and then centrifuge it to separate the serum from the cells.
• For plasma, collect the blood in a tube with anticoagulants and centrifuge it to separate the plasma.

Prepare the Test

• As with the blood test, place the test card on a flat surface after removing it from the foil pouch.
• Use a dropper to collect the serum or plasma specimen.

Apply the Specimen

Add one drop (30 µL) of serum or plasma into the specimen well (S) of the test card.

Add the Extraction Solution

Drop two drops of extraction solution into the same well (S).

Start the Timer

Allow the test to run for 15 minutes.

Read the Results

After the appropriate time, interpret the results as described. Positive results show two lines (C and T), and negative results show only the control line (C)​.

3. Monkeypox Testing with Oropharyngeal Swabs

Oropharyngeal swab testing is crucial for detecting viral antigens from respiratory specimens. Follow these steps to ensure accurate testing:

Step-by-Step Process for Oropharyngeal Swab Monkeypox Test Kit

Collect the Swab Specimen

• Use the sterile swab provided in the kit.
• Insert the swab into the patient’s mouth, swabbing the bilateral posterior pharynx, tonsils, and uvula. Ensure that enough secretion is collected for accurate testing.

Prepare the Extraction Solution

• Tear open the sealing film on the extraction solution tube.
• Insert the swab into the tube, rotate it 10 times to release the antigen, and press the swab tip against the tube walls.

Extract the Antigen

After rotating the swab, squeeze the tip against the inside of the tube to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the used swab properly in a biohazard container.

Add the Extracted Solution to the Test Card

• Install the dripper cap onto the extraction tube.
• Add two drops of the extracted solution into the specimen well (S) of the test card.

Start the Timer

Let the test run for 15 minutes before interpreting the results.

4. Monkeypox Virus Testing with Blain Exudate

Testing blain exudate is particularly useful for detecting viral antigens from skin lesions in individuals suspected of Monkeypox. Follow these steps for blain exudate testing:

Step-by-Step Process for Blain Exudate Monkeypox Virus Testing

Collect the Blain Exudate

• Locate the affected area of the Monkeypox infection on the patient.
• Rub the sterile swab back and forth across the lesion four times, then turn the swab and repeat on the opposite side.

Prepare the Extraction Solution

• Just like with the swab sample, open the extraction tube and insert the swab.
• Rotate and press the swab against the tube walls for at least 15 seconds to extract the antigen.

Extract the Antigen

Squeeze the swab tip while withdrawing it to collect as much fluid as possible into the extraction tube. Discard the used swab appropriately.

Add the Extracted Solution to the Test Card

Attach the dripper and add two drops of the extracted solution into the specimen well (S).

Start the Timer

Allow the test to develop for 15 minutes, then read the results as described.

Conclusion

The iCARE Monkeypox Virus Antigen Rapid Test Kit provides healthcare professionals with a robust and flexible solution for diagnosing Monkeypox across a range of specimen types. Whether you are working with whole blood, serum, plasma, oropharyngeal swabs, or blain exudate, following these step-by-step instructions ensures accurate results and helps in effectively identifying and managing Monkeypox infections.

Always ensure that all tests are conducted in compliance with safety guidelines, using fresh samples and following the proper biohazard disposal methods. The speed and simplicity of this rapid test are invaluable for healthcare professionals dealing with potential outbreaks, enabling swift containment and treatment strategies.

FAQs for Monkeypox Virus Antigen Rapid Testing Procedure