Molluscum contagiosum – Virus detection
Submission and Collection Notes
If you suspect a case of smallpox, consult the Public Health Ontario laboratory and your local Public Health Unit.
If submitting skin scrapings on a glass slide, insert into a clean container.
Preparation Prior to Transport
Label the specimen with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO on ice packs ASAP, where possible.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
The Molluscum contagiosum test is performed daily Monday to Friday.
The TAT for EM is up to 3 days.
Samples tested by virus culture are observed for a minimum of 10 days prior to reporting a negative culture result; samples that are positive can be observed at any point during this period.
TAT for a virus culture is up to 12 days.
TAT will vary during the winter months.
STAT and Critical Sample Testing is not available.
Reporting
Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.
Specimens are tested by Electron Microscopy (EM) and virus culture.
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