Molluscum contagiosum virus detection

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.

Place the specimen container in the biohazard bag and seal the bag; insert the completed requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag. To maintain optimal viability of the virus, specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and transported to PHO on ice packs within 72 hours of collection. If longer storage/transit time is anticipated, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or lower and transported on dry ice.

Special Instructions

Complete all fields of the PHO General Test Requisition Form: include the requesting healthcare provider's CPSO#, complete mailing address, telephone, and fax number, and the patient’s full name, date of birth, Health Card Number (must match the specimen label). Failure to do so may result in rejection or testing delay.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Molluscum contagiosum testing is no longer available at PHO Laboratory.

Samples requesting molluscum contagiosum will be forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg. Samples will be tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For further information see general link to NML’s Guide to Services.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Not available.