Specimen Source
- Specimen source
- Vesicular fluid from lesions
- Scrapings
- Scabs
- Biopsies
Note: These specimens present an exposure risk to the laboratorian.
Young boy with smallpox:
Collect Specimens and Transport
Suspected Case
What do you do if you suspect smallpox?
Healthcare providers who suspect they have a patient with smallpox should notify public health authorities immediately!
Contact:
South Dakota State Department of Health
Office of Disease Prevention
The South Dakota State Health Laboratory will make arrangements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the provider to ship specimens directly to CDC. Epidemiology will advise you about the appropriate specimens to collect and the proper method and arrangements for shipping specimens to CDC.
Safety
Biosafety Level 4 criteria are used when working with smallpox.
Smallpox is very contagious and easily spread from person to person.
Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including masks, laboratory coats, gloves, and eye or face shields when collecting and handling specimens.
Important safety note: Smallpox virus may grow in Herpes cultures. Use caution!