What to know
- Laboratory testing of specimens from suspect smallpox vaccine adverse events or smallpox cases takes place in reference level Laboratory Response Network (LRN) member laboratories and at CDC.
- Consultation with the state epidemiologist, state health laboratory, and CDC is necessary before sending specimens to CDC.
- Follow the protocols for collecting, packaging, and shipping specimens to ensure specimen adequacy and adherence to transport guidelines.
Laboratory guidelines
Specimen collection
Smallpox specimen collection procedures by specimen type
Instructions for packaging and shipping smallpox specimens
Protocol for electron microscopic (EM) visualization of negatively stained poxvirus virions
Rash illness protocol
Rash illness testing protocol for acute, generalized vesicular or pustular rash in the U.S.
Occupational health
SEQUENCE FOR PUTTING ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)