Diagnostic testing and testing strategies for mpox: interim guidance, 12 November 2024

12 November 2024

| Technical document

Overview

This is the fourth updated version of the interim guidance on Diagnostic testing for the monkeypox virus and
supersedes the previous guidance published on 10 May 2024. This version includes references and conclusions
drawn from the most recent data and evidence available on diagnostic performance for various testing methods,
including near-patient POC testing options, which, based on the available evidence, can be considered in diagnostics decentralization strategies. It also reviewed recent evidence on performance of antigen RDT and confirmed the recommendation against their use provided in previous versions. It further highlights key considerations for diagnostic and testing strategies that may be used in at different epidemiological phases of an outbreak, and recommendations on avoiding gene target failures and differentiating MPXV clades. Finally, it also reports a change in the recommendation for transport from Category A to Category B for diagnostic samples containing MPXV (while virus isolates are still required to be shipped as Category A).