North Carolina-based Labcorp becomes the first national laboratory to offer monkeypox testing

BURLINGTON, NC (WNCN) – A North Carolina company says it will become the first national laboratory to test for monkeypox.

Labcorp said Wednesday it will begin testing using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s orthopoxvirus test, which detects all nonsmallpox-related orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox.

The Burlington-based company says it is the first national lab to offer the PCR test, as well as the first with a more automated option.

“Labcorp appreciates the opportunity to support the CDC in its efforts to protect the public and manage the monkeypox outbreak,” said Dr. Brian Caveney, Chief Medical Officer and President of Labcorp Diagnostics.

Caveney says the company will initially conduct all of its monkeypox testing in North Carolina, but “will have the capacity to expand to other sites across the country as needed.”

Labcorp says it will be able to process 10,000 tests per week if needed – double the current capacity of the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network.

People who need a test go to their health care provider to get a sample, and because the test is available on Labcorp’s menu, those providers can order the orthopoxvirus test from the company just like any other test.

The CDC says anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their doctor.