World’s first mpox diagnostic test approved by WHO; know all about it

Cases of monkeypox are on rise with several cases of infection due to the new fast spreading strain found in countries where it was not found earlier. In view of the spreading mpox, the first mpox diagnostic test is a ray of hope.

The World Health Organisation has authorized Abbott Laboratories' mpox diagnostic test for emergency use on Thursday.

"The approval for emergency use of the Alinity m MPXV assay, manufactured by Abbott Molecular Inc., will be pivotal in expanding diagnostic capacity in countries facing mpox outbreaks, where the need for quick and accurate testing has risen sharply," the UN health agency has said in an official statement.

How does it work?

The presence of the monkeypox virus is confirmed by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), such as real-time or conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). And the recommended specimen type for diagnostic confirmation of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in suspected cases is lesion material.

It detects mpox virus from human skin lesion swabs and is easy to use by clinical laboratory personnel who are proficient in PCR techniques and IVD procedures.


"This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the Emergency Use Listing procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “Increasing access to quality-assured medical products is central to our efforts in assisting countries to contain the spread of the virus and protect their people, especially in underserved regions."

WHO had declared mpox as a global concern on August 14. Releasing its highest warning against this viral infection, the WHO had urged people to practice safety.

Though the symptoms of mpox can range from mild to severe, some people can become very sick and in some cases it can be fatal as well. "Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox," the WHO has said.