MHS LABS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2022
All Press Inquiries Directed to: Justin Bass [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Pittsburgh, PA- MHS Labs to Provide Top-of-the-Line Testing for Monkeypox to Support Rising Cases in the Pittsburgh Region
MHS Labs is pleased to announce that it is now offering testing for Monkeypox in response to rising cases in the Pittsburgh region and across Pennsylvania where access to testing is critical to slowing the spread.
MHS Labs has validated a Monkeypox test following CDC guidelines, with advanced techniques for improved quality and rapid turnaround time at high volumes. Tests in the Pittsburgh region can now be resulted within 24 hours of receipt of specimen. MHS Labs is also validating a nasal swab collection process for monkeypox and plans for its completion in Q4.
MHS has been surveilling outbreaks of infectious diseases since its existence and has a history of compassionate and progressive care.
“Our goal is to provide access to collection and rapid turnaround times for all our patients to curb the spread of this disease,” said Erin Fronczek, Lab Manager of MHS Labs. “But we also understand that compassionate and progressive handling of potential monkeypox cases is required. We are working with various organizations to provide targeted outreach and testing for any communities they serve.”
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.
About MHS Labs
MHS Labs, headquartered in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is a leader in clinical diagnostic biosciences. MHS Labs stays at the forefront of clinical laboratory technology providing a range of services from routine laboratory testing to complex molecular testing as well as genome sequencing. MHS Labs serve a broad range of customers including managed care organizations, governmental agencies, hospitals and health systems, physicians and other healthcare providers, employers, patients, and other clinical laboratories.
Resources:
https://mhslabs.net/what-we-do/monkeypox-testing/
Individuals needing testing can schedule an appointment at our Monroeville Draw Station by phone: 412-421-0209 or email: [email protected]
Care providers and organizations can enroll and obtain the appropriate collection kits, by phone: 412-373-7900, option 1 or email: [email protected].
Website: www.mhslabs.com