First Mpox (monkeypox) test kit approved for Australia

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the first commercially supplied test kit for the detection of Mpox (monkeypox) virus.

• Monkeypox Virus RT-PCR Diagnostic Kit (NAT-17) is manufactured in Australia, by HA Tech Pty Ltd.

The test must be performed in an accredited pathology laboratory and uses real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology to detect DNA from the Mpox virus in clinical samples collected from individuals with suspected lesions.

About Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus, that can spread between animals and humans and between humans. It is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus which causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are like smallpox symptoms, but milder and rarely fatal. Since May 2022, there has been a global increase in Mpox infections. Most people will recover in 2-4 weeks. More severe cases, while rare, can occur - requiring additional medical support.

More information about Mpox is available on the Department of Heath and Aged Care website.