Smallpox
Examinations and Tests
A suspected first case of smallpox is considered an international health emergency. Specialized laboratory testing is necessary to confirm a suspected smallpox infection.
- Specially trained and vaccinated health professionals take fluid samples from the person's mouth or from the suspected smallpox lesions.
- The sealed samples are shipped to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg or another designated laboratory that is equipped to handle the variola virus.
In the laboratory, variola virus can be quickly identified using a combination of:
- An electron microscope to examine the appearance of the virus.
- Viral culture.
- Various tests to identify the virus's genetic material, or DNA.
If a smallpox (variola) outbreak is already documented, a physical examination and history of symptoms and exposure may be sufficient for your doctor to diagnose smallpox.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: May 1, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology | |
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