FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2022
All Press Inquires to be Directed to:
Bill Miller, 804-517-1028, Bill.Miller@cdrmhealth.com
CDR Labs to Provide Top-of-the-Line Testing for Monkeypox
Partners with Orchard Software to Support Rising Cases in Miami-Dade County
Miami, FL – CDR Labs is pleased to announce that it is now offering testing for Monkeypox in response to rising cases in Miami-Dade County and across Florida, where access to testing is critical to slowing the spread. CDR Labs has validated a test that can simultaneously detect the monkeypox virus and can distinguish it from other viruses of the same genus, including Variola virus (smallpox), Vaccinia virus, Camelpox virus, and Cowpox virus. The test is sensitive to one copy of monkeypox DNA per microliter of specimen.
“Our goal is to provide efficient collection and rapid turnaround times for all our patients to curb the spread of this disease,” said Sarah M.J. Helber, PhD, HCLD (ABB), Chief Laboratory Officer for CDR Labs. We provide a collection kit containing a swab and an inactivating transport media (ITM) insuring safe transport and processing of the specimen. Our turnaround time is 24 hours from receipt of the specimen.”
Per the Florida Department of Health, “*The cases of monkeypox described in the current outbreak have some atypical features. These features of the newest monkeypox cases can easily be confused with sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is important to comprehensively evaluate patients presenting with genital or perianal ulcers for STIs.” (LINK)
Therefore, in addition to standalone test ordering, the monkeypox test is offered as a companion to CDR Labs’ full suite of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, including Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
“CDR Labs is proud to respond to the public health emergency to provide a safe, accurate test for identification of Monkeypox, and to be the first laboratory to offer monkeypox testing through our laboratory Information management system, Orchard Enterprises, putting us at the forefront of the industry,” said Sarah M.J. Helber, PhD, HCLD (ABB), Chief Laboratory Officer for CDR Labs.
Orchard Software Corporation is a leader in the laboratory information system industry and offers a variety of solutions to help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance integration.
“We are excited to partner with CDR Laboratories to facilitate rapid reporting of Monkeypox virus results to help address this public health emergency,” said Billie Whitehurst, CEO of Orchard Software. “Our innovative solution provides laboratories with ordering and reporting tools that allow them to play an active part in addressing infectious disease threats.”
CDR Labs will begin testing services for Monkeypox this week, and patients can begin booking appointments today. To book an appointment for testing, please call CDR Labs at 786.422.1661 or email info@cdr-laboratories.com. To learn more about CDR Labs, visit www.cdr-laboratories.com
Headquartered in Miami, FL, CDR Labs is a CLIA + CAP life science laboratory that specializes in pharmacogenetics and provides accurate and expedient diagnostic testing for positive, patient-focused health outcomes. In addition to pharmacogenetics, their panels offer broad capabilities in toxicology, chemistry, hematology, and molecular testing with specialties for wound care, long-term care facilities, women’s health, and gastrointestinal testing. CDR Labs uses some of the most advanced and efficient testing technology available with flexible sampling methods to provide industry-leading turnaround times.