THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said monkeypox testing has started in the state. The testing first started in Alappuzha NIV. With the confirmation of monkey pox in the state, the testing started by bringing test kits from NIV Pune. The NIV has started sending samples from districts to Alappuzha.

The minister also stated that since it is a newly reported viral disease in the state, the testing is being done following strict safety standards. It is a great achievement that the testing system can be set up within three to four days of the confirmation of monkeypox in the state. This will avoid delay in sending samples to NIV Pune. 28 labs in the government sector have RTPCR testing facilities in the state. The minister also said that if the cases increase, a system will be set up to confirm monkeypox in more labs.

Monkeypox is confirmed by RTPCR test. Samples such as secretions from the patient's nose and throat, secretions from blisters, urine and blood are sent to the lab through a cold chain system. The disease is confirmed by detecting the genetic material of the virus, DNA, using RTPCR technology. There are two tests for monkeypox. The first is the RTPCR test to detect the pox group virus. Through this, it is possible to know if there is a virus belonging to the pox group. If turned positive in the first testing, tests to confirm monkeypox will be conducted.