Where to get tested for MPX (Monkeypox) in Baltimore City

Last updated: October 19, 2022

Call your primary care provider

The best way to get tested for monkeypox is by calling your primary healthcare provider. They may be able to test you in their office. A list of some primary care doctor offices offering MPX testing is below. There may be clinics offering testing that are not listed. Please avoid going to the emergency room for MPX testing, if possible.

Urgent care clinics

We suggest calling ahead to see if testing is offered.

*Insurance may be charged. There may be out of pocket costs as well. Please ask the urgent care about cost of MPX testing.

Baltimore City Health Department Sexual Health and Wellness Clinics

If you do not have a primary care provider, or they are not testing for MPX, BCHD Sexual Health and Wellness Clinics are offering testing. Please call ahead for an appointment.

Druid Sexual Health Clinic
1515 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0176
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed 1:00 PM -2:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Metro Subway: Penn-North Station

Eastern Sexual Health Clinic
1200 E. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 396-9410
Hours: 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, closed 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Metro Subway: Shot Tower

Local Clinics offering MPX Testing*

*Patients who have established care and are already patients at the following clinics can ask their providers about testing for MPX. Please call ahead for an appointment. You can also ask about enrolling as a patient if you do not have a primary care doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Tested for Monkeypox

1. I have a new rash. Could it be monkeypox?
   • It depends on your risk factors. If you recently had close contact with someone who tested positive for monkeypox, it could be monkeypox.
2. Who is most at risk for getting monkeypox?
   • Anyone can get monkeypox.
   • Some people are at higher risk than others based on the amount of close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact that they experience.
   • Most cases in the current outbreak have occurred among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
3. I think I have monkeypox. What do I do?
   • If you have a rash and think it might be from monkeypox, call your doctor about getting tested.
4. Where can I get tested for monkeypox?
   • Many doctor’s offices can test their patients for monkeypox. Call your doctor and ask if you can get tested there. The healthcare provider may take a specimen and send it to a lab for testing or they may send you to a lab for both specimen collection and testing. If there are not able to test you, they can direct you to another testing center, including the Baltimore City Health Department.
5. Do I need to bring anything to my monkeypox test?
   • Bring your health insurance card and identification care, if you have them. If you don’t have them, tell your provider and they will help you get tested.
6. How does monkeypox testing work?
   • Testing is done by swabbing your rash.
   • The provider will rub a swab vigorously across your rash, from more than one lesion.
   • The swabbing may be uncomfortable but it is necessary to get enough material to test.
7. Should I get tested for anything in addition to monkeypox?
   • Yes! Many people who are positive for monkeypox are also positive for other infections. Talk to your provider about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including: HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Your provider will help determine whether these tests are warranted. Additionally, the rash from monkeypox can look like the rash caused by many other diseases. Your provider may recommend testing them for illnesses such as herpes, shingles and syphilis.
8. How much will testing cost?
   • The cost depends on where you get tested and whether you have health insurance.
   • Tests conducted by the health department are usually free.
   • Testing referrals from a private healthcare provider to a commercial lab or tests done in the hospital may involve fees.
9. When will I know the results of my monkeypox test?
   • Test results are usually available within a few days.
10. My test was inconclusive. What does that mean?
    • That means that your test will need to be conducted again because not enough of the specimen was taken.
11. My test was positive. What do I do?
    • If your test result is positive, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others until you have completely recovered from your infection.
    • Let your provider know if you have uncontrolled pain or start to have any new symptoms.
12. Is there a treatment for monkeypox?
    • There are some treatment options for monkeypox. Most people with monkeypox do not need any specific treatment. The most common complaints with monkeypox are related to pain from the rash.
13. Where can I learn more about monkeypox?
    • Learn more at the CDC’s Monkeypox website