infections
Smallpox
Diagnosis of Smallpox
Tests for smallpox DNA in a sample of fluid from the blisters A doctor suspects smallpox when people have the disease’s characteristic spots—particularly when there is an outbreak of the disease. The diagnosis of smallpox can be confirmed by identifying the smallpox virus in a sample that is taken from the blisters or pustules and is tested for the genetic material (DNA) of smallpox. A sample can also be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for the virus to be grown (cultured) and analyzed. 