As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Laboratory Systems, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updated its Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance.
Beginning April 4, 2022, COVID-19 testing facilities are no longer required to report NEGATIVE results for tests authorized for use under a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certificate of waiver. This includes rapid and antigen testing performed for screening testing at schools, correctional facilities, employee testing programs, long-term care facilities, and rapid testing performed in pharmacies, medical provider offices, and drive-through and pop-up testing sites. In addition, testing facilities are no longer required to report POSITIVE or NEGATIVE antibody test results.
The updated guidance still requires laboratories to report both POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE results for laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) that are performed in a facility that is certified under CLIA to perform moderate- or high-complexity tests.
The updated guidance replaces a blanket requirement to report all SARS-CoV-2 test results and reflects more tailored reporting requirements that are specific to entity and test type.
We encourage you to review the updated guidance in detail and share this information widely with your colleagues. Testing facilities should check state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments for additional reporting requirements beyond what is required in the HHS.
