COVID-19 Laboratory Reporting Requirements

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, News

Center for Disease Control and Prevention August 10, 2020

Healthcare Providers Urged to Collect Demographic Information When Ordering COVID-19 Laboratory Tests

The public health response to COVID-19 depends on comprehensive laboratory testing data. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the HHS Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance released on June 4, 2020 require every COVID-19 testing site to report specific data elements for every diagnostic and screening test performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 or to diagnose a possible case of COVID-19 (e.g., molecular, antigen, antibody). The data are to be reported to the appropriate state or local public health department, based on the individual’s residence.

Healthcare providers also have a critical role in collecting several of the data elements when ordering a COVID-19 laboratory test, particularly demographic information such as the patient’s age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Beginning August 1, 2020, testing sites should make every reasonable effort to report these demographic data to state and local health departments using existing public health reporting channels (in accordance with state law or policies).

Complete demographic data will:  

  • Ensure that all groups have equitable access to testing, 
  • Allow an accurate determination of the burden of infection on vulnerable groups, and  
  • Help improve decision-making to better prevent or mitigate further COVID-19 illness among Americans.

Below are some additional resources for more information about this COVID-19 laboratory reporting requirement:

For questions or to request more information on this HHS laboratory reporting requirement, please contact DLSinquiries@cdc.gov. 

The Emergency Risk Communication Branch in the Division of Emergency Operations, Center for Preparedness and Response is responsible for the management of all COCA products.   

For information about this update or other clinical issues, or to send your feedback, please contact us at coca@cdc.gov  
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