DOH Updates Certain SARS-CoV-2 Reporting Requirements for Limited Service Labs

Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a Health Advisory to clinical laboratories and limited service laboratories to provide updates on SARS-CoV-2 laboratory reporting requirements effective April 4, 2022. Of note is the change that clinical laboratories and limited service laboratories performing COVID-19 testing using waived COVID-19 rapid antigen and rapid molecular tests will be required to report positive results. Reporting of negative and inconclusive results will be optional. When reporting is required, results must be reported to the Department within 24 hours of results being known or determined, through the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS).

The Advisory also provides information regarding the use of at-home tests. LeadingAge NY has submitted questions to DOH regarding the use of at-home tests as they pertain to nursing homes and adult care facilities (ACFs) with limited service laboratory certificates. We will keep members apprised of any clarifications we receive.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828