In a recent newsletter announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of a shortage occurring for COVID-19 rapid tests. In this advisory, the CDC advised diagnostic service providers to expect an increase in the demand for laboratory-based COVID-19 testing due to a shortage in supply for both point-of-care testing and rapid testing for COVID-19.

The CDC issued the advisory through LOCS – their Laboratory Outreach Communication System:

There is currently a temporary shortage in point-of-care (POC) and over-the-counter (OTC) test supplies. To help preserve rapid test kits and supplies and meet the current test demand, CDC recommends the use of laboratory-based testing whenever possible.

The United States Government continues to monitor the testing supply chain and remains in contact with diagnostic test manufacturers. These companies report strong availability of laboratory instruments, laboratory test kits and other supplies, and an increasing supply of POC and OTC tests.

If laboratory directors want to request assistance to connect with a diagnostics manufacturer, they may contact AdvaMedDx at staff@advameddx.org. AdvaMedDx is a division of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) that represents more than 75 manufacturers of diagnostics tests and instruments.

Click here to read the complete advisory from the CDC’s LOCS newsletter.

Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Aculabs has aggressively worked with both state authorities and our industry peers to tackle the unique ways COVID-19 has impacted post-acute care and the wellness of the residents who our clients serve daily.

Our laboratory understands the urgency demanded given the long term care homes and assisted living facilities we service.

Aculabs offers both COVID-19 RT-PCR molecular testing and COVID-19 Antibody testing. We ask that facilities who see an increase in demand for laboratory-based COVID-19 testing refer to our COVID-19 Information Hub for all relevant specimen requirements and pricing information.