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Coronavirus Testing Guidance

Advisory Notices

Laboratories with Excess Capacity for Diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 Testing

The following laboratories have capacity to perform additional diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 testing and have a reported average turn-around time of less than 4 days. Beginning in May 2020, all laboratories reporting SARS-CoV-2 testing results to the NYSDOH are required to complete a weekly electronic survey to provide information to the NYSDOH about their equipment, supplies, and capacity. This list identifies laboratories that reported the ability to perform additional diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 tests and is updated regularly.

Required Information for Infectious Disease Requisition

Wadsworth Center, the NYS Public Health Laboratory, continues to provide COVID-19 testing for select sample collection entities (including but not limited to State agency run congregational settings with vulnerable populations, local health departments, and other entities responding to outbreak investigations). Sample collection entities must seek advanced approval by Wadsworth Center prior to sending samples. Sample collectors submitting COVID-19 specimens to the Wadsworth Center must use one of the two methods below.

Specimen Collection, Handling and Transport 

Guidance on Pooling

As part of the NYS Re-Opening, many businesses and institutions are exploring sampling and testing options. Pooling methods continue to be evaluated and developed as a strategy to increase the numbers of people tested while conserving limited supplies and time. The NYSDOH has issued Health Advisories to provide guidance for those institutions and laboratories considering pooling strategies for diagnostic or surveillance (non-diagnostic) purposes.

Test Results Reporting

All laboratories performing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic or serology testing, including those using SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care tests, are required to report test results to the Commissioner of Health through the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS) within 24 hours. Required reporting includes all positive, negative, and indeterminate results, as well as test type, specimen source, and several demographic details of the individual tested. Results must be reported to ECLRS through HL7 or manual entry. Contact the ECLRS Help Desk at (866) 325–7743 or eclrs@health.ny.gov with any technical questions.

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