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Frequently Asked Questions

Laboratory Developed Tests

Why can’t I find all tests a laboratory offers?

This database only contains laboratory developed tests (LDTs) that were submitted to New York State's Department of Health (NYS DOH) for review and were subsequently approved. Tests that are either FDA approved, were not submitted to NYS DOH, or have not been approved for use on samples from New York are not listed. For a laboratory’s complete test catalog/menu, you or your provider should consult that laboratory’s website or contact them directly. 


Why are FDA-approved tests not listed in the search results?

FDA-approved tests are not required to be submitted to NYS DOH for approval for use on New York patient samples. This search engine returns results only for those tests approved by NYS DOH. If the FDA has approved a test, it can be used on the specific sample(s) and for the specific purpose(s) approved by the FDA, provided the laboratory has a New York State permit.


Why isn’t the information here the same as on the laboratory’s website?

This database only contains information provided to us by the laboratory when it submitted the original test or subsequent modification(s) for NYS DOH approval.  Unless the laboratory has subsequently notified us of changes to the test or its test catalog/menu, then changes are not reflected here. You must always verify with the laboratory that: (1) a specific test is offered; (2) your specimen type is accepted; and (3) how a specimen should be submitted.


The laboratory said they don’t offer the test anymore.

The database only contains information provided to us by the laboratory when it submitted the original test or subsequent modification(s) for NYS DOH approval. Unless the laboratory has subsequently notified us of changes to the test or its test catalog/menu, then these are not reflected here. You must always verify with the laboratory that: (1) a specific test is offered; (2) your specimen type is accepted; and (3) how a specimen should be submitted. 


Your website says that a laboratory accepts my specimen type, but it was rejected.

This database only contains information provided to us by the laboratory at the time of submission of the original test or subsequent modification(s). The type of specimens accepted may have changed since the original test submission by the laboratory. You or your provider must always verify with the laboratory that: (1) a specific test is offered; (2) your specimen type is accepted; and (3) how a specimen should be submitted.


I know a laboratory offers a test, but it does not show up in the search results.

Try modifying your search terms or spelling. For example: searching for “genetics” in the ‘Analyte or Test Name’ field will return all tests that contain the word “genetics”, such as pharmacogenetics, but not pharmacogenetic, whereas searching for “genetic” will return tests with either word, i.e. both pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenetics. In addition, a test will only be listed if it has been approved by NYS DOH for use on samples from New York.


My search produces results that are unrelated to my query.

Try to be more specific with your search terms. The default for all fields is “contains any word”, which includes the same word within a longer word. For example: “t cell” in the analyte or test name will essentially return any test or analyte name that contains either a “T” or “cell”, whereas “T-cell” will only return those that contain this exact string. In addition, for the analyte field only, you can change the way the database is searched from the drop-box field beside the analyte field. You can also refine your search by adding terms in other fields. 


I still can't get the results I need. Who should I contact?

Please contact us via e-mail.