HHS Issues New Lab Reporting Guidance for COVID-19

In accordance with the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new guidance that requires all laboratories to submit COVID-19 testing results in real-time, within 24 hours of an individual being tested, along with additional demographic data to HHS.The goal of the guidance is to provide public health officials with the best information available to inform their responses and recommendations concerning COVID-19.

The new reporting requirements are designed to monitor disease trends in an effort to better anticipate and allocate resource needs. The additional demographic data reporting measures will help identify and address any disparities and ensure that all groups have equitable access to testing.