Health Update: Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 Expanded

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clinical criteria for a COVID-19 person under investigation have been developed based on what is known about COVID-19 and are subject to change as additional information becomes available.

As availability of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 increases, clinicians will be able to access laboratory tests for diagnosing COVID-19 through clinical laboratories performing tests authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Clinicians will also be able to access laboratory testing through public health laboratories in their jurisdictions.

Medical providers are being reminded to contact their local health department if their patient meets CDC criteria for testing.

Persons in Missouri who meet CDC criteria will be able to obtain testing through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. All requests should be submitted through your local health department.

Testing for persons who do not meet the CDC's criteria for testing for COVID-19 is available from private laboratories. However, at this time in the state of Missouri, the person requesting testing will be responsible for covering any cost(s) associated with the testing. 

Flow Charts for Testing

Patient presents with symptoms    Medical provider conducts evaluation and determines risk for COVID-19   Patient meets CDC criteria    Contact local health department to report information and request testing    Local Health Department provides medical provider with test kit and coordinates shipment of specimen(s) to the state for testing    State tests clinical sample and provides local health department and provider with results (estimated TAT 2-5 business days)

 

Patient presents with symptoms    If patient does not meet CDC criteria    Medical provider informs patient that they can be tested, but they will have to cover the cost    Patient requests testing    Medical provider collects clinical sample and submits to a private laboratory    Laboratory completes testing and provides results to the medical provider

 

Patient presents with symptoms    If patient does not meet CDC criteria    Provider informs patient that they can be tested, but they will have to cover the cost    Patient decides to not get tested    Medical provider gives guidance and preventive measures 

 

Epidemiologic factors that may help guide decisions on whether to test include: any persons, including healthcare workers, who have had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset, or a history of travel from affected geographic areas impacted by COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset.

Link to CDC guidance for evaluating and reporting persons under investigation for COVID-19 and criteria to guide evaluation of persons under investigation for COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html