CDC Updates Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 and CDC Updates Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATS) and Self-Testing Web Pages

COLA is engaged with the CDC’s Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) to transmit their public health messages to our laboratories and affiliates. This week the following messages have been published on LOCS:

On May 18, 2021: CDC Updates Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

CDC updated the Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 web page. Refer to this guidance for more detailed updates:

• Updated guidance based on new published studies on antigen test performance.
• Clarification about which nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) should be used for confirmatory testing.
• Considerations for people who have had previous COVID-19 infections and people who have been fully vaccinated.
• Two new antigen testing algorithms, one for congregate living settings, and one for community settings.
• Updates to testing suggestions for fully vaccinated, asymptomatic people.
  
  

On May 20, 2021: CDC Updates NAATs and Self-Testing Web Pages

CDC updated the Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) and Self-Testing web pages. Refer to these pages for the latest information:

• The updated NAATs page provides clarification on confirmatory testing and how to handle discordant test results.
• The updated Self-Testing page emphasizes next steps for positive results and explains serial testing.