CMS Posts FAQ for Reporting Sequencing Results for SARS-CoV-2 Variants

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 COLA laboratories and affiliates. Below is a link to the most recent message about a posted CMS FAQ for reporting sequencing results for SARS-CoV-2 variants.

CMS Posts FAQ for Reporting Sequencing Results for SARS-CoV-2 Variants

On March 19, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the “CLIA SARS-CoV-2 Variant Testing Frequently Asked Question” document to provide information for facilities that perform sequencing to identify SARS- CoV-2 genetic variants.

CMS will not cite CLIA-certified laboratories that perform SARS-CoV-2 genetic variant testing on identified specimens and report patient-specific variant results to state or local public health departments without establishing performance specifications as required by §493.1253(b)(2), provided that the laboratory only reports patient-specific results to a public health department and the results are not intended to be used for purposes of an individual’s diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or health assessment.