03/14/2020: Lab Update: Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

CDC's Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS)

Audience: Clinical Laboratory Professionals

Level: Laboratory Update

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

On March 13, 2020, CDC updated the Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page on the Information for Laboratories website. The revisions include recommendations for:

  • Following Standard Precautions when handling all clinical specimens
  • Using automated instruments and analyzers
  • Point-of-care testing (POCT)
  • Using EPA-registered disinfectants with label claims for SARS-CoV-2
  • Following routine practices and procedures for management of laboratory waste

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about laboratory biosafety and COVID-19 are in the process of being updated to align with the new Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Another LOCS message will be sent once the update to the FAQs page has been completed.

Additional Resources:

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If you have any questions, please contact us at LOCS@cdc.gov.

Laboratory Outreach Communication System | Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS)

Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

LOCS@cdc.gov

www.cdc.gov/locs