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03/14/2020: Lab Update: Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
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:
- CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Laboratory Biosafety
- CDC Information for Laboratories: COVID-19
- CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation
- IATA Packing Instructions 650
Register for CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) notifications, including updates about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Enter your email address, search for HAN, and sign-up
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)