Stay Current

CLS has expanded our testing schedule for COVID-19 by PCR to include Monday through Friday plus Saturday and Sunday. All COVID-19 by PCR will be setup and reported within 24 hours of when we pick up specimens at your facility.
To further improve Turn Around Time (TAT) and meet testing requirements of CMS please ask your nursing staff to collect COVID-19 specimens as close to the phlebotomist pick up time as possible.

Technical Bulletin

May 2020

Topic:  SARS-CoV-2,  COVID-19 Testing Options

In response to CMS guidelines for managing COVID-19 in Nursing Homes, CLS offers  COVID-19 testing by PCR and COVID-19 IgG Antibody (serology). As a part of CLS testing services we will provide statistical reporting of positive and negative results relative to your facility(ies). The following tests are available to all residents, staff, staff family members and vendors:

To order COVID-19 testing kits please contact our Supply Department at 770-307-5820.

To set up testing for residents, staff, staff family members, vendors or for further testing information; please contact our Client Services Department or, email COVID19@clinicallaboratoryservices.com.

Georgia (GDPH):

Please visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-online-testing-request and review the documentation included.

• Per GA Dept. of Public Health (as of 3/23/2020): “In order to request COVID-19 testing, please complete a rapid influenza test, and a respiratory viral panel if available, and complete the Patient Under Investigation (PUI) report form at the following link: https://dhpexternal.dph.ga.gov/covid19_test_req.html”
• If you have any questions about COVID-19 you can contact GDPH’s 24/7 Public Health Emergency Line at 1-866-782-4584.

South Carolina (DHEC): 

Please visit https://scdhec.gov/health-professionals/south-carolina-health-alert-network-han and review the 6 page DHEC Health Update (dated 03/13/2020) .

Facilities should read this document thoroughly and follow all instructions.  Swab plus viral collection/transport medium tube for specimen collection is NOT provided by SC state lab.

• If you have any questions about COVID-19 you can contact the DHEC Control Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 from 08:00am – 06:00pm daily.
• Additional COVID-19 resources provided by the DHEC can be found here: https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

North Carolina (NCDHHS):

Please visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-guidance#all-guidance-for-health-care-providers-and-local-health-departments and review the North Carolina State Laboratory Specimen Collection and Shipment Guidance . Follow all instructions in this document.

• If you have general questions about COVID-19 you can contact the NCDHHS at 211 or 1-888-892-1162.
• Additional COVID-19 resources provided by the NCDHHS can be found here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina

Tennessee (TDH):

Please visit https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/LabApprovalNeeded_ncov.pdf and review the document.

• If you have general questions about COVID-19 you can contact the TDH at 1-877-857-2945 from 10:00AM – 10:00PM or 615-741-7247 and ask to speak to someone about COVID-19.
• Additional COVID-19 resources provided by the TDH can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html

Alabama (ADPH):      

Please visit https://epiweb.adph.state.al.us/redcap/surveys/?s=TATDDJ8Y88 and review/complete the consultation form as necessary. Review the step-by-step instructions for specimen submission here:

• If you have general questions about COVID-19 you can contact the ADPH general information line at (334)-206-5300 from 8:00am – 5:00pm.
• Additional COVID-19 resources provided by the ADPH can be found here: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19/index.html