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- Attention Laboratories: FDA Extra COVID-19 Testing Supplies Exchange Program
On May 17, the FDA announced a volunteer laboratory supplies exchange program for COVID-19 testing supplies for those laboratories that need or have extra testing supplies. The FDA announced the COVID-19 laboratory testing supplies exchange on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 response call where Council on Government and Professional Affairs Vice Chair Assad Joe Saad, MD, FCAP, participated on behalf of the CAP.
The goal of the supply exchange is to provide an easy way for organizations to either ask for additional supplies, including tests or also surplus items not needed for themselves for others.
Organizations will be responsible for shipping and logistics related to the exchange. If COVID-19 tests were received as a gift from your state or the HHS, they should not be sold. The CDC is awaiting further guidance from the HHS Office of General Counsel regarding registering tests from gift programs without compensation.
A recent CAP survey of board-certified pathologists nationwide showed that less than half, or 45% of laboratories testing for COVID-19, still have difficulties obtaining the testing supplies they need. While this represents an improvement since last summer, shortages still represent a significant burden on those laboratories diagnosing coronavirus disease and require national attention to mitigate disruptions.
Laboratories should go to http://tiny.cc/SupplyExchange and complete the form, including the number and type of test kits needed/surplus if supplying or requests tests and submitting the form. This is a voluntary program with no compensation for participation.