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COVID-19 Information

For CAP-Accredited Laboratories

Latest news

Inspections

Reporting

  • COVID-19 Reporting Guidelines Updated. Effective April 4, 2022 laboratories subject to US regulations are required to report SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) test results to state and local health authorities based on the type and complexity of testing performed.
  • The CAP amends Laboratory General Checklist (GEN) requirement, GEN.41316 (Infectious Disease Testing), for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) test result reporting effective immediately for all laboratories subject to US regulations.

Safety

Other Resources

CAP US Inspections

The CAP modified its inspection processes in response to the global health emergency. We now offer both an in-person and 100% virtual inspection. By offering innovative options to meet the needs of both laboratories and inspectors to complete the inspection process during the current climate, the CAP ensures safety and a collegial, educational inspection for all. Both inspection options result in a fully accredited laboratory. Initial inspections for CLIA-licensed laboratories using a virtual inspection will require a focused on-site visit when restrictions allow per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Learn more about our in-person and virtual inspections.

For Laboratories Whose Inspection is Past the Anniversary Date OR in the Inspection Window

If your laboratory inspection is late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured your accreditation continues. A letter from the CAP documenting that your laboratory is still accredited and outlining actions the laboratory is expected to take to maintain ongoing compliance should have been sent to the Director of the site. If your laboratory director has not received this letter, or needs a new copy, please contact us at LAPAssignments@cap.org.

When it comes to scheduling your inspection, you will be contacted by your assigned team leader or a member of the CAP assignments staff to confirm planned inspection dates, number of team members, and any other requirements that may be in place at your facility for the inspection team. We will work with your assigned inspection team to complete your inspection as soon as it is practical and possible to do so safely.

For Laboratories Who Have Not Reached the Inspection Window

We will work with your assigned inspection team to complete your inspection within your inspection window as much as is practical and possible to do so safely. Your inspection will be announced, and you will be contacted by your assigned team leader or a member of the CAP assignments staff to confirm planned inspection dates, number of team members, and any entry requirements that may be in place at your facility for the inspection team.

CAP International Inspections

For CAP PT Customers

The CAP offers three SARS-CoV-2 PT programs (molecular, serology, and antigen) and three Quality Cross Check programs (molecular, antigen, and serology). Learn more

New statement on Serologic Testing for SARS-CoV-2. View here

The CAP is committed to working with your laboratory to manage kit deliveries, stability concerns, and regulatory requirements.

Shipping, Testing, and Due Date Information

For international customers
The CAP has resumed proficiency testing (PT) shipments on schedule. However, we anticipate some in-transit delays mostly related to carrier service limitations, flight restrictions, and greater customs scrutiny on PT shipments. Refer to My PT Shipping Calendar for a current, customized list of your laboratory’s shipments and updated due dates.

  • For access, click Access e-LAB Solutions Suite, then click My PT Shipping Calendar on the lower left-hand corner of the page.

When your laboratory receives a kit, perform testing immediately. Please continue to contact the CAP if you are receiving shipments in unsuitable conditions.

For all PT customers
If the due date for a program that your laboratory is enrolled in is approaching, please submit data at your earliest convenience by accessing your result form on cap.org via e-LAB Solutions Suite. If your laboratory is unable to complete testing, select one of the following exception codes on your result form to avoid penalty on your evaluation. You do not need to call the CAP to use either code.

  • Code 11 (Unable to analyze):
    Use code 11 to indicate your laboratory was or is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or was unable to analyze the specimens (eg, instrument not functioning, reagents not available).
  • Code 33 (Specimen unsatisfactory):
    Use code 33 to indicate your laboratory never received a kit, if a kit was delivered with unusable material (eg, specimens no longer stable), or if the CAP was unable to fulfill your replacement request.

Printed participant summaries and evaluations will continue to be mailed to laboratories, but they may be delayed.

For laboratories that may have limited staff or are temporarily closed, you will need to arrange to receive shipments that the CAP is unable to delay. 

Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Laboratory Guidance During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency document, “in the event where a laboratory temporarily suspends performing a specific test due to staffing shortage, supply shortage, or reagent shortage:

  • The laboratory must document the timeframe during which the test is not being performed, and the reason therefore.
  • The laboratory must notify the inspecting agency and PT program within the timeframe of submitting PT results that it has ceased testing, and the reason therefore.
  • If the laboratory is still performing, or resumes such testing, and providing patient results, PT is still required and must be performed, as required by the CLIA regulations.” 

If your laboratory is currently unable to perform testing, hold the material and use it for alternative assessment when routine testing circumstances resume. If your laboratory is holding material for testing beyond the kit due date, use exception code 11 on your result form to indicate your laboratory was unable to analyze the specimens and document the reason in the Use of Other section. You do not need to call the CAP to use this code. 

For more information, please access the following:

COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19 fee-for-service autopsy list compiled by the CAP Autopsy Committee Review the list
  • COVID-19 Autopsy Guideline Statement from the CAP Autopsy Committee Read the Statement
  • A Remote sign-out of cases with Digital Pathology FAQs published. Read the FAQs
  • Subject matter experts from the Informatics Committee compile resources for COVID-19. Read more
  • The Cytopathology Committee offers some considerations for cytopathology services during COVID-19. Read the update
  • Transfusion, Apheresis and Cellular Therapy Committee provides information on concerns for the national blood supply. Read the update

Advocacy News and Legislative Alerts

Here is the latest news and/or action that the CAP has taken for its members on the legislative front:

More resources:

CAP Survey of Laboratories Confirms COVID-19 Testing Challenges, Supply Shortages, and Excess Capacity

CAP Requests Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program

CAP Answers to Your Questions about Small Business Assistance During COVID-19

States Waiving Licensure Requirements/Renewals

CAP secures remote work waiver from CMS for pathologists

COVID-19 - Remote Sign-Out Guidance

Letter from Congress asking HHS to give pathologists the remote work flexibility advocated for by the CAP

CAP Calls on Health Officials to Give Labs, Pathologists Greater Flexibility for COVID-19 Pandemic

Letter to the US Department of Health and Human Services

Practice Resources for Pathologists

We have compiled resources for you and your practice to help ease the burden you face during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Coping With COVID-19 Part 2; Laboratory Workforce Impacts
Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at 1:00 pm CDT


Register now
to join this roundtable, a second part of discussions on COVID-19 impacts and gain insights on laboratory workforce strategies to survive the pandemic. Panelists will review the impacts they experienced in the laboratory as a result of the pandemic:

  • Laboratory professional staffing, pay, and benefits
  • Stresses faced by laboratory professionals
  • Laboratory professionals’ difficulties with supporting pathologists providing care during the pandemic

The CAP’s Coping with COVID-19 Impacts on the Pathologist Workforce
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at 2:00 pm CDT

View this virtual roundtable to hear real-world strategies to offset the impact of COVID-19 on your practice. You will learn:

  • The impact of COVID-19 on the pathologist workforce at a national level
  • Strategies being used by peers to address recruiting and staffing issues, pathologist pay and benefits, and mitigating loss of income

Watch now

The CAP’s COVID-19 Financial Assistance Programs Roundtable
Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 1:00 pm CDT

View this timely CAP member-led virtual roundtable to gain a better understanding of key financial assistance programs made available by Congress and learn about:

  • Financial assistance programs available to pathologists
  • Tools developed by the CAP to assist you with applications
  • Downstream implications to consider when obtaining assistance

Watch now

We will continue to add resources as they become available. Any questions or feedback is welcome: advocacyupdate@cap.org

Financial Assistance Programs

For pathology practices, we recognize many pathologists have experienced a sudden loss in revenue due to a drop in anatomic pathology services and other difficulties. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act established several new programs and funding sources to help address these shortfalls, which are applicable to pathologists and their practices/laboratories. The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provided additional funds.

  • Jonathan Myles, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP’s Council on Government and Professional Affairs, reviews assistance programs available to pathologists in this CAPcast.
  • Links to resources for pathologists looking to obtain financial assistance can be found in the CAP’s FAQs about the SBA loans. The FAQs include information to let you know what is available from the CARES Act and other federal government programs.
  • Provide us with your feedback and additional questions about these financial programs at smallbusiness@cap.org.

CAP members address financial assistance during COVID-19

  • Matthew Foster, MD, FCAP
  • Theresa Emory, MD, FCAP

Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program

UPDATE: On April 26, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is suspending its advance payment program effective immediately. According to CMS, this decision was reached in part because of the $175 billion recently appropriate for health care provider relief payments. For more on the relief payments, see the “Direct Provider Relief” section below. For more on this CMS decision, read the agency press release online here.

The CARES Act and the CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for Medicare participating physicians and other providers to ensure they have resources needed to combat COVID-19. The advance payments are not a grant, and recoupment begins 120 days after initial payment for all providers. Physicians billing under Part B will have 210 days from the date of the accelerated or advance payment was made to repay the balance. Interest attaches to any outstanding balance after this date.

Paycheck Protection Program

On April 24, 2020, President Trump signed into law legislation that provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This program, created as part of the CARES Act, provides small businesses with a loan for the purposes of retaining employees. Physician practices with 500 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons are eligible to apply. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).

  • Application deadlines for first or second time borrowers has changed to March 31, 2021. The CAP has developed a document with new criteria for applications for general guidance and the PPP worksheet for estimating eligible funding amounts when preparing to apply for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

Loan Forgiveness: Paycheck Protection Program

If your practice received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan you may now apply for forgiveness of up to 100% of the loan amount. The Loan Forgiveness Application must be completed by October 31, 2020 and list how the funds were utilized. If they were utilized in compliance with the PPP requirements practices may be able to obtain 100% forgiveness. Once completed, this form should be submitted to your lender for consideration.

Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Loan Advance

A new economic injury emergency grant program provides up to $10,000 to small businesses and private nonprofits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an EIDL loan. Funds will be made available following a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) EIDL program provides loans of up to $2 million to small businesses with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons) that are experiencing temporary loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19. 

More information is available on the SBA website.

Other SBA Loans and Debt Relief

The CARES Act also made available $17 billion is available for immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months.

Apply now for SBA loans. Small business guidance and loan resources are also available on the SBA website.

Direct Provider Relief

Congress has appropriated over $100 billion for a Provider Relief Fund to reimburse providers for lost revenues and increased expenses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Starting April 10, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated delivery of $30 billion in relief funding to providers in proportion to their Medicare fee-for-service payments in 2019. Providers were not required to engage in any activity or apply for these funds, which do not have to be repaid. The funds were sent directly to providers in the same fashion other Medicare payments are normally sent to your practice. However, in order to retain these funds, practices are required to sign an attestation form and agree to certain terms and conditions. Not returning the payment within 45 days of receipt of payment will be viewed as acceptance of the terms and conditions.

Starting April 24, 2020, an additional $20 billion was made available to reconcile the initial payment (if any) so that the provider ultimately receives a proportion of a provider’s 2018 patient revenue. Only Medicare providers who have already received a payment from the Provider Relief Fund will be eligible to apply for this additional wave of funds.

The CAP has developed a FAQ guide for members with questions related to the Provider Relief Fund payment, available online here. Another short guide on the process of requesting or confirming additional funds is available online here. Visit hhs.gov/providerrelief for additional information.

Resources for Remote Working

CLIA regulations mandate that pathologists must perform diagnostic tests in CLIA-licensed facilities. But the CMS stated during this public health emergency, it will exercise enforcement discretion to ensure pathologists may review pathology slides remotely using these guidelines. The FDA released additional guidance regarding digital pathology devices used during the public health emergency.

CAP members address remote working during COVID-19

  • Anil Parwani, MD, PhD, MBA, FCAP
  • Liron Pantanowitz, MD, FCAP

Regulatory Relief During the COVID-19 Crisis

Members and staff from the CAP’s Council on Government and Professional Affairs have developed the following FAQs to help summarize regulatory and payment issues affecting pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Guidance

  • CPT Guidance: The CMS issued guidance to ensure coverage of COVID-19 diagnostic testing, including antibody testing, at no cost for those with private health insurance. Additionally, the AMA approved and revised COVID-19 CPT codes with critical input from the Pathology Coding Caucus, which is an advisory group to AMA CPT chaired by Ronald McLawhon, MD, FCAP. The AMA new COVID-19 CPT codes provide laboratories a more specific reporting mechanism for antibody tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Topic Center

Our thought leadership from a wide array of councils and committees have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our topic center for essential information and guidance.

CAP Meetings, Events, and Education

CAP20 is virtual – learn more and register!

Previous Webinars

  • Coping with COVID-19 Impacts on the Pathologist Workforce
    Join our virtual roundtable to hear real-world strategies to offset the impact of COVID-19 on your practice.
    Access the webinar
  • Post COVID-COVID – Will We Be Better Prepared for Round Two?
    Evaluate best practices of recovery in the immediate post-COVID crisis and propose a preparedness plan to sustain a resurgence of the pandemic.
    Access the webinar
  • You’ve Been Asked to Implement SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing: What You Need to Know 
    Learn about the CAP’s statement on the current role of serologic testing as well as the difference between the clinical impact of an antibody test result versus a molecular test result. 
    Access the webinar
  • Navigating Implementation of SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Your Laboratory
    This webinar covers what is required for verification and validation when bringing up a new test plus ongoing requirements for personnel and quality monitoring to keep the test running.
    Access the webinar

New Learning Opportunities for our Members

Postponed Learning Courses

Information on Events and Committee Meetings

  • If you are registered for an event, we will contact you with any changes. 
  • For CAP committee meetings, please contact your committee staff person for updates as to whether your meeting will be held virtually, postponed, or cancelled.
  • CAP20 is virtual – learn more and register!
  • For the Pathologists Leadership Summit, the summit has been cancelled. Registrants, please visit Pathologists Leadership Summit for details and actions to take for cancelling hotel and airline reservations.

CAP in the News and on Social Media

CAP Officers/Members Address COVID-19 Issues

  • Jonathan Lai, MD
  • Justin Snow, MD, FCAP
  • Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP

Twitter Chat Wrap-ups

How Pathologists Can Navigate COVID-19-Related Practice Management Challenges.

Recap of the discussion about the resources available to pathologists as we navigate the practice management-related challenges resulting from the impact of COVID-19. Hosted by Brian H. Le, MD, FCAP.

Ramping Up Your Lab’s COVID-19 Testing Capabilities: Best Practices & Lessons Learned Diagnosing 

Recap of the March 31, 2020 Twitter chat on challenges pathologists are facing, and overcoming, as more laboratories implement COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Hosted by ​CAP member Ziad El-Zaatari, MD. 

Diagnosing COVID-19: What Pathologists Need to Know Now

Recap of the March 10, 2020 Twitter chat focusing on what pathologists need to know about their role in diagnosing and treating patients suspected to have COVID-19. Hosted by ​CAP member Ziad El-Zaatari, MD.

CAPcasts

Listen to COVID-19 experiences, guidance, and advice.

Using Proficiency Testing to Ensure Accurate SARS-CoV-2 Testing
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, who chairs the CAP’s Microbiology Committee, discusses what pathologists and laboratories need to know about SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Pritt and committee members were instrumental in designing the CAP’s proficiency testing program for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.

Using Proficiency Testing to Ensure Accurate SARS-CoV-2 Testing

How the Federal Small Business Loan Program Can Help Pathology Practices
Jonathan Myles, MD, FCAP, who chairs the CAP’s Council on Government and Professional Affairs, explains how the federal small business loan program can help pathologists keep their practices solvent until the pandemic and national emergency are over.

How the Federal Small Business Loan Program Can Help Pathology Practices

Diagnosing COVID-19: How OHSU Pathologists Launched Testing in 15 Days
In this CAPcast interview, Richard Scanlan, MD, FCAP discusses his experiences bringing COVID-19 testing online at his institution, including some lessons learned. Dr. Scanlan is the medical director of the Oregon Health and Sciences University Hospital laboratory in Portland, Oregon.

Diagnosing COVID-19: How OHSU Pathologists Launched Testing in 15 Days

CAPcast: Diagnosing COVID-19: Advice from UW Pathologists on Ramping Up Testing Capacity
Seattle experienced the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave in the United States. UW Medicine’s Geoffrey Baird, MD, PhD, acting chair of Laboratory Medicine was at the forefront, confronting significant challenges related to diagnosing patients with this virus. In this CAPcast, Dr. Baird discusses lessons learned from testing and personnel challenges when ramping up testing capacity. In addition, Suzanne Dintzis, MD, PhD, FCAP, Associate Professor of Pathology at UW School of Medicine and current president of the Washington State Society of Pathologists, weighs in on UW’s current autopsy protocols.

Diagnosing COVID-19: Advice from UW Pathologists on Ramping Up Testing Capacity

CAP in the Media

The CAP has been working proactively to share our members’ expertise.

(please note some links may require subscriptions or may outdate due to host site changes)

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Does Coronavirus Antigen Tests' Poor Sensitivity Make Them Useless?
Medpage Today - February 3, 2021
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, speaks on behalf of the organization when discussing proposed, far-reaching testing efforts particularly using COVID-19 antigen test kits.

One year later, lab specialists reflect on life in the shadow of COVID-19
LabPulse.com - February 2, 2021
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, looks back on the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on laboratories and health systems.

Why COVID Vaccines Are Likely Safe for Pregnant People
Scientific American - February 2, 2021
David Schwartz, MD, FCAP, discusses his research, originally published in Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, into how COVID-19 affects pregnant people and newborns in addition to issues around vaccination.

When Can You Trust At-Home COVID-19 Tests?
Observer - February 1, 2021
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, voices concern for at-home COVID-19 tests' ability to accurately detect the virus in asymptomatic patients.

Supply shortages also impacting non-COVID-19 lab testing
Modern Healthcare - February 1, 2021
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, discusses supply shortages at her Vermont Medical Center laboratory: "COVID is the big issue right now, but I'm concerned that while everyone is focused on COVID we are going to have other public health issues because we are not able to do the appropriate testing that we would normally do because those supplies are short."

OHSU studying, helping confront coronavirus variants
Oregon Public Broadcasting - January 28, 2021
Donna Hansel, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses her laboratory's work with the Oregon SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing Center and their confirmation of several coronavirus variant cases.

Lab stakeholders welcome Biden moves on COVID-19 testing, suggest additional steps
Modern Healthcare - January 26, 2021
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, comments on the Biden administration's COVID-19 testing plan and potential impact on testing supplies: "It is really reagents and pipette tips that are the limiting factor right now," she said. "And those seem to be things that could be addressed by federal assistance."

'Hard truths and important facts': Biden pushes for testing reset with $50 billion plan
USA Today - January 24, 2021
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaking on behalf of the organization, says he hopes that the Biden administration's plan for COVID-19 testing will help address supply chain issues that are holding up laboratory testing.

A New Microscope Developed at Rice Could Revolutionize Cancer Surgeries
Texas Monthly - January 22, 2021
Nicholas Reder, MD, MPH, FCAP, member of the Digital and Computational Pathology Committee and speaking on behalf of the CAP, explains the pathologist's process in making a diagnosis during oncological surgeries.

President Biden Announces Plan to Expand SARS-CoV-2 Testing, Increase Capacity
360Dx - January 21, 2021
Following the Biden administration's announcement of a COVID-19 testing plan, CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, stresses the need for more supplies to run laboratory tests, particularly for COVID-19, citing data from laboratory surveys.

Multiple Pathology and Other Healthcare Organizations Request CDC Include Clinical Laboratory Personnel in First Round of COVID-19 Vaccinations
Dark Daily - January 20, 2021
Coverage of the CAP's efforts to include pathologists and laboratory professionals in early stages of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Amy Karger, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, are quoted.

Could a Smell Test Screen People for Covid-19?
The New York Times - January 19, 2021
Ameet Kini, MD, PhD, FCAP, says a potential smell test for COVID-19 could be useful, but would have similar problems as other tests already in place such as poor compliance or refusal to isolate.

What does it really mean when a new variant of Covid-19 is discovered?
WGN -TV - January 19, 2021
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, explains the evolution of viruses and how different COVID-19 variants could affect future vaccines and immunity.

'Nobody else is doing testing like we're doing testing:' A behind the scenes look at UF Health COVID-19 testing
First Coast News - January 14, 2021
Jennifer Hunt, MD, FCAP, vice chair of the CAP Council on Education and member of the CAP Engaged Leaders Network, provides a tour of the pathology laboratory at University of Florida Health, explains their COVID-19 test development, and how they've kept up with demand.

University of Vermont Microbiology Laboratory Identifies Inefficiencies When Performing Pooled Testing for COVID-19
Dark Daily - January 8, 2021
Christina M. Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, explains why her laboratory at the University of Vermont opted not to conduct pooled testing for COVID-19 due to logistical barriers as well as concerns with how the viral load in individual samples can affect the rest of the pool, which can lead to false negatives and positives.

Federal Surprise Billing Law Looks Broadly Favorable for Lab Business
360Dx - January 7, 2021
Jonathan Myles, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Government and Professional Affairs Committee, discusses the impact of the No Surprises Act on medical laboraotires. (Note: This article is available to 360Dx subscribers only.)

New COVID ‘Super Strains’ Could Disrupt Life Again
WebMD - January 7, 2021
Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses his experience in conducting genome sequencing to detect new variants of the novel coronavirus and explains how and why viruses mutate.

Critical Shortages of Supplies and Qualified Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is Taking a Toll on the Nation’s Clinical Laboratories says CAP
Dark Daily - January 4, 2021
Coverage of the CAP's virtual media briefings on COVID-19 including commentary from CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Amy Karger, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP.

What does the new SARS CoV-2 mutation really mean?
WGN -TV - January 2, 2021
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses different SARS-CoV-2 strains, how they are spread, and how they might react to vaccines.

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6 Clinical Care Predictions for 2021
HealthLeaders Magazine - December 29, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, provides his predictions on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic into 2021 saying he expects cases to decrease as the weather warms and more people are vaccinated by March or April.

'First step on way back to normal life': Doctor participates in vaccine trial
MSNBC - December 28, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, speaking as a CAP spokesperson, discusses her personal experience participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, the potential impact of a mutated coronavirus strain in the US, and the importance of educating and building trust with Black communities to combat vaccine skepticism.
Watch the full broadcast interview here. 

Covid-19 Test Makers Aim to Broaden Virus Testing Well Into Spring
The Wall Street Journal - December 24, 2020
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, comments on the necessity for COVID-19 testing as the vaccination rollout continues in 2021.

The autopsy, a fading practice, revealed secrets of COVID-19
Associated Press - December 24, 2020
Billie S. Fyfe-Kirschner, MD, FCAP; Desiree Marshall, MD, FCAP; Amy Rapkiewicz, MD, FCAP; Richard Vander Heide, MD, PhD, FCAP; Alex Williamson, MD, FCAP; and Allecia Wilson, MD, FCAP, discuss the essential practice of autopsies, what they've learned about COVID-19, difficulties with funding, and more.

How Confident Can You Be in a Coronavirus Test?
The New York Times - December 23, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, and Benjamin Mazer, MD, MBA, CAP Junior Member, comment on the nuances of COVID-19 test results and what they mean for patients.

Pathologists should get COVID-19 vaccine, CAP says
LabPulse.com - December 17, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, makes a statement on behalf of the organization in support of COVID-19 vaccinations for pathologists and laboratory professionals.

The Problems With Covid Testing for Flights
The Wall Street Journal - December 16, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, vice chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, speak on behalf of the organization when discussing COVID-19 tests and how they play into airlines' testing policies.

New At-Home Covid Test Gets Green Light From F.D.A.
The New York Times - December 15, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, member of the CAP's Engaged Leaders Network, discusses some reservations about a recently approved at-home test for COVID-19 that has shown false positives among asymptomatic patients.

Pathologists Want First Crack at COVID Vaccines
MedPage Today - December 10, 2020
Coverage of the CAP's Wednesday, Dec. 9, media briefing featuring CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Amy Karger, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Christina M. Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, discussing COVID-19 testing supply issues, vaccines, and other topics.

The Toll COVID-19 Tests are Having on Supplies for Other Tests
College of American Pathologists - December 9, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, talks with KNX 1070 News Radio about the toll COVID-19 tests are having on supplies needed for other types of testing. 

U.S. labs spent millions to bolster Covid-19 testing — and they're still struggling to keep up
NBCNEWS.com - December 5, 2020
Kathleen Beavis, MD, FCAP, discusses how the increased demand for COVID-19 tests has affected her laboratory, including longer wait times for sextually transmitted disease testing.

Testing of Asymptomatic Patients Moves Into Spotlight During Coronavirus Pandemic
360Dx - December 2, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients and her work on the COVID-19 community response coalition in San Antonio. (Note: This article is only available to subscribers of 360Dx.)

Pathologist answers questions about COVID-19 testing
KPLC-TV - December 2, 2020
John VanHoose, MD, FCAP, explains the different types of COVID-19 testing as well as the incubation period of the virus and its ability to be detected.

CAP Calls on Congress to Mitigate Sharp 2021 Medicare Cuts to Pathologists
Market Screener - December 1, 2020
The CAP released a statement from President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, objecting to planned 9% Medicare cuts to pathologists published in the final 2021 Physician Fee Schedule.

Medical centers prepare for possible rise in COVID testing
KARK.com - November 30, 2020
Jennifer Laudadio, MD, FCAP, chair of the pathology department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, discusses a possible increase in COVID-19 testing demand after the Thanksgiving holiday as those who contracted the illness begin to show symptoms.

Should Isolation Periods Be Shorter for People With Covid-19?
The New York Times - November 29, 2020
Michael Mina, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on the transmission window for COVID-19 patients and how it could be shorter than experts initially thought: “Even if you were to get the P.C.R. test right on the very first day that you could, by the time you get the results back, 90 percent of your shedding has been completed."

The demand for COVID-19 testing is up across the US, stressing labs and delaying results. Is it a sign of things to come?
USA Today - November 26, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, comments on supply shortages and turnaround times for COVID-19 testing: "What that means is we will have to choose. Does this person need this test done locally? Do we have to send it away? How quickly do we need to make that medical decision?"

Forensic pathology industry facing a workforce shortage, added work due to COVID-19
WXYZ.COM - November 25, 2020
Francisco Diaz, MD, FCAP, deputy chief medical examiner for Washington, DC, discusses how the pandemic has impacted forensic pathology: “I think every crisis brings an opportunity. And I think this is an opportunity for forensic pathology to be on the forefront and let the public at large know what we do, how we do it, and to encourage young people to pursue a career in forensic pathology."

Covid Test Crunch Means Hours-Long Waits Before Thanksgiving
Bloomberg - November 24, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaking on behalf of the organization, comments on COVID-19 testing before the Thanksgiving holiday and the necessity of preventable measures.

COVID-19 testing and Thanksgiving: What experts want you to know
Yahoo! News - November 23, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, explains how PCR tests for COVID-19 work:“ A COVID-19 test is a diagnostic test which looks at a moment in time. If you test too soon, there may not be enough viral RNA, in the setting of a PCR test, or antigen, in the setting of antigen testing, to get a positive result.”

Puzzling, often debilitating after-effects plaguing COVID-19 "long-haulers."
CBS News - November 22, 2020
Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP, appears on "60 Minutes" to discuss her research on COVID-19 and her findings from conducting autopsies at Mount Sinai Hospital.

The difference between antibody and antigen COVID-19 tests
KMVT - November 20, 2020
Matthew Burtelow MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the limited uses of COVID-19 antibody tests saying they're most helpful to help health districts better understand where the virus has been spreading.

Kansas aims to boost virus testing, but strategy unfinished
Associated Press - November 19, 2020
Samuel Caughron, MD, FCAP, discusses his laboratory's role in a new statewide COVID-19 testing strategy for Kansas.

Covid testing faces delays — again — as demand spikes ahead of the holidays
CNBC - November 19, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the organization about the importance of local laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing for quick turnaround times.

Heading into holidays, US COVID-19 testing strained again
AP - November 19, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the organization about the difficulties that laboratories are having meeting the demand for COVID-19 tests during the current pandemic surge.

FDA approves first home COVID test: Here's why most Americans won't get it before next spring
USA Today - November 18, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the organization, comments on the newly FDA-approved at-home test for COVID-19, which won't have much of an impact in the immediate future, he says. He also reiterates the importance of test accuracy and reliable data reporting.

A rush on testing strains labs, drives supply shortages
MPR News - November 18, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, discusses staffing issues in laboratories and hospitals during the pandemic's current surge: ""A lot of people are out either because they're being quarantined because of a potential exposure to someone with confirmed COVID or they themselves have COVID-19."

COVID-19 Testing and Precautions for Thanksgiving
KNX 1070 News Radio - November 16, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the CAP in this radio interview while explaining COVID-19 tests and what precautions should be taken during Thanksgiving and a pandemic surge.

What to Know About COVID Tests With Rapid Results
NBC 5 - November 16, 2020
CAP Governor Kalisha Hill, MD, MBA, FCAP, speaking on behalf of the CAP, responds to coverage of a new rapid COVID-19 blood test, saying that pathologists still consider PCR to be the "gold standard."

COVID-19 surge is leading to a shortage of ICU beds statewide
ABC 7 - November 15, 2020
Kalisha Hill, MD, MBA, FCAP, CAP Governor and member of the Engaged Leaders Network, discusses COVID-19 in the Chicago area after a significant surge in cases has led to a potential shortage of ICU beds in area hospitals.

8 Months After Virus Hit, an Ominous Sign: Long Lines for Testing Again
The New York Times - November 13, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaking on behalf of the CAP, praises the efforts of pathologists and laboratory professionals to meet the demand of COVID-19 testing.

The N.F.L. Has Prevented Coronavirus on the Field. Off It Is Another Matter.
The New York Times - November 13, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the CAP on the effectiveness of professional sports in mitigating spread of COVID-19 among athletes, but warns that community spread will be difficult to prevent.

These researchers tested positive for the coronavirus, but not because they were infected.
The New York Times - November 13, 2020
Rosemary She, MD, FCAP, comments on the fault of human error, rather than specific tests, as laboratory researchers receive false positive results for COVID-19.

Laboratory Stakeholders Weigh In On Biden Administration Priorities
360Dx - November 12, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the organization, discusses the needs of laboratories and clinicians combatting the pandemic in light of a new presidential administration. (Note: This article is only available to subscribers of 360Dx.)

Does a Negative COVID-19 Test Mean You Can Hang Out With Friends and Family? Here's What Experts Say
Parade.com - November 11, 2020
Gary Procop, MD, FCAP, discusses the different types of COVID-19 tests, their accuracy, and when you need one.

Need A Coronavirus Test? The Availability And Reliability Of COVID-19 Testing Options
90.9 WBUR - November 10, 2020
Daniel Rhoads, MD, FCAP, member of the CAP Microbiology Committee, explains what types of COVID-19 tests are available and how reliable they are.

As Hospitalizations Soar, El Paso Brings In New Mobile Morgues
The New York Times - November 10, 2020
Mario Rascon, MD, FCAP, chief medical examiner for El Paso County, discusses the significant surge of COVID-19 cases in Texas, especially in El Paso where the city has brought in more health care workers and mobile morgues.

Neutralizing COVID Antibody Assay OK'd ... But Is It Useful?
Medpage Today - November 9, 2020
Susan Fink, MD, PhD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the CAP when explaining the process of competitive binding and the potential usefulness of a new COVID-19 antibody assay.

Covid-19 Testing Saps Supplies Needed for Other Medical Tests
The Wall Street Journal - November 9, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the organization about laboratory supply chain issues affecting COVID-19 and other common laboratory tests.

COVID-19 Testing: Where Do We Stand?
Medpage Today - November 5, 2020
Richard Scanlan, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Council on Accreditation, and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, vice chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, speak on behalf of the organization on supply chain issues for COVID-19 testing and how laboratories will handle a surge this winter.

The Autopsy Is on Life Support
Slate - November 5, 2020
CAP autopsy guidelines for COVID-19 are referenced. Mary Fowkes, MD, FCAP, and Jeffrey Jhang, MD, FCAP, discuss what they've learned from autopsies they've conducted.

From saliva to wastewater: COVID-19 testing program at 3 OPS schools will take multipronged approach
Omaha.com - November 3, 2020
Mara Jana Broadhurst, MD, PhD, FCAP, is leading a pilot project for the University of Nebraska Medical Center to regularly conduct COVID-19 testing for public schools in Omaha.

Repeated cross-sectional sero-monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in New York City
Nature - November 3, 2020
Michael Nowak, MD, FCAP, contributed to a study at Mount Sinai Hospital using a weekly cross-sectional analysis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from the beginning of February to July 2020 in New York City.

Ohio State saves time, money in processing student COVID tests on campus
The Columbus Dispatch - October 30, 2020
Leona Ayers, MD, FCAP, the director at Ohio State University’s Applied Microbiology Services Lab, plans to drastically increase COVID-19 testing for students returning to school following Thanksgiving.

U-M study explores ways to increase COVID-19 testing in Michigan
Click On Detroit - October 30, 2020
Rajan Dewar, MD, PhD, FCAP, and Lee Schroeder, MD, PhD, FCAP, co-authored a study that found promoting incentives to quicken turnaround, having public health officials monitor testing operations in real-time, and coordinate testing across state lines could prevent more deaths.

COVID-19 study: Researchers recruit frontline workers to identify asymptomatic individuals
The Medical News - October 30, 2020
Ravindra Kolhe, MD, PhD, FCAP, leads yearlong study of 1,500 frontline workers to find what percentage are positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, what percentage become positive, and whether the antibodies they produce protect them from reinfection.

MSNBC Live With Craig Melvin
MSNBC - October 28, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, speaks with Craig Melvin on COVID-19 testing, pandemic fatigue, and PCR testing supply chain issues.

Why Autopsies Are Proving Vital During Covid-19
Smithsonian.com - October 28, 2020
Additional pickup of an article from Undark magazine in which Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP; Stephen Hewitt, MD, PhD, FCAP; Jeffrey Jhang, MD, FCAP; Amy Rapkiewicz, MD, FCAP; James R. Stone, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Victor Weedn, MD, JD, FCAP, discuss details on COVID-19 autopsies and tell stories from their pandemic experiences. The article also references the CAP's COVID-19 Autopsy Guidelines.

Why False Positives Merit Concern, Too
The New York Times - October 25, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, and Benjamin Mazer, MD, MBA, CAP Junior Member, discuss the potential negative outcomes of false positive COVID-19 tests.

Fast, cheap, accurate: Researchers pin hopes on Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR-technology tests to detect coronavirus
USA Today - October 24, 2020
Sophia Yohe, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Personalized Health Care Committee, speaks on behalf of the organization on scaling up use of CRISPR technology to be used for COVID-19 testing: "If you can do only one test at a time, even if it only takes 30 minutes, suddenly doing a thousand tests takes a long time," she said. "So scalability I think is an issue that has to be considered if you are looking at doing high volumes of testing."

How many Floridians really have died from COVID-19?
Sun Sentinel - October 24, 2020
Stephen Nelson, MD, FCAP, chief medical examiner for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties in Florida, discusses how the state is recording COVID-19 deaths.

Can mouthwash protect against coronavirus? Experts discuss results of viral study
Fox News - October 22, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, discusses the potential effectiveness of mouthwash in killing the COVID-19 virus after results of a study went viral on social media. She says the study is not necessarily relatable to viruses in humans and mouthwash should not be considered as an effective precaution or treatment.

COVID-19 testing strains resources for STD testing, labs say
The Augusta Chronicle - October 14, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, during the CAP20 Virtual media briefing, discuss a shortage of laboratory testing supplies, affecting not only COVID-19 testing but also gonorrhea and chlamydia testing.

FDA decision to stop quick review of lab developed tests raises payment concerns for labs
Modern Healthcare - October 14, 2020
Robert Boorstein, MD, FCAP, comments on whether laboratory accreditation organizations like the CAP would be able to step in and provide oversight after the FDA announced that it will no longer review COVID Emergency Use Authorization submissions for laboratory-developed tests.

KFDX 3 News @ 5:30am
KFDX (NBC) - October 14, 2020
Anthony Fauci, MD, was the keynote speaker at CAP20 Virtual. The discussion with CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on COVID-19 was picked up by KDFX-TV in Laughlin, Texas, and 27 other NBC affiliate stations across the country including Houston and Washington, DC.

'Difficult situation:' Nation's top infectious disease expert warns of a surge in coronavirus cases
USA Today - October 13, 2020
Anthony Fauci, MD, was the keynote speaker at CAP20 Virtual where he discussed COVID-19 and testing issues with CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP.

Testing supply shortages are "disconcerting," Fauci says
CNN.com - October 13, 2020
Anthony Fauci, MD, was the keynote speaker at CAP20 Virtual where he discussed COVID-19 and testing issues with CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP.

Fauci Says Trump Campaign Ad Uses His Words ‘Completely Out of Context’
The New York Times - October 13, 2020
Anthony Fauci, MD, was the keynote speaker at CAP20 Virtual where he discussed COVID-19 and testing issues with CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP.

How Long Does It Take for COVID-19 to Stop Being Contagious?
Healthline - October 13, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the role of a negative PCR test and how long patients with COVID-19 may remain infectious.

Dr. Emily Volk Discusses COVID-19 Testing and Pathology LIVE on SiriusXM Dr.Radio/Internal Medicine
SiriusXM - October 12, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk MD, MBA, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 testing and pathology in a LIVE hour-long interview on SiriusXM-Doctor Radio Channel 110, Oct. 13 from 8-9 AM (ET) on the Internal Medicine Show.

Which COVID-19 test should you get? Breaking down the reliability, accuracy, speed and ease of available options
WGN -TV - October 8, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the different options for COVID-19 testing: “As is the case with any type of COVID testing, it’s important to be cautious, wear masks and continue to social distance because it’s possible to get a false negative result as we are seeing in this country.”

U of M Medical School selected to join national COVID-19 antibody research network
KMSP-TV - October 8, 2020
Amy Karger, MD, PhD, FCAP, is the principle investigator for University of Minnesota Medical School that will join a national research effort on COVID-19 immunity: “We are looking forward to joining this important effort to help expand our knowledge surrounding immunity to COVID-19."

Coronavirus testing is key, but a testing-only strategy is a 'complete failure'
CNN.com - October 8, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 tests, their reliability, and the difficulty in obtaining materials like reagents: "Antigen testing has advantages and it is cheaper. It requires much less instrumentation -- some antigen tests, none at all. Antigen tests tend to be very specific, but not very sensitive, particularly in asymptomatic people."

Junior hockey league held likely COVID-19 spreader event in Cobb
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - October 6, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the organization when discussing the limitations of COVID-19 rapid tests and stresses the need for precautions like masks and social distancing.

Watch for burnout in the physician community | Laura Knight
Reno Gazette-Journal - October 6, 2020
Laura Knight, MD, FCAP, chief medical examiner for Washoe County, Nevada, authored this op-ed on physician burnout, its exacerbation by the pandemic, and the uptick in suicides among health care professionals.

White House COVID outbreak shows the limits of testing. Even the most accurate ones can miss the coronavirus early
USA Today - October 5, 2020
Richard Scanlan, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Council on Accreditation, speaks on behalf of the organization discusses the sensitivity of different COVID-19 tests and explains the "window period" that can occur between a person's infection and the test's ability to detect the infection

Rapid coronavirus tests alone don't prevent outbreaks, a CDC study shows. The White House relied on them anyway.
Business Insider - October 5, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, comments on the accuracy of PCR tests for COVID-19.

Donald Trump's COVID-19 Drive-By at Walter Reed Was 'Irresponsible'—Here's Why, According to 7 Doctors
Health.com - October 5, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, discourages travel by those with an active COVID-19 infection after President Trump left Walter Reed Hospital to greet supporters.

A negative COVID test, or even several, does not mean you don’t have the virus. Here’s why
The Boston Globe - October 5, 2020
Dani Zander, MD, FCAP, discusses the accuracy of COVID-19 tests during different phases of a patient's infection.

Officials Begin Task of Tracing Trump's Contacts
WebMD - October 2, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, comments on the need for COVID-19 testing and tracing after President Trump and several members of his staff have tested positive.

Inside the NY lab churning out 15,000 COVID-19 saliva tests per day to keep colleges open
The Chronicle-Express - October 1, 2020
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, vice chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, speaks on behalf of the organization concerning COVID-19 testing and preventative measures.

Coronavirus detected in lake water, researchers find. Experts say don't panic.
Yahoo news - September 30, 2020
Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP, comments on the risk of spread after Minnesota researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in lake water.

One number could help reveal how infectious a COVID-19 patient is. Should test results include it?
Science - September 29, 2020
The article references an August letter from the CAP Microbiology Committee that urged caution in interpreting cycle threshold value in SARS-CoV-2.

Doctors Tell Me I Have COVID. Why Won't the Tests?
GQ Magazine - September 28, 2020
James Crawford, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses how doctors use COVID-19 tests and assess pretest probability rates.

Autopsies Show Varied Forms of Heart Damage in COVID-19 Patients
The Scientist Magazine - September 24, 2020
James Stone, MD, PhD, FCAP, led a study examining the effects of COVID-19 on the heart, showing that 86% of the patients in the study had inflammation of the heart.

Transfusion medicine at Moffitt Cancer Center focuses on best practices
Medical Laboratory Observer - September 24, 2020
Kaaron Benson, MD, FCAP, medical director of the blood bank and chemistry laboratory at Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the various ways transfusion medicine is used in cancer care.

Innovation Changes the Way MSK’s Pathology Team Cares for Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - September 21, 2020
Matthew Hanna, MD, FCAP, and Sahussapont Joseph Sirintrapun, MD, FCAP, are highlighted as the pathologists who helped lead effective digital solutions that provide clinicians with the opportunity to utilize telemedicine and work remotely during the pandemic.

The Best Home Health Tests for Everything from Covid-19 to UTIs
First For Women - September 16, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, speaks about the importance of properly administering at-home tests for COVID-19.

AMA COVID-19 daily video update: What doctors wish patients knew about wearing masks
American Medical Association - September 16, 2020
Nicole Riddle, MD, FCAP, talks with other health care experts in this AMA video on the importance of wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Despite Greater Demand From Nursing Homes, Dx Firms Confident About COVID-19 Rapid Testing Capacity
360Dx - September 14, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the CAP on the difficulties facing increased COVID-19 testing including supply shortages.

Could saliva and rapid antigen tests be coronavirus game-changers in time for family gatherings this holiday season?
Cleveland.com - September 14, 2020
Daniel Rhoads, MD, FCAP, discusses the types of COVID-19 tests available including their proper uses and potential drawbacks.

AdventHealth expands COVID-19 antigen testing for staff
Orlando Sentinel - September 12, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, explains the pros and cons of antigen testing for COVID-19: “The problem with many antigen tests is sensitivity. In other words, if I have COVID-19, how likely is it that this test is going to say I have COVID-19 and that varies tremendously.”

Faster, cheaper virus tests needed heading into Fall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - September 12, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, discusses the need for more COVID-19 testing supplies and increased capabilities for local laboratories. The CAP's laboratory surveys on COVID-19 testing are also referenced.

Broad COVID-19 testing under microscope
StarTribune.com - September 12, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, explains high-cycle positives for COVID-19 tests and discusses the CAP's proficiency testing for SARS-CoV-2.

To Stop Coronavirus’ Spread, We’ll Need New Testing Technology
Discover Magazine - September 11, 2020
Benjamin Pinsky, MD, PhD, FCAP, references a recent study in which his team compared different types of COVID-19 tests.

UT researchers help develop more accurate, lower cost COVID-19 antibody test
FOX 7 Austin - September 11, 2020
Eric Salazar, MD, PhD, FCAP, authored a study that used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays COVID-19 test to evaluate 2,814 blood samples used in an ongoing study of convalescent plasma therapy.

In the absence of uniform instructions, many Bay Area schools and districts are left to create coronavirus testing programs on their own, resulting in plans that vary greatly in approach, cost and testing frequency.
San Francisco Chronicle - September 10, 2020
Christina Kong, MD, FCAP, discusses the effectiveness of pooled testing in monitoring community spread of COVID-19.

Do you need a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel? Do you still need to quarantine? What to know about the confusing rules.
USA Today - September 4, 2020
The article references an August CAP survey of 1,000 US consumers on COVID-19, which showed 91% of respondents believed getting easy to understand test results was "very important."

The Rapidly Changing COVID-19 Testing Landscape: Where Are We? Where Are We Going? Watch the replay of the CAP Media Briefing
College of American Pathologists - September 3, 2020
A recording of the CAP's livestreamed COVID-19 media briefing from Tuesday, September 1. Panelists include Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP; Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP; and Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP.

Pathologists Explore COVID-19 Testing Challenges, Breakthroughs
Medpage Today - September 2, 2020
Coverage of the CAP's COVID-19 virtual media briefing featuring Valerie Fitzhugh, MD, FCAP; Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP; and Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP.

Would Abbott's antigen test solve COVID-19 testing problems? Stakeholders emphasize caution
Modern Healthcare - September 1, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, discusses the potential impact of a new antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 that received emergency use authorization, as well as concerns regarding the test's expectations. Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, FCAP, also comments.

Metro health experts say new CDC report on COVID-19 deaths is misleading
FOX4 - August 31, 2020
Diane Peterson, MD, FCAP, explains how medical examiners complete death certificates--including the definition of underlying conditions--which are then used to track COVID-19 deaths.

Companies Rush to Shore Up Covid-19 Testing Ahead of Flu Season
The Wall Street Journal - August 30, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, discusses the difficulties posed by the convergence of flu season and the ongoing pandemic.

Cuts in Medicare payments are hurting physicians and access to healthcare | PennLive letters
PennLive.com - August 29, 2020
Anthony Simonetti, MD, MBA, FCAP, member of the CAP's Engaged Leaders Network, writes on the important role of pathology during the pandemic, and warns against proposed January 2021 Medicare payment cuts.

3 Michigan health systems won't follow CDC's new coronavirus test guidelines — yet
Detroit Free Press - August 28, 2020
Peter Millward, MD, FCAP, comments on COVID-19 testing protocols at Beaumont Health, saying decisions about whether asymptomatic people who've been exposed to COVID-19 should be tested "has always been left up to the clinician/doctor’s discretion.”

Not all coronavirus tests are the same: What to know about the different types
Detroit Free Press - August 28, 2020
Richard Zarbo, MD, DMD, FCAP, guides readers through the different types of tests for COVID-19: "If you're looking for a diagnostic test to diagnose whether you have COVID or not, the best test, the gold standard, is a PCR-based test out of a hospital-based laboratory or a reference laboratory."

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Viral Shedding in Pediatric Patients Infected With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): Under the Surface
The JAMA Network - August 28, 2020
Meghan Delaney, DO, MPH, FCAP, coauthored this editorial on the effects of COVID-19 on children and the likelihood that many are unknowingly spreading the virus.

VERIFY: No, coronavirus death counts aren't being inflated
Krem.com - August 27, 2020
Sally Aiken, MD, FCAP, explains the process for counting COVID-19 deaths and says the data do not show that deaths are being intentionally or unintentionally inflated.

Want to get a COVID-19 antibody test? Consider donating blood
Kgw.com - August 25, 2020
Donna Hansel, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 antibody tests: "We still have a long way to go to understand what those antibodies mean, if it offers any sort of protections, and also how long hose antibodies last."

COVID-19 Autopsies Reveal Ravages of 'Terrible, Terrible' Disease
Medscape - August 21, 2020
Alex Williamson, MD, FCAP, member of the CAP's Autopsy Committee, speaks on behalf of the organization when discussing the details pathologists have learned from autopsies on COVID-19 patients. Bennet Omalu, MD, MBA, MPH, FCAP, and Amy Rapkiewicz, MD, FCAP, also comment.

What Maryland’s statewide COVID-19 antibody study entails and hopes to reveal
WTOP.com - August 21, 2020
Moira Larsen, MD, MBA, FCAP, is working on a statewide study in Maryland that is attempting to learn more about the spread of COVID-19 through large-scale antibody testing.

Fishing boat outbreak suggests antibodies protect against COVID-19 reinfection
LiveScience - August 21, 2020
Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, FCAP, studied an outbreak of COVID-19 on a fishing boat, which provides some of the best evidence to date that antibodies can protect people from the virus.

Mother transmitted COVID-19 to baby during pregnancy, UTSW physicians report
UT Southwestern Medical Center - August 20, 2020
Dinesh Rakheja, MD, FCAP, explains his diagnosis and further analysis of an infant who contracted COVID-19 from its mother.

3 More New Hampshire Residents Die During Coronavirus Pandemic
Yahoo news - August 19, 2020
Isabella Martin, MD, FCAP, is conducting research on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater to help understand the virus's spread in certain regions.

Why Pooled Testing for the Coronavirus Isn't Working
The New York Times - August 18, 2020
Christina Kong, MD, FCAP, comments on the effectiveness of COVID-19 pooled testing to help with contact tracing for tracking outbreaks in social groups like schools.

Carroll Hospital enters partnership to study how many people have gotten COVID-19, and where
The Baltimore Sun - August 18, 2020
Christopher Grove, MD, FCAP, chief of pathology at Carroll Hospital, will work with 13 other hospital laboratories in Maryland on a COVID-19 antibody study.

COVID-19 Saliva Test: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Heavy.com - August 15, 2020
Chen Liu, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on increased testing capacity from a new saliva-based laboratory diagnostic test.

How will COVID-19 affect the coming flu season? Scientists struggle for clues
Science - August 14, 2020
Benjamin Pinsky, MD, PhD, FCAP, co-authored a study on interactions between seasonal respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2.

New study questions effectiveness of neck fleece masks
Kens5.com - August 10, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, explains how masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 and comments on a recent study on the effectiveness of different types of face coverings.

‘It’s Like Having No Testing’: Coronavirus Test Results Are Still Delayed
The New York Times - August 5, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, is interviewed on COVID-19 testing issues. “We literally ration tests,” said Dr. Godbey on supply shortages that he's experienced at his laboratories.

States band together to get rapid COVID-19 tests – so why isn’t Georgia one of them?
Wsbtv.com - August 5, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, comments on the supply shortage for COVID-19 tests in this story covering a new interstate initiative to procure more rapid COVID-19 tests.

I'm an Infectious Disease Doctor and Here's When This Will All Be Over
Eat This - August 5, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, describes the long-term presence of COVID-19 and gives his opinion on best-case scenarios saying, "It's going to tail off, not end abruptly. I think COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely."

Covid-19 testing delays create a public health nightmare as schools and workplaces try to reopen
CNBC - August 2, 2020
The article cites the CAP's COVID-19 laboratory survey mentioning testing supply shortages. Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, also comments on the difficulty of finding testing supplies.

New Research Defines Intrauterine Placental Transmission of COVID-19 From Pregnant Women to the Fetus
Market Screener - July 30, 2020
David Schwartz, MD, FCAP, led a study to examine whether vertical transmission occurs and if it develops in the uterus prior to delivery in a new research article published in the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

‘Trib Talk’: A Utah ER doctor and a medical examiner discuss the fight against COVID-19
The Salt Lake Tribune - August 3, 2020
Erik Christensen, MD, FCAP, medical examiner for Utah, discusses COVID-19 and its impact in the state.

‘I want to know what happened to him’: Family seeks answers for Oregon's youngest COVID-19 fatality
OregonLive - July 31, 2020
Desiree Marshall, MD, FCAP, reviewed an autopsy summary and describes the likely cause of death for Oregon's youngest COVID-19 patient.

FDA opens door to rapid, at-home screening for COVID-19
USA Today - July 29, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, comments on behalf of the CAP on the accuracy and validity of rapid testing.

How to Test More People for Coronavirus Without Actually Needing More Tests
The New York Times - July 27, 2020
Steven Hinrichs, MD, FCAP, discusses how his team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has used pooled COVID-19 testing for public health surveillance.

Stanford Health Care can begin pooled testing for COVID-19
Stanford Medicine - July 27, 2020
Christina Kong, MD, FCAP, discusses the best uses for pooled testing for COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing capacity and supplies are strained. Some labs are turning to pooling tests to meet the demand.
USA Today - July 25, 2020
Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, and CAP president-elect, discusses pool testing and whether that can help ease the strain on US laboratories.

Self-Swab COVID-19 Home Testing Found Comparable
Medscape - July 22, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on a new study on the effectiveness of at-home testing for COVID-19, saying, "Of note, the vast majority of participants in this study were health care workers themselves, raising the question as to whether they may do a better job in collecting a sample, compared to the general public."

OU Medicine professors discuss COVID-19 testing, supply shortage in livestream interview
OU Daily - July 21, 2020
Cindy McCloskey, MD, FCAP, and Michael Talbert, MD, FCAP, from OU Medicine hosted a livestream to discuss issues surrounding COVID-19 testing.

Big Data and Collaboration Seek to Fight Covid-19
The Scientist Magazine - July 21, 2020
Stephen Hewitt, MD, PhD, FCAP, is currently aggregating and digitizing human tissue samples from deceased COVID-19 patients across the country as part of the National COVID Cohort Collaborative.

Months into pandemic, U.S. still can't get speedy testing right
Houston Chronicle - July 22, 2020
William Morice, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses issues facing COVID-19 testing in the US, including improvements on timely turnaround and supply acquisition.

What Accounts For High Coronavirus Positivity Rates Among Florida Kids?
National Public Radio - July 17, 2020
Meghan Delaney, DO, MPH, FCAP, explains the high rates of children testing positive for COVID-19, particularly in Florida.

Uncounted millions had COVID-19 symptoms, but no positive test
USA Today - July 17, 2020
Donna Hansel, MD, PhD, FCAP, stresses the importance of accurate testing for COVID-19.

How Does COVID-19 Affect Your Body In The Long Term?
Player FM - July 16, 2020
Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the long term effects of COVID-19 on patients.

Everything to Know About COVID-19 Antibody Testing
Allure Magazine - July 15, 2020
Amy Karger, MD, PhD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Point of Care Testing Committee, explains how antibody testing works and what the results can tell individuals and health experts about COVID-19.

Profile of a killer — Unraveling the deadly new coronavirus: ‘There’s light at the end of tunnel, but it’s a very, very long tunnel’
Chicago Tribune - July 15, 2020
Desiree Marshall, MD, FCAP, discusses the importance of autopsies in learning more about COVID-19 and its spread.

3M, MIT team up to develop quicker, cheaper COVID-19 test
StarTribune.com - July 14, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, provides background on antigen tests.

Collection method, sample timing can impact COVID-19 test results
WRAL.com - July 13, 2020
George Clarke, MD, FCAP, explains how the collection process and patient exposure timeline can affect results of a COVID-19 test.

Covid-19 Coronvairus May Be Transmitted Via The Womb During Pregnancy
Forbes - July 13, 2020
Dinesh Rakheja, MD, FCAP, coauthored a case report that suggests a pregnant woman could potentially transmit SARS-CoV2 to the fetus through the womb.

Efforts to expand Massachusetts coronavirus testing hit snags
Boston Herald - July 12, 2020
Rebecca Osgood, MD, FCAP, describes several issues affecting the supply chain for COVID-19 testing.

Fact check: Though nasal test for COVID-19 swabs deep into the nose, nothing is implanted
USA Today - July 11, 2020
Micah Bhatti, MD, PhD, FCAP, explains why nasal swabs are used for COVID-19 testing in an article debunking recent internet conspiracy theories that speculate nasal swabs may be used to place implants in unsuspecting patients.

Pathologist found blood clots in 'almost every organ' during autopsies on Covid-19 patients
CNN - July 10, 2020
Amy Rapkiewicz, MD, FCAP, is interviewed on CNN's OutFront about autopsy findings that show extensive blood clotting in COVID-19 patients.

Labs plead with Pence for help with coronavirus test supplies
LabPulse.com - July 9, 2020
The CAP joins other laboratory organizations to request the federal government and Vice President Mike Pence to address persistent supply problems that are hampering molecular and serology testing for COVID-19.

How Accurate Are COVID-19 Diagnostic and Antibody Tests?
Healthline - July 8, 2020
President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, and Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, vice chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, speak on behalf of the CAP on how to conduct different types of COVID-19 tests including the advantages and accuracy of each.

COVID-19 can’t pass the smell test
KABC - July 8, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, comments on studies showing that some COVID-19 patients lose their sense of smell, saying viruses can often inflame the olfactory nerves.

Pathologist shares findings from autopsies of COVID-19 patients
MSNBC - July 8, 2020
Mary Elizabeth Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP, CAP Governor, discusses what pathologists have learned from autopsies on COVID-19 patients.

As coronavirus surges elsewhere, Nebraska labs report supply shortages, long wait times
Omaha.com - July 8, 2020
Deborah Perry, MD, FCAP, comments on COVID-19 testing supply shortages, especially reagents, at her Nebraska hospital laboratory.

Samuel K. Caughron: Stop Medicare cuts to pathologists during pandemic
The Topeka Capital-Journal - July 4, 2020
Samuel K. Caughron, MD, FCAP, recounts the essential role of pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic and warns against scheduled payment cuts to non-evaluation and management services in 2021.

Congress needs to protect physicians from Medicare cuts
The Hill - July 2, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, authored this piece that covers the essential role of pathologists and other health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the federal government has helped support them through telemedicine and Paycheck Protection Program policies. However, the planned January 2021 payment reductions to all non-evaluation and management services is still of serious concern.

With spike in coronavirus infections, demand for COVID-19 testing surges in San Antonio
San Antonio Express-News - June 30, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, co-chairs a COVID-19 Community Response Coalition for the San Antonio Area, which plans to survey local testing providers, laboratories, and employers every two weeks to gauge demand for testing.
Note: This article is only available to San Antonio Express-News subscribers.

CAP survey: Labs are high on coronavirus test capacity, but still short of supplies
LabPulse.com - July 1, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, discusses the results of a newly released CAP survey of laboratories in the US.

Autopsies are more important than ever. Here’s what they can tell us.
Popular Science - July 1, 2020
Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP, explains how pathologists conduct autopsies and what can be learned from them.
Dr. Fowkes also discussed autopsies in The Washington Post. 

Everyday Heroes: Hospital Laboratory Works Behind the Scenes
The Brunswick News - June 30, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, discusses the essential role of medical laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic: "We’re involved in the care of almost every hospital patient.”

Medical Laboratory Test Data and Clinical Lab 2.0 are Powering Dashboards That Help Providers Mitigate COVID-19 and Improve Population Health
Dark Daily - June 24, 2020
Jordan Olson, MD, FCAP, discusses the use of informatics dashboards in tracking COVID-19 testing data at Geisinger Health System.
This article is further pickup from an April article in 360Dx.

Digitizing And Automating Unsung Heroics: The Case Of Pathology
Forbes - June 23, 2020
Alexander Baras, MD, PhD, FCAP, director of informatics for the department of pathology and the director of precision medicine informatics at Johns Hopkins, discusses the details of digital pathology practice and resulting data. The CAP is also mentioned in regard to its lack of official approval on using AI for image analysis-based diagnosis.

I’m a COVID-19 lab director. This is why the integrity of my testing depends on investment in people
Fast Company - June 18, 2020
Li Jin, MD, PhD, FCAP, authored this article explaining the complexities of COVID-19 testing, the need for laboratory funding, and requirements for highly skilled laboratory professionals.

Galveston Co. provides free antibody tests after COVID-19 spike
ABC13.com - June 17, 2020
Michael Laposata, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the effectiveness of COVID-19 antibody tests and how he helped select what he sees as the best option for his hospital's patient community.

Harvey Fineberg Reviews the US Pandemic Response
Medscape - June 17, 2020
George Lundberg, MD, FCAP, interviews Harvey Fineberg, MD, PhD, of Harvard's Institute of Medicine on the US response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota mass gathering participants eligible for COVID-19 testing
Mayo Clinic News Network - June 16, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, highlights the importance of proper follow up and precautions following a COVID-19 test: "Whether your results are positive or negative, it's important that you know so you can take the right steps in stopping the spread of the virus."

What Zebra Mussels Can Tell Us About Errors In Coronavirus Tests
National Public Radio - June 15, 2020
The CAP's COVID-19 proficiency testing is mentioned and Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Microbiology Committee, comments on new research on how PCR testing and its use on studying mussels could help reduce false positive tests for COVID-19. Listen to the full radio interview. 

In-house antibody testing now available through University of Iowa Health Care
KWQC-TV6 News - June 15, 2020
Matthew Krasowski, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on the antibody testing for COVID-19 available at University of Iowa Health Care, but says, "However, it’s important to note that we don’t yet know if antibodies will provide protective immunity against COVID-19.”

Antibody testing for COVID-19 not as helpful as hoped
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - June 13, 2020
Kymberly Gyure, MD, FCAP, says the current use of antibody testing for COVID-19 is limited, mostly for small epidemiological studies or to use as a screen for plasma donors.

Science in Action: The medical complexity of COVID-19
BBC - June 4, 2020
On the BBC podcast "Science in Action," Mary Fowkes, MD, PhD, FCAP, and member of the CAP Board of Governors, discusses the occurrence of strokes in COVID-19 patients as well as the disruption of the immune system.

Cancer Researchers Have a Head Start in Fight Against COVID-19
Roswellpark - June 3, 2020
Joanne Becker, MD, FCAP, has been leading convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

WVU producing swabs for virus testing
Hampshire Review - June 3, 2020
Peter Perrotta, MD, FCAP, comments on the shortages of critical testing supplies and the production of swabs at West Virginia University.

Video and Transcript--Testing, Testing, and More Testing: Newswise Live COVID-19 Expert Panel
Newswise - May 29, 2020
The CAP hosted a virtual news conference on COVID-19 testing featuring Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; Bobbi S. Pritt, MD, FCAP; Raouf Nahkleh, MD, FCAP; and Emily Volk, MD, FCAP. The panel discusses the status of testing capacity and the types of tests available including antigen testing.

How many people have coronavirus? Sometimes, it's just a guess
CNN.com - May 26, 2020
Michael Misialek, MD, FCAP, discusses the use of a tracheal aspirate test for making a difficult COVID-19 diagnosis as well as the various factors that can affect testing accuracy.

Here's How to Use Hand Sanitizer the Right Way
InStyle - May 26, 2020
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, on behalf of the CAP, explains the effectiveness of hand sanitizer on different types of bacteria and viruses.

Clearing confusion
San Antonio Express-News - May 23, 2020
Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, explains COVID-19 antibody testing in this letter to the editor.

Placenta Injury Observed in Pregnant Women Who Test Positive For Coronavirus
Forbes - May 22, 2020
Jeffrey Goldstein, MD, FCAP, is the lead author of a new study from Northwestern University that found "there might be something clot-forming about coronavirus, and it’s happening in the placenta."

UMMC reaches milestone: 10,000 COVID-19 tests and counting
The Clarion-Ledger - May 22, 2020
Timothy Allen, MD, JD, FCAP, discusses his team's approach to creating an in-house COVID-19 test at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Blood Shortage Looms in U.S.
Medpage Today - May 21, 2020
Glenn Ramsey, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Transfusion, Apheresis, and Cellular Therapy Committee, discusses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the US blood supply and donors.

Valley doctor says not all coronavirus test sites are ‘legit’
KRGV.com - May 21, 2020
Ravindra Veeramachaneni, MD, FCAP, explains legitimate testing sites for COVID-19, which are officially recognized by the county governments in Texas.

Mayo Clinic doctors find many COVID-19 antibody tests fail their quality standards: ABC News exclusive
ABC News - Go.com - May 21, 2020
William Morice, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on the rushed development and vetting process of COVID-19 antibody tests that may be leading to an increase in unreliable tests on the market.

10 things to know about COVID-19 testing
MD Anderson Cancer Center - May 21, 2020
Micah Bhatti, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses how COVID-19 testing works, the reliability of at-home tests, and more.

OHSU working toward reliable antibody test
KATU - May 21, 2020
Donna Hansel, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses antibody test development at Oregon Health and Science University as well as some concerns she has about the tests currently available including how patients understand them.

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus Testing
US News & World Report - May 20, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, speaks on behalf of the CAP regarding COVID-19 testing, including the role of antibody testing. convalescent plasma donors, and testing supply shortages.

COVID-19 data chief claims she was fired for refusing to “manipulate data” to back reopening Florida
Salon.com - May 19, 2020
Stephen Nelson, MD, FCAP, comments on claims that Florida officials pressured health care professionals to manipulate numbers related to COVID-19 cases and deaths: "This is no different than any other public record we deal with," he said. "It's paid for by taxpayer dollars, and the taxpayers have a right to know."

How COVID-19 Deaths Are Counted
Scientific American - May 19, 2020
Sally Aiken, MD, FCAP, discusses how medical examiners confirm COVID-19 deaths when cause of death isn't always clear and how the practice supports accurate death counts.

What Tests for COVID-19 Antibodies Can and Can’t Tell Us About the Disease
Healthline - May 14, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses shortcomings of currently available COVID-19 antigen tests

What to Know About Coronavirus Testing
WebMD - May 14, 2020
Gary Procop, MD, MS, FCAP, discusses a study that compared the results and accuracy of five COVID-19 tests and the potential harm caused by false negatives.

How Much Testing Does the U.S. Need to Reopen?
The New Yorker - May 14, 2020
Brian Jackson, MD, FCAP, says that financial uncertainty is one of the major constraints holding back the US testing capacity for COVID-19.

CAP outlines limits of coronavirus serology tests
LabPulse.com - May 13, 2020
In a statement from CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, the CAP detailed its position on current serology testing, reiterating it is no substitute for nucleic acid tests for making a diagnosis.

Gov. Abbott Said 25,000 COVID-19 Tests By Mid-May. Will That Happen?
KERA News - May 12, 2020
Joe Saad, MD, FCAP, discusses shortages in COVID-19 testing supplies including reagents and viral transport media, the latter of which his laboratory began making on its own.

Labs absorb revenue losses, adapt to a 'new normal'
LabPulse.com - May 11, 2020
CAP President Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP; President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP; and Jonathan Myles, MD, FCAP, chair of the Council on Government and Professional Affairs discuss the findings of the CAP's survey of US laboratory directors.

SARS-CoV-2 Testing Problems Started Early; US Still Playing From Behind
360Dx - May 11, 2020
CAP President-Elect Emily Volk, MD, MBA, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 testing and how it has improved despite early setbacks. Jordan Laser, MD, FCAP, also comments.
The article also appeared in Modern Healthcare.

COVID-19 test shortages persist in Illinois, crimping plans for return to normal
ABC7Chicago.com - May 7, 2020
In this TV interview, Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP, comments on the results of the CAP laboratory survey that showed COVID-19 testing supply shortages in the majority of US laboratories. Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, also comments on her laboratory's testing experience.

California's race to conduct as many as 80,000 covid-19 tests every day
MIT Technology Review - May 5, 2020
Christina Kong, MD, FCAP, discusses how laboratories in California are handling COVID-19 testing demand and supply shortages.

VERIFY: Are doctors inaccurately reporting deaths as COVID-19-related
CBS 19 - May 4, 2020
John Wayne, MD, FCAP, explains how death certificates are completed including guidelines for recording COVID-19 deaths.

The Search Is On for America’s Earliest Coronavirus Deaths
The Wall Street Journal - May 4, 2020
James Gill, MD, FCAP, discusses how COVID-19 deaths are identified and what may hamper investigators looking for early cases.

Keeping Pace with the Pandemic
The Pathologist - May 4, 2020
Marisa Saint Martin, MD, FCAP, writes about the importance of mindfulness and meditation during times of crisis and how she has found purpose through her work as a pathologist.

Letters: ‘I do not intend to go to movie theaters, restaurants’
Houston Chronicle - May 4, 2020
In this letter to the editor, Abdul Abid, MD, MBBS, CAP Junior Member and member of the CAP Engaged Leaders Network, explains the essential role of pathologists during the pandemic.

Newsviews: Dr. Karen Kaul
ABC7Chicago.com - May 3, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the NorthShore University HealthSystem early COVID-19 test development and their implementation of antibody testing.

Team effort makes free COVID-19 testing site in southwest Little Rock a success
Thv11.com - May 2, 2020
Jennifer Hunt, MD, FCAP, member of the CAP Engaged Leaders Network, oversaw a drive-through COVID-19 testing site organized by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

AMP, CAP, Others Request Medicare Coverage for Respiratory Panel Tests
360Dx - April 30, 2020
The CAP, along with five other medical organizations, submitted a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services advocating for national coverage for multiplex respiratory viral panel tests.

CDC: Coronavirus and other causes behind increase in deaths in U.S.
NBCNEWS.com - April 30, 2020
Sally Aiken, MD, FCAP, and James Gill, MD, FCAP, comment on tracking the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 and recommend saving samples of the deceased for future testing when more supplies are available.

Autopsies provide crucial information for fighting COVID-19
Popular Science - April 30, 2020
Alex Williamson, MD, FCAP, member of the CAP's Autopsy Committee, discusses the crucial role of medical examiners and autopsies in learning more about COVID-19.

Testing an Old Therapy Against a New Disease: Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19
The JAMA Network - April 30, 2020
Beth Shaz, MD, FCAP, discusses the effectiveness of convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19.

Oh! So THAT’s what a pathologist does during the coronavirus pandemic
Miami Herald - April 29, 2020
Khaled Algashaamy, MD, CAP Junior Member, and member of the Engaged Leaders Network, authored this article that highlights and explains the role of pathologists during a pandemic while detailing how the laboratories at the University of Miami developed and implemented COVID-19 testing.

How accurate is the US coronavirus death count? Some experts say it's off by 'tens of thousands'
ABC News - Go.com - April 29, 2020
On behalf of the CAP, Alex Williamson, MD, FCAP, comments on the need for more testing to determine the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chicago doctor who treated coronavirus in Wuhan says lessons learned offer hope for Illinois
ABC7Chicago.com - April 28, 2020
Shu-Yuan Xiao, MD, FCAP, recounts his experience in Wuhan at the outbreak of COVID-19 and comments on the spread of the disease in the US and Chicago where he works at the University of Chicago.

Telepathology: Part 2 -- Putting plans into action
LabPulse.com - April 27, 2020
Jesus Chavez, MD, CAP Junior Member; Zoltan Laszik, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Giovanni Lujan, MD, FCAP, discuss the successes and challenges of working remotely and how best to implement digital pathology.

Pathologists Hunt for Earlier Coronavirus Cases in New York
The Wall Street Journal - April 27, 2020
Alain Borczuk, MD, FCAP, and his team at Weill Cornell Medicine are trying to determine if deaths before March in New York might have been initially undetected COVID-19 cases.

1,000 Boston residents to be randomly tested for COVID-19 antibodies in hard-hit neighborhoods
WHDH-TV - April 27, 2020
David Louis, MD, FCAP, says randomized COVID-19 testing in Boston “will also give us information on things like whether someone is ready to go back to work potentially, and it will also give us information on understanding what it means to be immune.”

Telepathology: Part 1 -- COVID-19 gives home working a push
LabPulse.com - April 26, 2020
Eric Glassy, MD, FCAP, discusses effective digital pathology practice for those pathologists working remotely after the temporary waiver from the federal government.

Questions about COVID-19 tests persist in Crossroads, across county
Victoria Advocate - April 25, 2020
Leilani Valdes, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Professional and Community Engagement Committee and member of the Engaged Leaders Network, discusses the effectiveness and limitations of COVID-19 testing.

Utah And New Mexico Lead The Region In COVID-19 Testing. Here's How They've Done It
KUNC - April 24, 2020
Richard Scanlan, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Council on Accreditation, comments on the relative success of COVID-19 testing at laboratories in Utah and New Mexico.

1 in 5 New Yorkers May Have Had Covid-19, Antibody Tests Suggest
The New York Times - April 23, 2020
Joan Cangiarella, MD, FCAP, is skeptical about the effectiveness of antibody testing, saying more data is needed to determine effectiveness and immunity to COVID-19.

Liron Pantanowitz: The importance of digital pathology
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - April 23, 2020
In this letter to the editor, Liron Pantanowitz, MD, FCAP, explains the essential role of pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the importance of reliable digital pathology systems.

Letter: Laboratory professionals dedicated to fighting virus
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - April 23, 2020
In light of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, Christopher O’Conor, MD, PhD, CAP Junior Member, authored this letter to the editor highlighting pathologists, laboratory professionals, and the essential work they do in the laboratory during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA approves at-home COVID-19 test
UPI.com - April 21, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, explains a new FDA approved at-home COVID-19 test.

F.D.A. Approves First In-Home Test for Coronavirus
The New York Times - April 21, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on in-home COVID-19 testing and how it could help patients with mobility difficulties and support telemedicine initiatives.

What will it take to have adequate virus testing?
WCAX-TV CBS - April 21, 2020
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, explains the COVID-19 testing process at University of Vermont Medical Center, the sensitivity of different tests, and supply shortages.

Letters to the Editor - Lab technicians
The Dallas Morning News - April 19, 2020
Assad Joe Saad, MD, FCAP, and member of the CAP's Engaged Leaders Network, authored this letter to the editor that explains laboratory testing and highlights the role of the pathologist during the COVID-19 pandemic and National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.

The unsung heroes of the coronavirus battle: laboratory technicians
Hartford Courant - April 18, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, coauthored this article that highlights the essential role of laboratory professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Test troubles cloud Trump recovery effort
PBS NewsHour - April 17, 2020
Meghan Delaney, DO, MPH, FCAP, comments on the shortage of reagents that is hampering COVID-19 testing efforts in her laboratory at Children's National Hospital.

Rapid coronavirus test, commonly used in US, may miss infections in some situations
CNBC - April 16, 2020
Michael Misialek, MD, FCAP, discusses the reported shortcomings and overall effectiveness of the new rapid coronavirus test.

Last responders: The grim job of medical examiners in the COVID-19 pandemic
ABC News - Go.com - April 16, 2020
Angela N. Baldwin, MD, CAP Junior Member, authored this piece profiling the role of medical examiners during a pandemic.

Coronavirus tests for antibodies coming, but public health experts question accuracy
ABC7Chicago.com - April 15, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses serological tests, their reliability, and their accuracy.

Antibody Tests For Coronavirus Can Miss The Mark
National Public Radio - April 15, 2020
Jordan Laser, MD, FCAP, comments on the usefulness and specificity of new antibody tests to determine patients' COVID-19 immune status.

Daily virtual lectures meet pathology residents where they are
LabPulse.com - April 14, 2020
Christina Arnold, MD, FCAP, discusses the CAP's free online lecture series geared toward pathology residents who may be missing educational opportunities due to the pandemic.

Test makers, FDA struggling with shift from molecular to serology testing for SARS-CoV-2
BioWorld - April 14, 2020
Christina Wojewoda, MD, FCAP, discusses the viability of serology testing in assessing the current and future spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Marc Siegel takes rapid COVID-19 test live on 'Tucker Carlson Tonight'
Fox News - April 13, 2020
Michael Misialek, MD, FCAP, conducts a rapid COVID-19 test on medical correspondent Marc Siegel, MD, during a live interview on the cable news network.

Delayed coronavirus test results strain Washington’s resources and leave patients in limbo
The Seattle Times - April 8, 2020
Eric Konnick, MD, MS, FCAP, comments on the difference in test cost among various types of laboratories.

Coronavirus deaths may be undercounted in Alabama, doctors say
AL.com - April 8, 2020
Randy Hanzlick, MD, FCAP, provides background on autopsies, cause of death, and death certificates and how those might affect tracking COVID-19 deaths.

White House Adviser Kudlow: Looking to reopen economy as soon as health experts give green light
Yahoo! Finance - April 7, 2020
Roger Klein, MD, JD, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 testing, the spread of the pandemic, and implications on the duration of the crisis in this video interview.

Delays and Shortages Exacerbate Coronavirus Testing Gaps in the U.S.
The New York Times - April 7, 2020
Elaine Cham, MD, FCAP, discusses her laboratory's experience with COVID-19 testing and some of the challenges brought about by supply shortages and long turnaround times.

Lab workers are unseen warriors fighting the coronavirus
ABC News - Go.com - April 4, 2020
Timothy Allen, MD, JD, FCAP, and Kathleen Beavis, MD, FCAP, speak on behalf of the CAP when discussing the essential work being done by pathologists and laboratory professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. CAP Junior Member Angela Baldwin, MD, authored the article.

Cook County medical examiner searching for warehouse as it braces for more coronavirus deaths. ‘We want to treat the deceased with the respect they deserve’
Chicago Tribune - April 1, 2020
Sally Aiken, MD, FCAP, comments on autopsy guidelines and best practices in light of an increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'This Is Truly a Last Resort.' Makers Are 3D Printing Ventilator Parts and Sewing Masks Amid a Critical Shortage in Medical Supplies
Time Magazine - April 1, 2020
Guillermo Tearney, MD, PhD, FCAP, is part of a team investigating alternative supplies in preparation for shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Performing the coronavirus test: ‘a tennis ball that doesn’t bounce straight’
Arkansas Times - March 31, 2020
Jennifer Hunt, MD, FCAP, explains how COVID-19 testing works, including some of the challenges laboratories are facing.

Post-Op HPV Vaccine Cuts Cervical Precancer Recurrences
Medpage Today - March 31, 2020
Cornelia Trimble, MD, FCAP, comments on the effectiveness of HPV vaccines after patients have undergone surgery for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Cambridge biotech seeks OK for coronavirus test that delivers results in 15 minutes
The Boston Globe - March 31, 2020
David Louis, MD, FCAP, comments on newly developed rapid tests for COVID-19.

More on stimulus' health tech boosts
Politico - March 30, 2020
Coverage of the CAP's advocacy work with CMS for a temporary waiver giving pathologists the flexibility needed to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labs scrambling to test for COVID-19 face same obstacle: Not enough supplies
The Buffalo News - March 30, 2020
John Tomaszewski, MD, FCAP, discusses the shortage of testing supplies facing many laboratories.

UMMC begins in-house testing for COVID-19
WJTV News Channel 12 - March 27, 2020
Timothy Allen, MD, JD, FCAP, discusses the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) laboratory's COVID-19 testing validation and implementation.

Some Chicagoans report lengthy delays on coronavirus test results: More than a week later, ‘I still have nothing’
The Chicago Tribune - March 27, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, describes the process for COVID-19 testing at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

Cough, Fever, Fatigue? Head to CDC's Online Coronavirus Symptom Checker
US News & World Report - March 27, 2020
Gary Procop, MD, FCAP, comments on the usefulness of the CDC's online coronavirus symptom tracker in helping to alleviate hospital overcrowding and manage patients.

Promising new 15-minute test for coronavirus comes with caveats
ABC News - March 26, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, explains the types of testing being done for COVID-19 as well as test development and availability. The article is authored by Angela Baldwin, MD, CAP Junior Member, and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.

Mayo shifts into overdrive: 24 hours a day, 4,000 tests and climbing
PostBulletin.com - March 25, 2020
Bobbi Pritt, MD, FCAP, discusses the challenges faced by laboratories and health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Mayo Clinic's efforts to increase testing.

Start-Ups Jump the Gun on Home Kits for Coronavirus Testing
The New York Times - March 23, 2020
Sheldon Campbell, MD, PhD, FCAP, voices concern over direct-to-consumer tests for COVID-19.

The standard coronavirus test, if available, works well—but can new diagnostics help in this pandemic?
Science - March 22, 2020
Benjamin Pinsky, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on supply shortages and other issues laboratories are facing with COVID-19 testing.

Inside the South Korean Labs Churning Out Coronavirus Tests
The Wall Street Journal - March 19, 2020
Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, FCAP, comments on his University of Washington laboratory's rush to find live virus samples when developing COVID-19 tests before the disease began spreading in the region.

So far, so good for pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2
LabPulse.com - March 19, 2020
Further coverage of a new study in the CAP's Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, authored by David A. Schwartz, MD, FCAP. that found no apparent transfer of COVID-19 between mother and fetus.

What to know about social distancing strategies amid coronavirus outbreak
ABC13.com - March 19, 2020
Angela Baldwin, MD, CAP Junior Member, member of the ABC News Medical Unit, answers common questions and explains effective social distancing in relation to COVID-19.

How Washington Failed to Build a Robust Coronavirus Testing System
The Wall Street Journal - March 18, 2020
Richard Scanlan, MD, FCAP, comments on the high demand and supply for COVID-19 testing.

WGN News at Ten
WGN - March 17, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses COVID-19 test development, criteria, turnaround time, and supplies after her team at NorthShore University HealthSystem implemented testing. Watch the interview.

Testing criteria for COVID-19 is critical
WIBW 13 News - March 17, 2020
Richard Gomez, MD, FCAP, discusses the criteria for COVID-19 testing considering patients' risk, exposure, and condition.

Coronavirus Test Developed, And Available, At Evanston Hospital, With Results In Just Hours
CBS Chicago - March 16, 2020
Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, FCAP, discusses the rapid development and implementation of COVID-19 testing at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

For Patients

Interested in at-home testing and how it relates to COVID-19? Read our At-home testing and COVID-19 questions and answers.

The CAP provides this easy to view table: Clarifying Tests for COVID-19.

The CDC provides information related to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Learn more about pathologists and their critical role on the health care team.

For Media

For inquiries related to laboratory medicine and the pathologists’ role in COVID-19, please contact media@cap.org.