Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination

CDC LOCS

On March 18, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention. Clinical laboratories should review the Lab Tools for Measles for information on…

Upcoming CLIAC Meeting

CDC LOCS

On March 26, 2024, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) published information about the upcoming virtual CLIAC meeting, which will take place April 10. The biannual CLIAC meetings are an excellent opportunity for laboratory professionals to receive quality and safety updates from CDC, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Food…

Lab Advisory: Guidance for Specimens and Clinical Waste Suspected to Contain Clade I Monkeypox Virus

CDC LOCS

Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a Safety Advisory Notice regarding the classification of monkeypox virus (MPXV) specimens and waste. This Safety Advisory Notice addresses the transportation and disposal of material suspected or confirmed to contain MPXV.  While the risk for Clade I mpox cases in the U.S.…

CMS releases final Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule

COLA Secures Deeming Reapproval for Another Six Years in Pathology and Laboratory Accreditation

Featured

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted COLA, a leading private, non-profit laboratory accreditation organization, an extension of its deeming authority for an additional six years under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA 88). This reapproval solidifies COLA’s standing as a trusted accreditor of clinical laboratories nationwide. Renewal of deeming…

Laboratory and Patient Safety

Laboratory and Patient Safety

Laboratory Watch

Patient Safety Awareness Week, celebrated every March, casts a spotlight on a critical aspect of healthcare: patient safety. It is a time when the healthcare community, including pathologists and laboratory professionals, renews its commitment to fostering an environment where errors are not just reported but deeply analyzed without fear of blame. Transparency in testing processes…