On behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Laboratory Systems, Gryphon Scientific and Abt Associates conducted a national survey of clinical laboratories to understand whether and how laboratories would choose to participate in surge testing during a public health emergency.

Between January and September 2021, laboratories that are certified to perform moderate and/or high-complexity testing under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) were randomly selected for participation in the survey, to ensure that a nationally representative sample of clinical laboratories was surveyed. The survey asked about factors that influence a laboratory’s capability, capacity, and willingness to perform surge testing following a chemical, biological (intentional or natural), or radiological incident.

Survey data analysis is in progress. CDC and its public health partners will use the survey data to expand partnerships with the clinical laboratory sector and improve surge testing during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies. The survey findings also will be shared with the laboratory community via peer-reviewed publications.

Gryphon Scientific is also collaborating with Healthcare Ready, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the National Marrow Donor Program on this survey project. If you have questions about this survey or want to learn about additional opportunities to become involved in the project, please contact [email protected].