Laboratory Field Services

Laboratory Emergency Information

This page provides information about regulatory issues related to emergencies that may affect clinical and public health laboratories.

Currently, some laboratories are still requesting information regarding testing “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19). Links to information and resources will be maintained on this page.

As other emergencies arise, information of interest to clinical and public health laboratories will be posted on this page.

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Information

On February 28, 2023, the Governor of California issued a proclamation terminating the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ended.

The state’s SMARTER Plan will maintain California’s operational preparedness to address the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to guide the state’s work to support communities across the state. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment continue to be available at sites within local communities across the state.

For general information about COVID-19, please visit the CDPH Division of Communicable Disease Control webpage and the California COVID-19 webpage, where you can find regular updates with information about COVID-19, including numbers in California, news releases and updates, and guidelines for the general public.

Resources for Laboratories

State Resources

CALREDIE - Important Information for Laboratories
Important information for laboratories about California's mandatory reporting system for COVID-19.
Division of Communicable Disease Control – Reportable Diseases and Conditions
Important updates about COVID-19 reporting requirements for laboratories and health care providers.
CDPH DCDC Guidance Documents: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Provides guidance documents with information about specific situations (health care facilities, schools, event organizers, first responders, employers, and health care plans.

Federal Resources

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page
CDC's landing page for Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and updates.
CDC Health Alert Network (HAN)
Updated Guidance on Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
FDA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page
FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance Update
On March 16, 2020, the FDA issued an update to its Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance to provide more regulatory relief and help expedite the availability of diagnostic testing.
FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) page
Includes a list of assays authorized for use under the COVID-19 EUA.
FDA Fraudulent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing warning letters to firms for selling fraudulent products with claims to prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
FDA FAQs on Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2
Information for laboratories developing tests and application for Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA)
FDA Guidance for EUA for COVID-19 Testing (PDF)
U.S. Department of Labor Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for Coronavirus
Information to help companies prepare for coronavirus in the workplace.
FTC ReportFraud Webpage
Help protect your community by reporting Coronavirus or COVID-19 fraud, scams, and bad business practices to the Federal trade Commission (FTC). The FTC ReportFraud webpage lets you report scams or fraud to the FTC and find FAQs and information about how to protect yourself.
FBI Urges Vigilance During COVID-19 Pandemic