LAC DPH Health Advisory: SARS-CoV-2 Serology

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) issued a health advisory on April 16, 2020. This advisory details the need for caution regarding the use of serology tests to determine past or present SARS CoV-2 infection and immunity in patients.

There is great interest in using serology tests to determine past or present SARS CoV-2 infection and immunity in patients. 

At this point in time, however, there are no antibody tests that have been validated for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the utility of the currently available serologic assays has not been established.

Providers should use caution when interpreting the results of serologic tests for SARS CoV-2 until there is additional data on their best use because of concerns of both false negative and false positive results.

Read the full LAC DPH Health Advisory: SARS-CoV-2 Serology.

Because guidance for the prevention and management of COVID-19 may change, providers and staff are encouraged to visit the Los Angeles Health Alert Network (LAHAN) website frequently. You can also subscribe to the LAHAN to receive alerts, advisories, and updates from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

⇒ Keep up to date by visiting the LAC DPH Coronavirus Webpage for Health Professionals.

 

Key Messages

 

  • Results from serologic tests should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
     
  • Some serology tests are being falsely marketed as "FDA  authorized" or "FDA approved" and as CLIA-waived point of care (POC) tests. No serology tests are currently approved for use in the POC setting.
     
  • At the current time, healthcare providers should not report any serology tests results to LAC DPH. Laboratories should report only the results from serologic tests that have an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Labs should report both positive and negative results through Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) or fax.
     

 

Reporting

 

Reporting COVID-19 in L.A. County Residents

COVID-19 associated deaths must be reported by healthcare providers immediately.

 

All other COVID-19 cases must be reported by healthcare providers within one day. 

Providers should complete all sections of the Medical Provider COVID-19 Report Form* and then submit via fax or secure email: 

 

*Please be sure to use the revised forms dated 4/4/20 (death report) and 4/3/20 (case report).

 

Long Beach Health and Human Services:

 

Pasadena Public Health Department: