2020, a year to remember: AAVLD perspective

The role of veterinary diagnostic laboratories during COVID-19 response in the United States

“…A case in point was that veterinary laboratory diagnosticians in one state were called upon to train human health professionals to perform the testing that they themselves were not certified to perform and participate in the SARS-CoV-2 testing response. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification thus constituted a “bureaucratic wall” in many states, requiring the establishment of sometimes complex partnerships of veterinary diagnostic laboratories with state or private human health partners [ 22 ]. Two interviewed laboratories obtained rapid and independent certification, due to support within established networks in their State Department of Health, or due to state legislators’ support, as well as strong advocacy by university leadership.…”

The role of veterinary diagnostic laboratories during COVID-19 response in the United States

“…Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification thus constituted a “bureaucratic wall” in many states, requiring the establishment of sometimes complex partnerships of veterinary diagnostic laboratories with state or private human health partners. [22] Two interviewed laboratories obtained rapid and independent certification, due to support within established networks in their State Department of Health, or due to state legislators’ support, as well as strong advocacy by university leadership.…”

“…"[12] A case in point was that veterinary laboratory diagnosticians in one state were called upon to train human health professionals to perform the testing that they themselves were not certified to perform and participate in the SARS-CoV-2 testing response. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification thus constituted a "bureaucratic wall" in many states, requiring the establishment of sometimes complex partnerships of veterinary diagnostic laboratories with state or private human health partners [22]. Two interviewed laboratories obtained rapid and independent certification, due to support within established networks in their State Department of Health, or due to state legislators' support, as well as strong advocacy by university leadership.There is an urgent need when preparing for public health emergencies to reduce barriers and consider available high quality testing capacity in veterinary diagnostic laboratories.…”