For facilities using a point-of-care antigen test device for detection of SARS-CoV-2, this is a reminder that providers are required by State Health Director Order to report all results, positive and negative, of diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This includes antigen test results.
For facilities that are reporting detailed results through Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) or COVID-19 Laboratory Data Automation (CLDA), please include all Antigen testing in your reporting results. This is the preferred means of reporting COVID-19 test results.
For facilities that are not reporting detailed data to us through ELR or CLDA, please ensure you provide:
- Aggregate positive and negative test counts through the Electronic COVID-19 Aggregate Test Reporting (eCATR) process; and
- Your detailed positives through secure telefax to your local or state health department OR via secure spreadsheet to NCDHHS. This spreadsheet MUST be submitted securely via email according to the following instructions:
- Password protect the spreadsheet using the password provided by the Division of Public Health (DPH)
- Please email LabTeam@dhhs.nc.gov to obtain your password. This same password will be used for each spreadsheet that is submitted
- Label the Subject line: “Confidential Test information"
- Encrypt the email to which the spreadsheet is attached
- Please email your password protected Excel spreadsheet via encrypted email to LabTeam@dhhs.nc.gov
This guidance also applies to any healthcare provider who performs testing in a CLIA certified facility or a facility with a CLIA certificate of waiver (such as dentists offices, long-term care facilities, etc.).
Laboratories are required to report electronically, either via Electronic Lab Reporting (ELR) or in accordance with the laboratory data automation process outlined in the guidance for reporting results.
The full guidance for reporting results is available on the healthcare guidance section of the NCDHHS COVID-19 website. Additional guidance regarding appropriate use of antigen testing is also available on our website.
Providers needing consultation can call the DPH epidemiologist on call at 919-733-3419.