CDC: Lab Alert: Changes to CDC RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Testing

After December 31, 2021, the CDC will withdraw the request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, the assay first introduced in February 2020 for detection of SARS-CoV-2 only. The RT-PCR test does not seem to differentiate between Influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The CDC is recommending laboratories begin transitioning to two different FDA approved testing methodologies that can differentiate between the two viruses. See the full letter from the CDC at the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/locs/2021/07-21-2021-lab-alert-Changes_CDC_RT-PCR_SARS-CoV-2_Testing_1.html