AACC, ASCP Partner on Test Quality

ASCP has recently endorsed two policy initiatives from the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC).  The first focuses on harmonizing laboratory test results, so that test results are the same regardless of the method or instrument used or the setting where it is performed. Benefits from harmonization include fewer medical errors and lower healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary follow-up diagnostic procedures and treatments. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has worked to harmonize several important tests, such as cholesterol for heart disease and hemoglobin A1C for diabetes.

ASCP worked with AACC to secure $2 million in funding for the CDC for fiscal years (FY) 2018 and 2019. For FY 2010, ASCP and AACC are urging Congress to provide $9.2 million to support this project.

In addition, AACC and ASCP will be asking Congress to help improve the quality of pediatric testing. Many laboratories are unable to obtain sufficient pediatric samples from healthy children to develop appropriate reference intervals. To better treat these patients more precise pediatric reference intervals are needed. This initiative will be seeking funding for CDC, so that the CDC National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey can expand its activities to obtain the samples and data from healthy children. 

Other articles in ePolicy News March 2019

-  Legislation Gutting Laboratory Personnel Licensure Opposed by ASCP
- ASCP Aligns with AMA on Network Adequacy and Transparency
- ASCP Wage Survey to Conclude Soon
- ASCLS Legislative Symposium Set for March 18-19

To read more articles from ePolicy News click here.

For more information regarding ASCP's advocacy initiatives and policy positions, please contact ASCP's Center for Public Policy at (202) 408-1110.

  ASCP ePolicy News is supported by
  an unrestricted grant from Hologic.