Laboratory Supply Shortages Focus of ASCP, AMA Meeting with HHS

On July 30, ASCP, the American Medical Association (AMA) and several other medical societies spoke with U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) officials about the critical shortages of laboratory supplies. ASCP has been on the front lines advocating for federal officials, both in Congress and the Administration, to help clinical laboratories secure the supplies needed to provide COVID-19 testing and other tests. Urging federal officials to address testing supplies shortages has been central to ASCP’s advocacy efforts, as well as calling for a National Testing Strategy.

ASCP leaders spoke with Tammy R. Beckham, DVM, PhD, director of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy at HHS. Dr. Beckham is leading the Department’s efforts to address supply shortages. ASCP members on the call included Gary W. Procop, MD, MS, MASCP, Chair of the ASCP Commission on Science, Technology, and Public Policy, and Karen L. Kaul, MD, PhD, FASCP. The shortage of testing supplies is not only undermining COVID-19 testing capacity and, by extension, COVID-19 response efforts, but it is also adversely affecting the ability of patients to obtain various medical procedures/treatments, including elective surgical procedures.

Dr. Beckham indicated that the Department has been working closely with leading laboratory supply manufacturers to enhance the production of laboratory testing supplies. She indicated, however, that some supplies may not see significant increases in production before the end of year. That said, Dr. Beckham stated that she has been informed some manufacturers have reserve supplies and that some supplies may be obtained from the National Stockpile via state officials. ASCP members can find a list of state officials here. 

In response to queries by ASCP about using the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase the production of testing supplies, she noted that the Act has little ability to increase supply for items produced overseas; however, she did say the Department has been using the DPA to increase domestic production of supplies. Dr. Beckham also pointed to pooled testing as one strategy to conserve testing supplies. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have both released several guidance documents recently addressing sample polling.

To learn more about ePolicy News and access past newsletters and articles, 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.