AACC has engaged lawmakers and federal health officials since the onset of the pandemic. The association was an early voice calling on the Food and Drug Administration to permit qualified laboratories to build and utilize laboratory developed tests, provided input to the federal government to resolve supply chain issues holding back testing, and supplied insight to Congress on preparations to prevent future pandemics. The association also produced a virtual congressional briefing to inform legislative staff about the importance of laboratory developed tests in diagnosing COVID-19.
In March 2020, AACC launched a directory of U.S. and international clinical laboratories performing testing for SARS-CoV-2. The directory has been instrumental in linking clinical laboratories with prescribing physicians and public health officials. Upon request, AACC has supplied the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments with directory participants to support their COVID-19 responses.
Through published research, public policy initiatives, and close contact with and detailed input from AACC members and the global lab community, the association has explained the intricacies of COVID-19 testing, worked continually to ensure that labs have all the resources they need to perform testing promptly and reliably, and ensured that federal rules and regulations support access to testing.