Laboratory Testing in NYS Schools - Limited Services Laboratory License (LSL)
Questions on obtaining Limited Service Laboratory Certificates can be directed to the NYSODH Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (518) 485-5378 or clep@health.ny.gov
A Limited Services Laboratory License (LSL) is the NYS equivalent to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waiver required by federal law for conducting certain simple laboratory tests.
NYSDOH Resources
NYSDOH Wadsworth Limited Service Laboratories (LSL) Webpage
The Wadsworth Center (WC) is the public health laboratory of the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). Public and private schools that choose in-person learning in Yellow, Orange, and Red "micro-cluster" zones must complete COVID-19 testing in accordance with NYSDOH Guidance. A NYS Limited Service Laboratory Certificate (LSL) is required for conducting tests.
NYSDOH Guidance for following Standard Practices in Laboratory Medicine
(For sites performing waived and/or provider-performed microscopy procedures under a Limited Service Laboratory Registration) A chart is provided of what is required to perform COVID-19 tests authorized under the LSL. It includes required training, who can be a lab director, and their duties.
CDC Resources
Waived Tests | CDC
All facilities in the United States that perform laboratory testing on human specimens for health assessment or the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease are regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). A free training on CLIA is available by the CDC here: Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (Clia)
Ready? Set? Test! Patient Testing is Important. Get the Right Results | CDC
The training will help to assure that testing personnel have the basic training necessary to safely and accurately perform patient testing waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988.
