CDC Releases New Ebola Guidance for Laboratorians

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released interim guidance for laboratorians and other healthcare personnel collecting or handling specimens in the United States on appropriate specimen collection, transport and testing of specimens from patients who are suspected to be infected with Ebola virus. Potentially infectious diagnostic specimens are routinely handled and tested in U.S. laboratories in a safe manner, through adherence to standard safety precautions as outlined in this document.

This guidance complements guidance available on Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in U.S. Hospitals. U.S. hospitals can safely manage a patient with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) by following recommended isolation and infection control procedures. Standard, contact, and droplet precautions are recommended for management of hospitalized patients with known or suspected EVD. Frequently asked questions about safe management of patients with EVD in U.S. Hospitals have also been added to the website.