Accreditation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing

Page last updated: 03 July 2020

Factsheet - Accreditation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing (PDF 238 KB)
Factsheet - Accreditation for SARS-CoV-2 Testing (DOC 90 KB)

The advice in this fact sheet supersedes information published on MBSOnline on 1 April 2020 in the fact sheet Claiming Microbiology Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) factsheet.

Accredited pathology laboratories providing or planning to provide clinical diagnostic testing and reporting for SARS-CoV-2 (MBS item 69480 and 69479) are reminded that as part of the pathology accreditation requirements, laboratories must be enrolled and participate in a relevant External Quality Assurance Program for testing methods.

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Quality Assurance Programs1 offers a SARS-CoV-2 Quality Assurance Program. Further details can be found at this link: https://rcpaqap.com.au/

In addition, it is recommended that laboratories:

a) Access and utilise positive control material provided by a state or territory reference laboratory (usually a Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) laboratory; and

b) Arrange for confirmatory testing to be conducted by a PHLN laboratory to verify the results. This means referring all positive samples for confirmatory testing, and referring a subset of negative samples where a strong clinical or epidemiological suspicion exists.

Where can I find more information?

If you have a query relating to interpretation of the MBS Schedule, you should email askMBS@health.gov.au.

Subscribe to ‘News for Health Professionals’ on the Services Australia website and you will receive regular news highlights.

If you are seeking advice in relation to Medicare billing, claiming, payments, or obtaining a provider number, please visit the Health Professionals page on the Services Australia website or contact Services Australia on the Provider Enquiry Line – 13 21 50.

      This sheet is current as of the last updated date shown, and does not account for MBS changes since that date.

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    1 The RCPAQAP is a wholly owned subsidiary of the College. The RCPAQAP operates as an independent self-sustaining
    organisation and is expected to demonstrate a high level of customer service.