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Remembering COVID: Is Your Clinical Laboratory Ready to Support The Biden Administration’s COVID Testing Plan?
March 11, 2025
Editor’s Note: On May 11, 2023, the World Health Organization officially declared the end of the global COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. While many have moved on, healthcare professionals - particularly those in laboratory information systems (LIS systems) and pathology lab management - must continue to reflect on the lessons learned to better prepare for future infectious disease threats.
Learn More: End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration
At LigoLab, supporting our lab partners throughout the pandemic was a top priority. We adapted to their evolving needs, delivering innovative LIS software solutions to help them navigate unprecedented challenges. From streamlining laboratory workflow management to enhancing patient and provider safety, our collaborative efforts ensured resilience during the crisis.
A defining aspect of this journey was capturing the resilience of our partners on the frontlines in real time. As we honor their dedication, we revisit a key moment from January 2021 - reflecting on COVID-19’s impact and the future of medical LIS technology.
What it Takes to Support the Latest COVID-19 Testing Initiatives
Clinical Laboratories across the country may soon benefit from an expansion of the nation’s coronavirus testing efforts as part of President Joe Biden’s proposed “American Rescue Plan,” a $1.9 trillion emergency legislative package designed to address the mounting damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If approved by Congress, $50 billion would go toward expanding U.S. testing efforts, and another $30 billion would support efforts by the federal Disaster Relief Fund to ramp up the production of testing supplies and protective gear.
In his January 14 announcement, President Biden noted that “testing is a critical strategy for controlling the spread of COVID-19, and the U.S. is still not using it effectively.”
The President called for a massive expansion of diagnostic testing, with the proposed funds going toward the purchase of rapid tests, the expansion of testing capacity, and the support of regular testing protocols for schools and local government agencies.
In his remarks, the President said expanded testing would enable schools to safely reopen and also provide more protection for Americans in high-risk settings like prisons and long-term care facilities.
In reaction to the Biden announcement and what it could mean for clinical labs going forward, we invite you to read an excellent story from Modern Healthcare’s Adam Bonisawski: Lab stakeholders welcome Biden moves on COVID-19 testing, suggest additional steps.
In his piece, Bonislawski writes that the President’s plan calls for investment in new testing technologies and the doubling of drive-through testing sites.
Modern Diagnostic Lab Software is Needed to Meet the Moment
In the months since the pandemic began, several of LigoLab’s loyal laboratory customers have embraced the need to invest in advanced lab pathology software technology to reduce errors, boost capacity, and improve turnaround times, all to meet the unprecedented demand for their services and deliver better patient care.
Case Study: Remembering COVID: Northwest Laboratory Leads the Way with its 24-Hour Commitment for COVID-19 Test Results
Hope is on the horizon with the arrival of a COVID vaccine, but the rollout will take time. In the meantime, frequent direct-to-consumer lab testing remains essential for safely reopening schools and ensuring employees can return to work with confidence and peace of mind.
This begs the question…is your clinical laboratory ready to support the Biden COVID testing plan?
Does your laboratory have a responsive LIS system software partner to deliver lab information system upgrades like a direct-to-consumer lab testing portal that supports a streamlined electronic workflow - one that connects directly with patients, replaces paper forms, eliminates manual order entry, and covers specimen collection, laboratory processing, and test result reporting with consumer lab reports?
Can your organization’s medical laboratory information system support the automatic delivery of state reporting through established electronic connections with public health departments in all 50 states?
Does the organization’s laboratory information system software have the connectivity and flexibility to support high-volume testing with pooled samples?
Can the organization leverage its laboratory billing/lab revenue cycle management solution to identify and process uninsured COVID-19 patients and automate large portions of the laboratory billing process/RCM cycle to handle the escalated COVID-19 claims?
Learn More: Remembering COVID: Process Thousands of HRSA Patients in Minutes with LigoLab
To learn more about LigoLab’s pathology software solutions and how they can help your lab optimize its service for the pandemic and beyond, we invite you to schedule a LigoLab LIS system software demonstration with a product specialist today.
Speak with a LigoLab Product Specialist!
Introducing TestDirectly: The All-in-One Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Platform
TestDirectly is a cutting-edge direct-to-consumer lab testing solution added to the comprehensive and flexible LigoLab Informatics Platform just in time to turn clinical labs into direct-to-consumer labs.
By design, TestDirectly (TestDirectly.com) simplifies the entire direct-to-consumer lab testing process - from patient registration to results delivery - and everything in between.
This new and powerful diagnostic lab software tool fully integrates with laboratory information systems, instrumentation, and lab revenue cycle management/laboratory billing solutions and empowers testing organizations to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance while expanding their outreach.
Key Features & Benefits
Maximizes Testing Efficiency
- Automates the entire clinical lab workflow, minimizing manual tasks
- Enhances lab productivity and accelerates turnaround times
- Supports various collection methods, including drive-through, on-site, and at-home testing
Expands Accessibility & Revenue Opportunities
- Facilitates direct-to-consumer lab testing and organizational testing services
- Enables patient self-registration and appointment scheduling
- Supports bulk ordering for high-volume testing events
Enhances Patient & Provider Communication
- Automates notifications via email and SMS
- Provides real-time results and analytics for public health, employers, and more
- Generates on-demand travel documents for international testing requirements
Optimizes Data Management & Compliance
- Ensures accurate lab billing by capturing patient demographics and insurance upfront
- Reduces errors with electronic requisitions, specimen barcoding, and tracking
- Supports live insurance eligibility verification and digital ID authentication
Improves Safety & Reduces Workload
- Minimizes exposure risks for staff and patients
- Automates patient support, reducing customer service burden
- Eliminates manual order entry, saving time and resources
With TestDirectly, laboratories can streamline operations, expand testing capabilities, and unlock new revenue streams - all while delivering a seamless, secure, and efficient direct-to-consumer lab testing experience for patients and providers.
Learn More: What is the Best LIS for Molecular Testing Labs?
