HTCs Participate in New CDC Community Counts Data Collection for COVID-19

Patients with bleeding orders may be asked some new questions during their next comprehensive clinic visit. COVID-19 information will now be collected as part of the national Community Counts Registry in two different ways – history of COVID-19 and COVID-19 antibody testing for stored and real-time specimens.

All HTCs will be participating in COVID-19 history collection and information for Community Counts Registry participants – which will include history of COVID-19 contraction as well as immunization. Participation by patients is voluntary. Not all HTCs will participate in antibody testing. Patients must be authorized to participate in real time testing.

For already stored specimens, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has decided that testing is appropriate without re-authorization or re-consent. However, some HTCs may choose to re-authorize patients for their stored specimens. This roll out will be gradual as HTCs undergo review processes at their institutions. Questions can be directed to your HTC or to GLHF, which is the regional core center.