US virus testing faces new headwind: Lab supply shortages The long-delayed effort to ramp up screening for the coronavirus in the U.S. is facing a new challenge: critical shortages of laboratory suppliesWASHINGTON -- First, some of the coronavirus tests didn't work. Now, just as the federal government tries to ramp up nationwide screening, laboratory workers are warning of a new roadblock: dire shortages of testing supplies. The World Health Organization has instructed countries to “test, test, test” to track and isolate those carrying the virus. While doctors are supposed to decide who ultimately gets tested, many state labs have adjusted their guidelines depending on testing availability. “It’s taking supplies that are already in very short supply away from the testing laboratories that are doing necessary testing,” said Blank, of the public health labs association.

Source: ABC News March 20, 2020 16:07 UTC