Covid-19 Testing Capacity a Month Away, Lab Scientists Warn

The U.S. won’t likely reach full Covid-19 testing capacity for at least another month due to shortages of supplies and skilled lab workers, even though commercial labs are coming on board to perform the tests.

Cindy Johnson, president of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, said Monday those estimates stem from discussions with manufacturers making reagents—chemicals necessary to run the test—as well as shortages in swabs and vials that are necessary to collect patient samples.

“If it comes sooner, that will definitely be a gift to all of us,” Johnson, the senior director for laboratory services for the CentraCare ...