Obtaining a CLIA certification is a simple and straightforward task

CLIA stands for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. This is a federal law that requires a certificate for any facility that collects human samples and performs tests for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or prevention. Even performing one test, including those that are waived, will require the facility to be certified. Here is the process of getting CLIA certified.

How to Obtain a CLIA Certificate

First, you will need to submit Form CMS-116 to your local state agency that oversees CLIA certification where your facility is located. The application is available online. If you have multiple facilities, you must submit Form CMS-116 for each one individually. After the agency has received your application, they will mail you a coupon that states what your fee is. After you send in your payment, the agency will then send you the CLIA Certificate.

It can take anywhere between four and 12 weeks to get your CLIA certificate, depending on your local agency.

In most cases, you will be able to start testing after you receive your certificate. However, it is important to check with your local agency first. Some states have additional requirements that must be met before you can start testing.

There are five different certification options. The type you apply for will depend on what type of testing your facility will be doing.

  • Certificate of Waiver (COW): Used only by facilities that perform waived tests.
  • Certificate for Provider-Performed Microscopy (PPM) Procedures: Testing that includes microscopy during patient visits.
  • Certificate of Registration: Allows facilities to perform non-waived tests until the lab is inspected and determined to be in compliance with CLIA regulations.
  • Certificate of Compliance (COC) – For facilities that have passed inspection after performing non-waived tests.
  • Certificate of Accreditation (COA) – Awarded to facilities that perform non-waived tests based on their accreditation by CLIA-approved organizations.

How Much Does CLIA Certification Cost?

The cost of a CLIA Certification will depend on the type you are applying for. Applications must be submitted and fees paid every two years. The CLIA website has a fee schedule for each type of certification based on the number of specialties and annual test volumes. CLIA waived certificates and PPM certifications have a fee of $180 and $240, respectively, regardless of the number of specialties and annual testing volume.

What is CLIA Waived Certification?

CLIA waived certifications are for facilities that perform only waived tests. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of determining what tests fit into this classification. The FDA classifies waived tests as “simple laboratory examinations and procedures that have an insignificant risk of an erroneous result.” You can find a list of waived tests on the “Currently Waived Analytes” page of the FDA’s website. Common tests on this list include drug and COVID-19 rapid tests.

Your Testing Supplies Outlet

Obtaining a CLIA certification is a simple and straightforward task. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to your local agency. They can help you with the application process and understand the regulations in your state. At Ovus Medical, we supply a large number of different waived tests for your facility, including COVID-19 rapid tests and urine and saliva drug testing supplies. We even offer wholesale supplies at discounted prices. Call us today to order your testing supplies.

To attain a CLIA Certificate of Waiver or any other CLIA certificate, a facility must fill out and submit the CMS-116 Form located on the US Department of Health and Human Services website

how to obtain a Clia certificate

*photo courtesy of Department of Health & Human Services

    should you be clia waived
    clia 1 ML 3

    RESOURCES:

    VIDEO ON HOW TO FILL OUT THE CMS-166 FORM

    CLICK HERE TO VIEW A VIDEO ON HOW TO FILL OUT THE CMS-166 FORM

    PDF CLIA BROCHURES AND EXPLANATIONS

    CLICK HERE FOR VARIOUS PDF CLIA BROCHURES AND EXPLANATIONS

     “HOW TO OBTAIN A CLIA CERT” 

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “HOW TO OBTAIN A CLIA CERT” – DEPT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

    INFO ON HOW TO OBTAIN A CLIA CERT

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE RELEVANT INFO ON HOW TO OBTAIN A CLIA CERT

    CDC’S QUIK TIP GUIDE BY STATE FOR OBTAINING A CLIA CERTIFICATE

    CLICK HERE FOR THE CDC’S QUIK TIP GUIDE BY STATE FOR OBTAINING A CLIA CERTIFICATE

    Independently verified
    396 reviews