The CDC has stopped more than twenty lab tests. The pause is only for a short time. Officials say they are doing a routine check to keep tests accurate.

The halted tests cover many diseases. Some can be done by private labs, like chickenpox and shingles. Others are rare, such as certain parasites or the virus that causes “sloth fever. ” The CDC hopes most tests will return soon.

Why this pause? Experts are unsure. One leader said the CDC has paused tests before, but never so many at once. He thinks staff shortages might be the cause.

The CDC’s workforce has shrunk by about a quarter in the last year. Some labs lost half their workers, especially those that handle rabies and poxviruses. The malaria team was hit even harder.

State labs might help for now. Facilities in New York and California could run some tests until the CDC restarts its services.


# CDC Temporarily Suspends Over 20 Lab Tests

The **CDC** has halted more than twenty laboratory tests for a short period. Officials say this pause is part of a routine check to ensure ongoing test accuracy.

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## Tests Affected

| Category | Examples |
|----------|----------|
| Common diseases | Chickenpox, shingles |
| Rare conditions | Certain parasites, “sloth fever” virus |
| Others | Rabies, poxviruses, malaria |

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## Why the Pause?

- **Uncertainty**: Experts are unsure of the exact cause.
- **Staff shortages**: A leader noted that this is the largest pause in a single instance, suggesting workforce issues.
- **Workforce shrinkage**: The CDC’s staff has decreased by roughly a quarter in the past year, with some labs losing up to half their personnel.

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## Interim Measures

State laboratories may temporarily fill the gap:

- **New York** and **California** could run selected tests until CDC services resume.

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The CDC hopes most tests will return to normal operation soon, maintaining critical public health diagnostics while addressing internal challenges.



CDC Stops Many Lab Tests for a Quick Check

Tests Affected

Why the Pause?

Interim Measures

Actions

Category	Examples
Common diseases	Chickenpox, shingles
Rare conditions	Certain parasites, “sloth fever” virus
Others	Rabies, poxviruses, malaria