CDC pauses dozens of types of lab testing during evaluation and in wake of downsizing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has temporarily paused dozens of laboratory tests, including work tied to rabies and mpox diagnostics, according to AP reporting published Wednesday.

AP said the agency posted a list of more than two dozen tests that are currently unavailable while CDC officials evaluate laboratory operations. The pause comes in the wake of downsizing and has raised questions about how much backup capacity state and local public-health labs can provide.

The Department of Health and Human Services said the move is temporary and part of a routine review of laboratory testing quality.

The pause affects tests used in infectious-disease response, making the disruption especially sensitive for public health departments that rely on CDC support for specialized testing. The reporting did not say when the tests will resume.

The CDC has not publicly detailed the full timeline for restoring the tests, and that uncertainty adds pressure to a system already operating under strain. For now, state and local labs are watching to see whether they can absorb any added workload while the federal agency reviews its program.

The testing pause is another sign of how staffing and operational changes at the CDC can quickly affect national disease surveillance and response.