AMP disappointed as FDA takes enforcement action against physicians for Zika virus test

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the premier global, professional society serving molecular diagnostics professionals, is very concerned and disappointed to see the FDA taking enforcement action against the physicians at Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital for their laboratory developed procedure (LDP) for Zika virus, which was designed to identify virus-specific RNA sequences in a large metropolitan area. Given the ongoing outbreak of the infection and risk of infection in the Houston area, these types of tests are critical for patient care and should be made available to these patients in need.

This case is another clear example of how FDA regulation of LDPs would hinder patient access to vital medical services. FDA's Emergency Use Authorization for antibody testing at the CDC or state public health labs will not provide results in the timely fashion needed for immediate patient care. In addition, antibody testing has limitations mitigated by molecular testing for Zika. Accurate, timely diagnosis and direct patient care is the primary mission of the molecular pathology professionals at Texas Children's and Houston Methodist hospitals and other medical centers throughout the country. In an editorial published during the H1N1 outbreak of 2009, past AMP Presidents Dr. Karen Kaul and Dr. Jan Nowak highlighted the role of community molecular diagnostics laboratories in that pandemic and issued a call for better planning in the future.

AMP has long maintained that the involvement of appropriately trained and qualified laboratory professionals is critical to the development of accurate and reliable laboratory developed procedures, as well as for correct utilization, precise interpretation, and appropriate application of molecular test results. AMP believes the most reasonable and effective path forward is for Congress to insist that the CLIA program modernize, expand its current network of third-party medical experts and utilize scientific expertise from FDA and CDC. CLIA should not relinquish its duties regarding the accuracy and reliability of LDPs. AMP's proposal builds upon the thousands of successful LDPs, further transforms precision medicine and improves patient care around the country.