CDC Pauses Dozens of Lab Tests Amid Evaluation and Downsizing

The disease-tracking agency cites a 'routine review' and staffing issues as reasons for the temporary testing suspensions.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:33pm

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has paused diagnostic testing for rabies, monkeypox, and over two dozen other infectious diseases. The agency cited a 'routine review to uphold our commitment to high quality laboratory testing' as the reason, while also acknowledging staffing challenges due to a 20-25% reduction in personnel over the past year through layoffs, retirements, and resignations.

Why it matters

The CDC's laboratory operations have faced scrutiny since issues arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pauses, while described as temporary, raise concerns about the agency's ability to effectively monitor and respond to public health threats, especially as specialized state labs may not be able to fully compensate for the CDC's reduced testing capacity.

The details

The CDC has posted a list of more than two dozen types of testing that have become unavailable, including for diseases like rabies, monkeypox, Epstein-Barr virus, and parasitic worms. While some of these tests are also offered by commercial labs, others are more specialized and rely on the CDC's expertise. The agency says it anticipates some tests will be available again in the coming weeks, but the full scope and duration of the pauses remain unclear.

  • The CDC posted the list of paused tests this week.
  • The CDC has been evaluating its testing since 2024.
  • The agency has faced a 20-25% reduction in staffing over the past year.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The federal government's disease-tracking agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health threats.

Scott Becker

Chief executive officer of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, who expressed concern about the pauses and their potential impact.

Andrew Nixon

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, who described the pauses as temporary and part of a 'routine review.'

National Public Health Coalition

An organization of former and current CDC workers that formed in the wake of the agency's recent downsizing, which they say has significantly impacted the poxvirus, rabies, and malaria labs.

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What they’re saying

“We anticipate some of these tests will be available through CDC labs again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, CDC stands ready to support our state and local partners to access the public health testing they need.”

— Andrew Nixon, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman

“This is not the first time the CDC has paused some of its lab testing. But it is pausing more kinds of tests than ever before, and it is not totally clear why.”

— Scott Becker, Chief executive officer, Association of Public Health Laboratories

What’s next

The CDC has indicated the pauses are temporary, and the agency says it will work to restore the suspended testing in the coming weeks. However, the full timeline and scope of the disruptions remain uncertain, and public health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The takeaway

The CDC's decision to pause dozens of critical lab tests, even temporarily, raises concerns about the agency's capacity to effectively monitor and respond to emerging public health threats, especially as it has faced significant staffing reductions in recent years. While the CDC cites a 'routine review,' the suspensions underscore the need for sustained investment and support to ensure the nation's premier disease-tracking agency can fulfill its vital mission.