Form CMS-116 CLINICAL LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS (CLIA) - Appl

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

Form Approved
OMB No. 0938-0581

CLINICAL LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS (CLIA)
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION
ALL APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Initial Application

Anticipated Start Date

CLIA IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Survey

D

Change in Certificate Type

(If an initial application leave blank, a number will be assigned)

Other Changes (Specify)
Effective Date
FACILITY NAME

FEDERAL TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

EMAIL ADDRESS

TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

FAX NO. (Include area code)

RECEIVE FUTURE NOTIFICATIONS VIA EMAIL
FACILITY ADDRESS — Physical Location of Laboratory (Building, Floor, Suite if MAILING/BILLING ADDRESS (If different from facility address) send Fee Coupon
applicable.) Fee Coupon/Certificate will be mailed to this Address unless mailing
or corporate address is specified

or certificate

NUMBER, STREET (No P.O. Boxes)

NUMBER, STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

CITY

STATE

SEND FEE COUPON TO THIS ADDRESS SEND CERTIFICATE TO THIS ADDRESS CORPORATE ADDRESS (If different
PICK ONE:

from facility) send Fee Coupon or
certificate

PICK ONE:

Physical

Physical

Mailing

Mailing

Corporate

Corporate

CITY

ZIP CODE

NUMBER, STREET

STATE

NAME OF DIRECTOR (Last, First, Middle Initial)

Laboratory Director’s Phone Number

CREDENTIALS

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

ZIP CODE

Date Received

II. TYPE OF CERTIFICATE REQUESTED (Check only one) Please refer to the accompanying instructions for inspection and

certificate testing requirements)

Certificate of Waiver (Complete Sections I – VI and IX – X)
NOTE: Laboratory directors performing non-waived testing (including PPM) must meet specific education, training and experience under
subpart M of the CLIA regulations. Proof of these qualifications for the laboratory director must be submitted with this application.

Certificate for Provider Performed Microscopy Procedures (PPM) (Complete Sections I-VII and IX-X)
Certificate of Compliance (Complete Sections I – X)
Certificate of Accreditation (Complete Sections I – X) and indicate which of the following organization(s) your
laboratory is accredited by for CLIA purposes, or for which you have applied for accreditation for CLIA purposes.
The Joint Commission
CAP

ACHC
COLA

AABB

A2LA

ASHI

If you are applying for a Certificate of Accreditation, you must provide evidence of accreditation for your laboratory by an approved
accreditation organization as listed above for CLIA purposes or evidence of application for such accreditation within 11 months after receipt of
your Certificate of Registration.
PRA Disclosure Statement
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0938-0581. Expiration Date: 03/31/2024. The time required to complete this information collection is
estimated to average one hour per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and
review the information collection. If you have comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to:
CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Attn: PRA Reports Clearance Officer, Mail Stop C4-26-05, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850. *****CMS Disclaimer*****Please do not
send applications, claims, payments, medical records or any documents containing sensitive information to the PRA Reports Clearance Office. Please note that any
correspondence not pertaining to the information collection burden approved under the associated OMB control number listed on this form will not be reviewed,
forwarded, or retained. If you have questions or concerns regarding where to submit your documents, please contact [email protected].
Form CMS-116 (12/21)

1

III. TYPE OF LABORATORY

(Check the one most descriptive of facility type)

01 Ambulance
02 Ambulatory Surgery Center
03 Ancillary Testing Site in
Health Care Facility
04 Assisted Living Facility
05 Blood Bank
06 Community Clinic
07 Comp. Outpatient Rehab Facility
08 End Stage Renal Disease
Dialysis Facility
09 Federally Qualified
Health Center
10 Health Fair

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Health Main. Organization
Home Health Agency
Hospice
Hospital
Independent
Industrial
Insurance
Intermediate Care Facilities for
Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities
19 Mobile Laboratory
20 Pharmacy
21 Physician Office

22 Practitioner Other (Specify)
23
24
25
26
27

Prison
Public Health Laboratories
Rural Health Clinic
School/Student Health Service
Skilled Nursing Facility/
Nursing Facility
28 Tissue Bank/Repositories
29 Other (Specify)

IV. HOURS OF LABORATORY TESTING (List times during which laboratory testing is performed in HH:MM format) If testing 24/7 Check Here
SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

FROM:
TO:
(For multiple sites, attach the additional information using the same format.)

V. MULTIPLE SITES

(must meet one of the regulatory exceptions to apply for this provision in 1-3 below)

Are you applying for a single site CLIA certificate to cover multiple testing locations?
No. If no, go to section VI.

Yes. If yes, complete remainder of this section.

Indicate which of the following regulatory exceptions applies to your facility’s operation.
1.

Is this a laboratory that is not at a fixed location, that is, a laboratory that moves from testing site to testing site, such as
mobile unit providing laboratory testing, health screening fairs, or other temporary testing locations, and may be covered
under the certificate of the designated primary site or home base, using its address?
Yes

No

If yes and a mobile unit is providing the laboratory testing, record the vehicle identification number(s) (VINs) and attach to the
application.
2.

Is this a not-for-profit or Federal, State or local government laboratory engaged in limited (not more than a combination of 15
moderate complexity or waived tests per certificate) public health testing and filing for a single certificate for
multiple sites?
Yes

No

If yes, provide the number of sites under the certificate
site below.
3.

and list name, address and test performed for each

Is this a hospital with several laboratories located at contiguous buildings on the same campus within the same physical
location or street address and under common direction that is filing for a single certificate for these locations?
Yes

No

If yes, provide the number of sites under this certificate
and list name or department, location within
hospital and specialty/subspecialty areas performed at each site below.
If additional space is needed, check here

and attach the additional information using the same format.

NAME AND ADDRESS/LOCATION

TESTS PERFORMED/SPECIALTY/SUBSPECIALTY

NAME OF LABORATORY OR HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS/LOCATION (Number, Street, Location if applicable)
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

NAME OF LABORATORY OR HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS/LOCATION (Number, Street, Location if applicable)
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

2

In the next three sections, indicate testing performed and estimated annual test volume.

VI. WAIVED TESTING

If only applying for a Certificate of Waiver, complete this section and skip sections VII (PPM Testing) and VIII

(Non-Waived Testing).

Identify the waived testing (to be) performed by completing the table below. Include each analyte, test system, or device used
in the laboratory.

ANALYTE / TEST
Example: Streptococcus group A

TEST NAME
Ace Rapid Strep Test

MANUFACTURER
Acme Corporation

Indicate the ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL TEST volume for all waived tests performed ________________
Check if no waived tests are performed
If additional space is needed, check here

VII. PPM TESTING

and attach additional information using the same format.

If only applying for a Certificate for PPM, complete this section and skip section VIII (Non-Waived Testing).

Listed below are the only PPM tests that can be performed by a facility having a Certificate for PPM. Mark the checkbox by
each PPM procedure(s) to be performed.
Direct wet mount preparations for the presence or absence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and human cellular elements
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations
Pinworm examinations
Fern tests
Post-coital direct, qualitative examinations of vaginal or cervical mucous
Urine sediment examinations
Nasal smears for granulocytes
Fecal leukocyte examinations
Qualitative semen analysis (limited to the presence or absence of sperm and detection of motility)
Indicate the ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL TEST volume for all PPM tests performed ________________
If also performing waived complexity tests, complete Section VI. For laboratories applying for certificate of compliance or
certificate of accreditation, also include PPM test volume in the specialty/subspecialty category and the “total estimated annual
test volume” in section VIII.
Check if no PPM tests are performed
If additional space is needed, check here

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

and attach additional information using the same format.

3

VIII. NON-WAIVED TESTING (Including PPM testing if applying for a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Accreditation) Complete
this section only if you are applying for a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Accreditation.
Identify the non-waived testing (to be) performed by completing the table below. Be as specific as possible. This includes each
analyte test system or device used in the laboratory. Use (M) for moderate complexity and (H) for high complexity.

ANALYTE / TEST
Example: Potassium

TEST NAME

MANUFACTURER

Quick Potassium Test

If additional space is needed, check here

Acme Lab Corporation

M or H
M

and attach additional information using the same format.

If you perform testing other than or in addition to waived tests, complete the information below. If applying for one certificate
for multiple sites, the total volume should include testing for ALL sites.
If additional space is needed, check here and attach additional information using the same format.” Include text box similar to
Section VII.
Place a check (3) in the box preceding each specialty/subspecialty in which the laboratory performs testing. Enter the
estimated annual test volume for each specialty. Do not include testing not subject to CLIA, waived tests, or tests run for quality
control, calculations, quality assurance or proficiency testing when calculating test volume. (For additional guidance on counting
test volume, see the instructions included with the application package.)
If applying for a Certificate of Accreditation, indicate the name of the Accreditation Organization beside the applicable specialty/
subspecialty for which you are accredited for CLIA compliance. (The Joint Commission, ACHC, AABB, A2LA ,CAP, COLA or ASHI)

SPECIALTY /
SUBSPECIALTY
HISTOCOMPATIBILITY 010
Transplant
Nontransplant
MICROBIOLOGY

ACCREDITING
ANNUAL
ORGANIZATION TEST VOLUME

SPECIALTY /
SUBSPECIALTY

Hematology
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY
ABO Group & Rh Group 510
Antibody Detection (transfusion) 520

Mycobacteriology 115

Antibody Detection (nontransfusion) 530

Mycology 120

Antibody Identification 540

Virology 140

Compatibility Testing 550
PATHOLOGY

DIAGNOSTIC IMMUNOLOGY

Histopathology 610

Syphilis Serology 210

Oral Pathology 620

General Immunology 220

Cytology 630

CHEMISTRY
Routine 310
Urinalysis 320
Endocrinology 330
Toxicology 340

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

ANNUAL
TEST
VOLUME

HEMATOLOGY 400

Bacteriology 110

Parasitology 130

ACCREDITING
ORGANIZATION

RADIOBIOASSAY 800
Radiobioassay
CLINICAL CYTOGENETICS 900
Clinical Cytogenetics

TOTAL ESTIMATED ANNUAL TEST VOLUME:
4

IX. TYPE OF CONTROL (CHECK THE ONE MOST DESCRIPTIVE OF OWNERSHIP TYPE)
VOLUNTARY NONPROFIT

01 Religious Affiliation

FOR PROFIT

04 Proprietary

GOVERNMENT

05 City

02 Private Nonprofit

06 County

03 Other Nonprofit

07 State
08 Federal

(Specify)

09 Other Government
(If 09 is selected, please specify the country
or the province.)

Does this facility have partial or full ownership by a foreign entity or foreign government?
Yes

No

If Yes, what is the country of origin for the foreign entity?
X. DIRECTOR AFFILIATION WITH OTHER LABORATORIES
If the director of this laboratory serves as director for additional laboratories that are separately certified, please
complete the following:
CLIA NUMBER

NAME OF LABORATORY

ATTENTION: READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING APPLICATION
Any person who intentionally violates any requirement of section 353 of the Public Health Service Act as amended
or any regulation promulgated thereunder shall be imprisoned for not more than 1 year or fined under title
18, United States Code or both, except that if the conviction is for a second or subsequent violation of such a
requirement such person shall be imprisoned for not more than 3 years or fined in accordance with title 18,
United States Code or both.
Consent: The applicant hereby agrees that such laboratory identified herein will be operated in accordance with
applicable standards found necessary by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out the purposes of
section 353 of the Public Health Service Act as amended. The applicant further agrees to permit the Secretary, or
any Federal officer or employee duly designated by the Secretary, to inspect the laboratory and its operations and
its pertinent records at any reasonable time and to furnish any requested information or materials necessary to
determine the laboratory’s eligibility or continued eligibility for its certificate or continued compliance with CLIA
requirements.
PRINT NAME OF DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY
PRINT NAME OF OWNER OF LABORATORY
SIGNATURE OF OWNER/DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY (SIGN IN INK OR USE A SECURE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE)

DATE

NOTE: Completed 116 applications must be sent to your local State Agency. Do not send any payment with your
completed 116 application.
STATE AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/CLIASA.pdf

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

5

THE CLINICAL LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS (CLIA) APPLICATION
(FORM CMS-116)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION
CLIA requires every facility that tests human specimens
for the purpose of providing information for the
diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease or
impairment of, or the assessment of the health of, a
human being to meet certain Federal requirements.
If your facility performs tests for these purposes, it is
considered, under the law, to be a laboratory. Facilities
only collecting or preparing specimens (or both) or
only serving as a mailing service are not considered
laboratories. CLIA does not apply to a facility that only
performs forensic testing. CLIA applies even if only one
or a few basic tests are performed, and even if you are
not charging for testing. In addition, the CLIA legislation
requires financing of all regulatory costs through fees
assessed to affected facilities.
The CLIA application (Form CMS-116) collects
information about your laboratory’s operation which
is necessary to determine the fees to be assessed, to
establish baseline data and to fulfill the statutory
requirements for CLIA. This information will also provide
an overview of your facility’s laboratory operation. All
information submitted should be based on your facility’s
laboratory operation as of the date of form completion.
NOTE: WAIVED TESTS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM
CLIA. FACILITIES PERFORMING ONLY THOSE TESTS
CATEGORIZED AS WAIVED MUST APPLY FOR A CLIA
CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER.
NOTE: Laboratory directors performing non-waived
testing (including PPM) must meet specific education,
training and experience under subpart M (42 CFR
PART 493) of the CLIA requirements. Proof of these
requirements for the laboratory director must be
submitted with the application. Information to be
submitted with the application include:
•

Verification of State Licensure, as applicable

•

Documentation of qualifications:
• Education (copy of Diploma, transcript from
accredited institution, CMEs),
• Credentials, and
• Laboratory experience.

Individuals who attended foreign schools must have an
evaluation of their credentials determining equivalency
of their education to education obtained in the United
States. Failure to submit this information will delay the
processing of your application.
ALL APPLICABLE SECTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE PROCESSED
AND WILL BE RETURNED TO THE FACILITY. PRINT
LEGIBLY OR TYPE INFORMATION.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
For an initial applicant, check “initial application”. For
an initial survey or for a recertification, check “survey”.
For a request to change the type of certificate, check
“change in certificate type” and provide the effective
Form CMS-116 (12/21)

date of the change. For all other changes, including
change in location, director, lab closure, etc., check
“other changes” and provide the effective date of the
change.
CLIA Identification Number: For an initial applicant, the
CLIA number should be left blank. The number will be
assigned when the application is processed. For all other
applicants, enter the 10 digit CLIA identification number
already assigned and listed on your CLIA certificate.
Facility Name: Be specific when indicating the name of
your facility, particularly when it is a component of a
larger entity, e.g., respiratory therapy department in XYZ
Hospital. For a physician’s office, this may be the name
of the physician. NOTE: the information provided is what
will appear on your certificate.
Email Address: A valid Email Address will be used for
communications between the CLIA program and the
laboratory. Selecting the RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS VIA
EMAIL checkbox, requires the laboratory to enter a valid
Email Address.
Physical Facility Address: This address is mandatory and
must reflect the physical location where the laboratory
testing is performed. The address may include a floor,
suite and/or room location, but cannot be a Post Office
box or Mail Stop.
If the laboratory has a separate mailing and/or corporate
address (from the Facility Address), please complete the
appropriate sections on the form.
Mailing Address: This address is optional and may be
used if the laboratory wants to direct the mailing of the
CLIA fee coupon and/or CLIA certificate to an alternate
location, such as an accounts payable office. A Post Office
box number or Mail Stop number may be used as part of
the Mailing Address for this section.
Corporate Address: This address is optional and may
be used if the laboratory wants to direct the mailing of
the CLIA fee coupon and/or CLIA certificate to another
location, such as, the main headquarters or home office
for the laboratory. A Post Office box number or Mail
Stop number may be used as part of the Corporate
Address for this section.
Form Mailing: Select the address (Physical, Mailing,
Corporate) where the CLIA fee coupon and CLIA
certificate are to be mailed.
For Office Use Only: The date received is the date the
form is received by the state agency or CMS regional
office for processing.
II. TYPE OF CERTIFICATE REQUESTED
Select your certificate type based on the highest level
of test complexity performed by your laboratory. A
laboratory performing non-waived tests can choose
Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Accreditation
based on the agency you wish to survey your laboratory.
When completing this section, please remember that a
facility holding a:
Instructions

•

Certificate of Waiver can only perform tests
categorized as waived;*

•

Certificate for Provider Performed Microscopy
Procedures (PPM) can only perform tests categorized
as PPM, or tests categorized as PPM and waived
tests;*

•

Certificate of Compliance can perform tests
categorized as waived, PPM and moderate and/or
high complexity tests provided the applicable CLIA
quality standards are met following a CLIA survey;
and

•

Certificate of Accreditation can perform tests
categorized as waived, PPM and moderate and/
or high complexity non-waived tests provided the
laboratory is currently accredited by an approved
accreditation organization. (If your CMS-approved
accreditation organization is not listed, contact your
local State Agency for further instructions.)

*A current list of waived and PPM tests may be
obtained from your State agency. Specific test system
categorizations can also be found on the Internet at:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/
cfCLIA/clia.cfm.
III. TYPE OF LABORATORY
Select the type that is most descriptive of the location
where the laboratory testing is performed.
If selecting ‘mobile laboratory’ (code 19), a mobile
laboratory is defined as a movable, self-contained
operational laboratory with its own personnel,
equipment, and records. For record keeping purposes,
include, on a separate sheet of paper, the vehicle
identification numbers (VINs) of all vehicles used for
mobile laboratory testing.
If selecting ‘Practitioner Other’ (code 22), this type
includes practitioners such as, dentists, chiropractors, etc.
IV. HOURS OF ROUTINE OPERATION

format and check box marked ‘24/7’ if laboratory testing
is performed continuously, e.g., 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Do not use military time.
V. MULTIPLE SITES
You can only qualify for the multiple site provision
(more than one site under one certificate) if you meet
one of the CLIA requirements described in 42 CFR 493.
493.35(b)(1-3), 493.43(b)(1-3) and 493.55(b)(1-3)
Hospice and HHA could qualify for an exception.
VI. WAIVED TESTING
Indicate the estimated total annual test volume for all
waived tests performed.
VII. PPM TESTING
Indicate the estimated total annual test volume for all
PPM tests performed.
VIII. NON-WAIVED TESTING (INCLUDING PPM)
The total Estimated Annual Test volume in this section
includes all non-waived testing, including PPM tests
previously counted in section VII. Follow the specific
instructions on page 3 of the Form CMS-116 when
completing this section for test counting information.
(Note: The Accrediting Organization column should
reflect accreditation information for CLIA purposes only;
e.g., CAP, etc.).
IX. TYPE OF CONTROL
Select the type of ownership or control which most
appropriately describes your facility.
X. DIRECTOR OF ADDITIONAL LABORATORIES
List all other facilities for which the director is
responsible and that are under different certificates.
Note that for a Certificate of PPM, Certificate of
Compliance or Certificate of Accreditation, an individual
can only serve as the director for no more than five
certificates.

Provide only the times when actual laboratory testing
is performed in your facility. Please use the HH:MM
Reminders - Before submitting the Form CMS-116:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Include the current or estimated annual test volume.
For Certificate for PPM, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation, include the laboratory director
qualifications.
Do not send any money with your application.
Send the completed Form CMS-116 to the appropriate State Agency (https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/
Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/CLIASA.pdf).

Once the completed Form CMS-116 has been returned to the applicable State agency and it is processed, a fee remittance
coupon will be issued. The fee remittance coupon will indicate your CLIA identification number and the amount due for the
certificate, and if applicable the compliance (survey) or validation fee. If you are applying for a Certificate of Compliance or
Certificate of Accreditation, you will initially pay for and receive a Registration Certificate. A Registration Certificate permits a
facility requesting a Certificate of Compliance to perform testing until an onsite inspection is conducted to determine program
compliance; or for a facility applying for a Certificate of Accreditation, until verification of accreditation by an approved
accreditation organization is received by CMS.
If you need additional information concerning CLIA, or if you have questions about completion of this form, please contact your
State agency. State agency contact information can be found at:
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/CLIASA.pdf

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

Instructions

TESTS COMMONLY PERFORMED AND THEIR CORRESPONDING
LABORATORY SPECIALTIES/SUBSPECIALITIES
HISTOCOMPATIBILITY (010)
HLA Typing (disease associated antigens)
MICROBIOLOGY
Bacteriology (110)
Gram Stain
Culture
Susceptibility
Strep screen
Antigen assays (H.pylori, Chlamydia, etc.)
Mycobacteriology (115)
Acid Fast Smear
Mycobacterial culture
Mycobacterial susceptibility
Mycology (120)
Fungal Culture
DTM
KOH Preps
Parasitology (130)
Direct Preps
Ova and Parasite Preps
Wet Preps
Virology (140)
RSV (Not including waived kits)
HPV assay
Cell culture
DIAGNOSTIC IMMUNOLOGY
Syphilis Serology (210)
RPR
FTA, MHATP
General Immunology (220)
Allergen testing
ANA
Antistreptolysin O
Antigen/Antibody (hepatitis, herpes, rubella, etc.)
Complement (C3, C4)
Immunoglobulin
HIV
Mononucleosis assay
Rheumatoid factor
Tumor marker (AFP, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, CA 125)*

HEMATOLOGY (400)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
WBC count
RBC count
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit (Not including spun micro)
Platelet count
Differential
Activated Clotting Time
Prothrombin time (Not including waived instruments)
Partial thromboplastin time
Fibrinogen
Reticulocyte count
Manual WBC by hemocytometer
Manual platelet by hemocytometer
Manual RBC by hemocytometer
Sperm count
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY
ABO group (510)
Rh(D) type (510)
Antibody screening
Antibody identification (540)
Compatibility testing (550)
PATHOLOGY
Dermatopathology
Oral Pathology (620)
PAP smear interpretations (630)
Other Cytology tests (630)
Histopathology (610)
RADIOBIOASSAY (800)
Red cell volume
Schilling test
CLINICAL CYTOGENETICS (900)
Fragile X
Buccal smear
Prader-Willi syndrome
FISH studies for: neoplastic disorders, congenital disorders
or solid tumors.

*Tumor markers can alternatively be listed under
Routine Chemistry instead of General Immunology.

Form CMS-116 (04/20)

Instructions

CHEMISTRY
Routine Chemistry (310)
Albumin
Ammonia
Alk Phos
ALT/SGPT
AST/SGOT
Amylase
Bilirubin
Blood gas (pH, pO2, pCO2)
BUN
Calcium
Chloride
Cholesterol
Cholesterol, HDL
CK/CK isoenzymes
CO2
Creatinine
Ferritin
Folate
GGT
Glucose (Not fingerstick)
Iron
LDH/LDH isoenzymes
Magnesium
Potassium
Protein, electrophoresis
Protein, total
PSA
Sodium
Triglycerides
Troponin
Uric acid
Vitamin B12

Toxicology (340)
Acetaminophen
Blood alcohol
Blood lead (Not waived)
Carbamazepine
Digoxin
Ethosuximide
Gentamicin
Lithium
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone
Procainamide
NAPA
Quinidine
Salicylates
Theophylline
Tobramycin
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Urinalysis** (320)
Automated Urinalysis (Not including waived instruments)
Microscopic Urinalysis
Urine specific gravity by refractometer
Urine specific gravity by urinometer
Urine protein by sulfosalicylic acid
** Dipstick urinalysis is counted in Section VI. WAIVED TESTING

Endocrinology (330)
Cortisol
HCG (serum pregnancy test)
T3
T3 Uptake
T4
T4, free
TSH

NOTE: This is not a complete list of tests covered by CLIA. Other non-waived tests and their specialties/ subspecialties
can be found at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/SubjecttoCLIA.pdf
and https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/lccodes.pdf. You may also call
your State agency for further information. State agency contact information can be found at:
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/CLIASA.pdf.
Form CMS-116 (12/21)

Instructions

GUIDELINES FOR COUNTING TESTS FOR CLIA
•

For chemistry, each non-calculated analyte is counted separately (e.g., Lipid Panel consisting of a total
cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides equals 4 tests).

•

For clinical cytogenetics, the number of tests is determined by the number of specimen types processed on each
patient; e.g., a bone marrow and a venous blood specimen received on one patient is counted as
two tests. NOTE: For all other genetic tests, the number of tests is determined by the number of results
reported in the final report.

•

For manual gynecologic and nongynecologic cytology, each slide (not case) is counted as one test.

•

For flow cytometry, each measured individual analyte (e.g. T cells, B cells, CD4, etc.) that is ordered and
reported should be counted separately.

•

For general immunology, testing for allergens should be counted as one test per individual allergen.

•

Genetics tests should be placed in the specialty or subspecialty where they fit best, according to the
methodology of the test.

•

For hematology, each measured individual analyte of a complete blood count or flow cytometry test that is
ordered and reported is counted separately. The WBC differential is counted as one test.

•

For histocompatibility, each HLA typing (including disease associated antigens) is counted as one test, each HLA
antibody screen is counted as one test and each HLA cross match is counted as one test. For example, a B-cell, a
T-cell, and an auto-crossmatch between the same donor and recipient pair would be counted as 3 tests.

•

For histopathology, each block (not slide) is counted as one test. Autopsy services are not included. For
those laboratories that perform special stains on histology slides, the test volume is determined by adding
the number of special stains performed on slides to the total number of specimen blocks prepared by
the laboratory.

•

For immunohematology, each ABO, Rh, antibody screen, crossmatch or antibody identification is counted as
one test.

•

For microbiology, susceptibility testing is counted as one test per group of antibiotics used to determine
sensitivity for one organism. Cultures are counted as one per test request from each specimen regardless
of the extent of identification, number of organisms isolated, and number of tests/procedures required for
identification. Each gram stain or acid-fast bacteria (AFB) smear requested from the primary source is counted
as one. For example, if a sputum specimen has a routine bacteriology culture and gram stain, a mycology test,
and an AFB smear and culture ordered, this would be counted as five tests. For parasitology, the direct smear
and the concentration and prepared slide are counted as one test.

•

For urinalysis, microscopic and macroscopic examinations, each count as one test. Macroscopics (dipsticks) are
counted as one test regardless of the number of reagent pads on the strip.

•

For all specialties/subspecialities, do not count calculations (e.g., A/G ratio, MCH, T7, etc.), quality control,
quality assurance, or proficiency testing assays.

If you need additional information concerning counting tests for CLIA, please contact your State agency.

Form CMS-116 (12/21)

Instructions