What does a CLIA number certify?

The CLIA number certifies the complexity of tests performed in a laboratory. CLIA, which stands for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, is a set of regulations established to ensure quality standards for laboratory testing in the United States. Laboratories are classified based on the complexity of the tests they perform: waived tests, moderate complexity tests, and high complexity tests. The CLIA number indicates that the laboratory meets federal requirements for the type of testing they are authorized to perform, ensuring that patients receive accurate and reliable test results.

While the operating hours of a laboratory, staff qualifications, and types of equipment used are important factors in laboratory operations, they are not directly conveyed through the CLIA number itself. The focus of the CLIA certification is primarily on the types of tests and their complexity, promoting standardized practices in laboratories across the country.