LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a cease and desist order to an unlicensed laboratory in Las Vegas.
The Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) investigated and substantiated a complaint of the operation of an unlicensed laboratory at Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness, 6125 Sahara Avenue, Suite 1B, Las Vegas. The laboratory was found to be collecting patient specimens and performing laboratory tests during an unannounced, onsite complaint investigation by the Division on Tuesday afternoon.
The lab was using a serological test to test for COVID-19. Serology tests are not to be used for diagnostic purposes and any serological test at Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness would not have a definitive result for the purposes of diagnosing COVID-19. Patients are urged to contact their health care provider to determine if further testing is required.
The Division has required Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness to immediately notify all patients that their test results are not valid for the purpose of a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19.
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 652.080 prohibits the operation of a medical laboratory without first obtaining a license from DPBH. The Division licenses laboratories that perform diagnostic medical laboratory tests in accordance with federal and state standards.
An ongoing investigation is underway and no further information will be provided until the investigation is complete.
To make a complaint against a facility go to http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/HealthFacilities/dta/Complaints/HCQC-Complaint-Form/ [dpbh.nv.gov]
