Prognos is analyzing lab testing trends in 2020 and more specifically, looking at the impact of COVID-19 on testing trends at a national level.
Methodology: A large representative sample from the Prognos lab testing registry was pulled as a proxy for a national volume of testing. Then trends are compared on a weekly basis year-to-date.
Summary Findings
Week ending May 15th, 2020
- For 2020, the national trend in testing was initially stable through the week ending 3/13/20.
- There were expected drops in January and February due to holidays (MLK/President’s Day).
- Over the two-week period ending 3/27, the national trend decreased 23% and 38% weekly, for an overall drop of 53% over those two weeks.
- Since then, the market trend has stabilized and showing signs of recovery with consecutive weeks of double-digit percentage increases. Data from the most recent period (week ending 5/15) shows an increase with a 21% increase over the prior week.
- In comparing the most recent three week’s volume to same week in the previous year, the trend shows an improvement as well:
- Test volume for the week of 5/1 was 48% lower than the same week, prior year
- Test volume for the week of 5/8 was 35% lower than the same week, prior year
- Test volume for the week of 5/15 was 20% lower than the same week, prior year
For the most recent period (week ending 5/15) testing trends showed a 21% increase over the prior week, indicating a clear upward trend in testing.
The national trend over the most recent annual period (4/19 – 5/20) shows a stable weekly trend, with dips associated with holidays. Testing for the week of 5/15/20 is 21% higher than prior week, but 20% lower than same week prior year, which is also an improvement over last week’s comparison.
For more information on the regional and local level, or a specific test or brand, contact us.