NYC Lab Warned To Stop Advertising 48-Hour COVID Test Results: AG
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BROOKLYN, NY — A Brooklyn lab misrepresenting its coronavirus test turnaround times has been given a warning by New York Attorney General Letitia James, her office announced.
The AG issued a warning letter late Monday to LabQ, which is headquartered in Sunset Park and operates dozens of mobile coronavirus test sites across the city.
The warning comes after patients reported waiting more than four days for their coronavirus test results despite advertising from the company that promised results within 48 hours, according to James.
“LabQ’s own website states, ‘Turnaround Time Matters,’ but so does being honest with consumers," James said. "LabQ and all other labs should ensure that they are giving consumers accurate information about when to expect test results. Consumers need to have the proper information so they can decide whether to take a rapid or PCR test, as well as to make informed decisions when choosing a testing provider that can meet their needs.”
It seems LabQ has taken the attorney general's letter into account. On Tuesday, their website included a warning that "Due to a significant increase in COVID testing, please allow 1 to 4 days for results."
James also ordered LabQ to notify customers waiting for their results of the delay.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch.
New Yorkers have been struggling with long lines and delayed results for coronavirus tests across the five boroughs as an Omicron wave and surge in holiday testing takes hold of the city and state.
Mayor Bill de Blasio promised Monday that officials will open 23 more testing sites this week, bringing the total of city-run sites to 112, in an effort to fix the testing response.
He said the city now runs more than 130,000 tests a day — a record number that overwhelmed sites in the past week.
The attorney general urged consumers who believes a lab or other testing facility is making misleading statements about their turnaround time for COVID-19 test results to file a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau or call the office at 1-800-771-7755.
This article originally appeared on the Park Slope Patch
