Key points
- Use the CDC Specimen Test Order and Reporting (CSTOR) Web Portal to submit specimens and access test results and reports.
- Find information about the test order request (TOR) process below.
Common questions
Auto-approval vs. pre-approval
How do I know if a test order is auto-approved or requires pre-approval? What does this mean?
To determine if a test order is auto-approved or requires pre-approval, look in the CDC Test Directory in the CDC Pre-Approval Needed field. The blue informational [i] icon in the Create New Test Order Request module in CSTOR links to the test order's directory page in the draft Test Order Request grid.
If a test order is auto-approved, you will immediately receive approval and may enter specimen information. If a test requires pre-approval, the TOR will be Pending. You must wait for approval before you can enter specimen information.
Auto-approved test order requests
What happens when I create and submit a CSTOR TOR that is auto-approved?
If the TOR does not require approval (i.e., auto-approved), it will automatically appear as Approved in CSTOR. Continue with the submission process by:
- Finding the TOR in the Approved Test Order Requests tab in the Submit Specimens module.
- Using one of the three specimen information import methods.
Test order requests that require pre-approval
What happens when a I create and submit a CSTOR TOR that requires pre-approval?
For test orders that require pre-approval, submitting your TOR will send an email for the test order's point of contact (POC) to review your TOR. The TOR will receive a Pending status. CDC test order POCs can approve (with additional comments) or reject (with required comments).
The approval process is managed in the Enterprise Laboratory Information Management System (ELIMS) through the Test Order Requests application. When your request is approved or rejected, you will receive an email alert. If approved, the TOR will appear in the Approved Test Order Requests tab in the Submit Specimens module. Then you may continue with the specimen submission process in CSTOR.
System notifications
Does everyone in my organization receive email notifications after creating a TOR?
Currently system notifications only go to the individual that created the test order. However, all users can see TORs in the Organization Test Orders tab in the Check Status module.