Last Updated: Dec 15, 2021

Picture Genetics is a service of Fulgent Genetics, a CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratory. We are providing the information below in connection with Picture's molecular COVID-19 test, the analysis for which is performed at Fulgent laboratories. A molecular COVID-19 test is used to determine whether an individual is currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, and may also be referred to as an RT-PCR test, NAAT test, diagnostic test, or simply COVID test.

Picture uses diagnostic RT-PCR testing to identify whether any SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is present in the provided sample. In other words, the analysis performed amplifies targeted viral RNA from the COVID-19 virus, which can inform us whether the person who provided the sample is currently infected with COVID-19. The samples we receive for COVID-19 testing are only processed for viral RNA detection and/or viral strain/variant identification.

Picture's lab only looks for the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the samples received for COVID-19 testing. No human DNA is extracted or analyzed during the process. That means we do not obtain any genetic information specific to you from our COVID-19 tests. Samples are discarded once a result report has been generated (usually within two days after receipt). We do not sell or otherwise share your test samples with third parties. Discarded samples are scheduled to be picked up daily and incinerated off-site by our biological waste disposal contractor.

Anyone submitting a test sample will participate in an online health screening questionnaire that includes questions about COVID-19 high-risk factors, prior COVID-19 testing, and current symptoms. These questions are generally a) required by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or other public agencies as part of the COVID testing and reporting process, or b) required by ordering providers in order to assess whether the test is appropriate for the individual ordering it.

Individuals that submit test samples are also asked to provide certain personal and demographic information including their name, birth date, relevant contact information, home address, race, ethnicity, and gender. This information is required to be collected by laboratories issuing reports to public health authorities and will be retained by Picture for such purposes. Questions for race, ethnicity, and gender have a "Prefer Not to State'' option, and there are no consequences for selecting that answer.

Apart from the above, the only additional information that Picture retains is the final diagnostic result of any tests submitted. All information is securely stored in our web portal. Test records are also securely maintained in the Fulgent laboratory information management system.

We take the privacy of your personal health information seriously. Fulgent is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory, and therefore your individually identifiable health information, including your name and contact information, insurance information, the fact you took a COVID-19 test, and your test results are protected by HIPAA and in some cases similar state laws. We may share information with third parties as permitted by these laws, or with your permission.

We are legally prohibited from selling your individually identifiable health information without your express written and signed permission. In the unlikely event that we ask you for your permission to do so, you may refuse our request without penalty.

An independent physician from an external network will receive and use your online questionnaire information to review your eligibility and approve your test and will also receive your test results. Our lab is cooperating with federal and state public reporting agencies as appropriate regarding reportable COVID-19 cases. We may also share your health information for other treatment purposes, in connection with obtaining payment for your test, to meet certain legal obligations such as complying with court orders, and in certain other cases as further discussed in our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

Our lab has also been engaged by certain institutions and organizations to provide testing to individuals. For example, we provide testing for workplace health and safety programs and various agencies and municipalities offering community testing. Such institutions or organizations may have access to certain health information regarding testing and results. If you are testing through an institution or organization, please speak to your group administrator or contact hello@picturegenetics.com for more information.

Test results and associated protected health information will remain in our laboratory information system for a minimum of 3 years, per guidelines for clinical laboratories. The test samples themselves are disposed of by incineration after 48 hours.