The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance on certifying deaths due to COVID-19, stating that “long COVID” can be listed as a cause of death even if the deceased person had not tested positive for COVID-19 for months or even years.
Long COVID refers to long-term problems that are believed to stem from COVID-19.
According to the CDC, certifiers should review the decedent’s medical history and records, laboratory test results, and autopsy report if available when completing the death certificate.
If a decedent had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and was diagnosed with a post-COVID-19 condition, the certifier may consider the possibility that the death was due to long-term complications of COVID-19, even if the original infection occurred months or years before death.
“When completing the death certificate, certifiers should carefully review and consider the decedent’s medical history and records, laboratory test results, and autopsy report, if one is available,” the CDC’s updated guidance reads.
“For decedents who had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and were diagnosed with a post-COVID-19 condition, the certifier may consider the possibility that the death was due to long-term complications of COVID-19, even if the original infection occurred months or years before death.”
Read the full CDC document:
