Expert Guidelines Established for COVID-19 Molecular Testing in Mobile Laboratories
Responding to the absence of standardised operating frameworks, this guideline provides practical recommendations for mobile laboratory deployment in COVID-19 molecular diagnostics, covering facility design, preoperative evaluation, PCR protocols, quality control, sample handling, biosafety, and personnel requirements. Based on expert consensus and accreditation checklists, the guidelines are designed to be applicable beyond COVID-19 for future public health emergencies requiring rapid decentralised molecular testing capacity.
The original study
Guidelines for Mobile Laboratories for Molecular Diagnostic Testing of COVID-19.
- Authors
- Roh KH, Hong KH, Nam MH, Kim TS, Seong MW, Lee JK, et al.
- Journal
- Annals of laboratory medicine
- Type
- Journal Article, Practice Guideline
- PMID
- 35470270
Original abstract
With the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the need for rapid testing and diagnosis and consequently, the demand for mobile laboratories have increased. Despite this need, there are no clear guidelines for the operation, maintenance, or quality control of mobile laboratories. We provide guidelines for the operation, management, and quality control of mobile laboratories, and specifically for the implementation and execution of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic testing. These practical guidelines are primarily based on expert opinions and a laboratory accreditation inspection checklist. The scope of these guidelines includes the facility, preoperative evaluation, PCR testing, internal and external quality control, sample handling, reporting, laboratory personnel, biosafety level, and laboratory safety management. These guidelines are useful for the maintenance and operation of mobile laboratories not only in normal circumstances but also during public health crises and emergencies.