Laboratory testing for COVID-19
Testing algorithm
- Priority for COVID-19 testing should be given to influenza-negative specimens.
- Test 50 to 100 influenza-negative specimens each week for COVID-19. Test more if resources allow.
- Testing for other respiratory viruses should continue based on country priority and available resources although, laboratories should test for influenza and COVID-19 before testing for other respiratory viruses.
- The order of testing for COVID-19 and influenza viruses should be adjusted to the epidemiological situation in the country considering the prevalence of circulating viruses and influenza seasonality.
Laboratory technical guidance
Molecular assays to diagnose COVID-19 (In-house developed assays) Published January 2020 (PDF, 5,67 MB)
COVID-19 laboratory biosafety guidance Published May 2020
Contact
For questions related to reporting using GISRS, please write to
For all other questions related to Influenza & COVID-19, please write to