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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Update of Guidelines for Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Korea
Ki Ho Hong1, Gab Jung Kim2, Kyoung Ho Roh3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Updated guidelines for diagnosing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in clinical laboratories incorporate new scientific data. Recommendations now include rapid molecular, antigen, and antibody tests, plus self-collected specimens for improved COVID-19 diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Clinical diagnostics
- Virology
- Public health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid development and implementation of diagnostic testing strategies.
- Existing laboratory guidelines required updates to reflect emerging scientific evidence and testing modalities.
Framework:
- The updated guidelines provide a framework for clinical laboratories in Korea to diagnose COVID-19.
- Recommendations are based on the latest scientific data and address evolving diagnostic needs.
Implementation:
- Incorporates recommendations for rapid molecular assays, antigen tests, and antibody serology.
- Includes guidance on the use of self-collected specimens for COVID-19 testing.
- Revises previous recommendations to align with current best practices.
Implications:
- Aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics.
- Supports clinical laboratories in effectively managing diagnostic testing during the pandemic.
- Facilitates informed decision-making for patient care and public health surveillance.
Abstract:
Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Korea Disease Prevention and Control Agency have announced guidelines for diagnosing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in clinical laboratories in Korea. With the ongoing pandemic, we propose an update of the previous guidelines based on new scientific data. This update includes recommendations for tests that were not included in the previous guidelines, including the rapid molecular test, antigen test, antibody test, and self-collected specimens, and a revision of the previous recommendations. This update will aid clinical laboratories in performing laboratory tests for diagnosing COVID-19.
