Assessment tool for laboratories implementing COVID-19 virus testing. Interim guidance, 8 April 2020

Abstract

Background: This tool has been designed to assess the capacity of laboratories that have implemented or intend to implement testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The tool is a shortened version of the 2012 Laboratory assessment tool that is widely used to assess national laboratory systems and the capacity of laboratories. The new tool incorporates core sections of the 2012 tool, while adding a section specifically on testing for COVID-19 virus. Overall, the new tool enables rapid identification of strengths and weaknesses of a laboratory to determine the capacity for COVID-19 testing. Please read this user guide before filling in the questionnaire. For additional information, a more complete version of this user guide can be found in the 2012 Laboratory assessment tool.