Preparedness for detecting the first cases of COVID-19 in Iran.
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The story of expanding the nationwide laboratory service.
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Choosing the right test for the right time.
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Adaptation of the network to cope with the new requirements in testing.
Abstract
After the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in early 2020 in Iran, the rapid response team of Pasteur Institute of Iran was the first lab starting detection and report of suspected human samples. This article is a short summery of all actions from the preparedness for detecting the first cases of COVID-19, expanding the nationwide laboratory service, choosing the suitable laboratory tests and other challenges in laboratory detection during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Iran.