The Process of Establishing and Managing a Laboratory Diagnostic Network in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the newly emerged coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide. The rapid spread of the disease urged all countries involved, in accordance with their capacities, take the necessary measures to diagnose and manage the disease. The first patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iran in February 2020. Considering the significant role of the laboratory services in detection and management of the disease, planning and programming to provide access to these services was considered as a top priority for healthcare system in Iran. Adopting all existing laboratory capacities and providing necessary infrastructures for expanding COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics, resulted in the establishment of a nationwide network of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories within the shortest possible time. In addition to expanding the capacity of laboratory services, improving the laboratory network’s performance have been taken into serious consideration. Despite the strict sanctions, the COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories scaled up to more than 430 laboratories currently (September 2021), mostly are operating in the private sector. With considerable efforts, COVID-19 molecular laboratory network was established to provide nationwide diagnostic services. Considering the capacity for the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen test, we can now perform more than 100,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests per day. However, due to the ongoing pandemic and in accordance with the requirements of the health system, it is necessary to plan and carry out more COVID-19 diagnostic tests. This study aimed to introduce the process of establishing the COVID-19 laboratory diagnostic network to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.