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Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.

Volume 31, Number 8—August 2025

Online Report

Optimal Timing for Expanding Diagnostic Laboratories, South Korea

Jae-Sun Park, Gab Jung Kim, and Sang Won LeeComments to Author 
Author affiliation: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, South Korea

Main Article

Figure 4

Diagnostic laboratory expansion for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19, South Korea. Number of MERS cases during May–July 2015 (A) and number of COVID-19 cases during January–March 2020 (B) were compared. Red arrow and dotted vertical lines indicate when testing was expanded to include private medical testing laboratories. Gray curved arrows indicate when testing was conducted using RUO-approved or EUA-approved reagents. RUOs were used to implement new MERS diagnostic tests, and EUAs were used for novel COVID-19 diagnostic tests. EUA, emergency use authorization; RUO, research-use only.

Figure 4. Diagnostic laboratory expansion for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19, South Korea. Number of MERS cases during May–July 2015 (A) and number of COVID-19 cases during January–March 2020 (B) were compared. Red arrow and dotted vertical lines indicate when testing was expanded to include private medical testing laboratories. Gray curved arrows indicate when testing was conducted using RUO-approved or EUA-approved reagents. RUOs were used to implement new MERS diagnostic tests, and EUAs were used for novel COVID-19 diagnostic tests. EUA, emergency use authorization; RUO, research-use only.

Main Article

Page created: June 23, 2025
Page updated: July 18, 2025
Page reviewed: July 18, 2025
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