Omar, S.Baker, D.Siebert, R.Joubert, I.Levy, B.Paruk, FathimaGopalan, P.D.2021-09-152021-09-152020-07Omar, S., Baker, D., Siebert, R. et al. 2020, 'The role of laboratory testing in hospitalised and critically ill COVID-19-positive patients', Southern African Journal of Critical Care, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 14-17.1562-8264 (print)2078-676X (online)10.7196/SAJCC.2020.v36i1.447http://hdl.handle.net/2263/81850The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare resources around the world under immense pressure. South Africa, given the condition of its healthcare system, is particularly vulnerable. There has been much discussion around rational healthcare utilisation, ranging from diagnostic testing and personal protective equipment to triage and appropriate use of ventilation strategies. There has, however, been little guidance around use of laboratory tests once COVID-19 positive patients have been admitted to hospital. We present a working guide to rational laboratory test use, specifically for COVID-19, among hospitalised patients, including the critically ill. The specific tests, the reasons for testing, their clinical usefulness, timing and frequency are addressed. We also provide a discussion around evidence for the use of these tests from a clinical perspective.en© 2020 Health and Medical Publishing Group. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Works License (CC BY-NC 3.0).Laboratory testsDiagnosticsCOVID-19 pandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)HealthcareSouth Africa (SA)Health sciences articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle