Outbreaks of novel pathogens, such as the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 situation, represent a challenge for molecular diagnostics. However, identification of the agent, sequencing and publication of specific PCR assays for general use, a process that took several weeks 15 years ago, can now be accomplished in a few days [8]. With this rapid pace in identification and sharing of information comes the responsibility of local laboratories to be able to implement available assays and provide tests for the outbreak strain in an equally short timeframe. Furthermore, demand can be unpredictable and may suddenly spike, even outside the primary endemic areas, putting testing capacity under strain and potentially causing delays. For example, in February 2020, an entire cruise ship carrying almost 4,000 passengers and crew was quarantined off the port of Yokohama, Japan, and hundreds of people had to be tested for the virus in a short period of time [9].