ISO standard designation close for PCR test method

A diagnostic testing method for contagious diseases from Korea is one step closer to being approved as an international standard.

The testing method, which can be used to detect the coronavirus, was approved as a draft international standard by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

One final vote is needed by the ISO’s 164 members before the method designated an international standard.

“We expect the testing method will become an international standard this year,” said the ministries of Trade, Industry and Energy and Food and Drug Safety in a joint statement.

The testing method under consideration detects microbial pathogens using polymerase chain reactions, PCR, which can copy DNA to create a sample large enough for testing.

It is a standard that can be used for a wide range of tests, including those which determine whether a person is infected with the coronavirus.

This method was recommended to the ISO in 2016 after being reviewed by the Korean Agency For Technology and Standards.

“Korea’s capability to diagnose the coronavirus is at the center of global interest. We expect the method’s standardization will increase credibility for Korean testing kits and pave way for our companies to set foot abroad,” the ministry said in a statement.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that coronavirus test kits from three Korean companies received a preliminary approval for emergency use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

BY SONG KYOUNG-SON [song.kyoungson@joongang.co.kr]