The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic associated with the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus has required an unprecedented mobilization of resources worldwide. One of the cornerstones to pandemic response is rapid initiation of widespread testing. To meet this need, physicians and researchers at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute were quick to establish reliable testing for SARS-CoV-2 virus, and their experience can serve as a guide for the response to future novel infectious diseases.