The article presents a validated diagnostic workflow for the detection of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) using real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The workflow was developed in the absence of virus isolates, relying on the close genetic relatedness of 2019-nCoV to the SARS coronavirus. The study involved collaboration between academic and public health laboratories, which confirmed the assay's exclusivity based on 297 clinical specimens containing a full spectrum of human respiratory viruses. The assays were highly sensitive, with the E gene and RdRp gene assays showing detection limits of 5.2 and 3.8 copies per reaction, respectively. The RdRp assay, which uses dual-color technology, can discriminate 2019-nCoV from SARS-CoV. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in national and European research networks in responding to public health emergencies.The article presents a validated diagnostic workflow for the detection of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) using real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The workflow was developed in the absence of virus isolates, relying on the close genetic relatedness of 2019-nCoV to the SARS coronavirus. The study involved collaboration between academic and public health laboratories, which confirmed the assay's exclusivity based on 297 clinical specimens containing a full spectrum of human respiratory viruses. The assays were highly sensitive, with the E gene and RdRp gene assays showing detection limits of 5.2 and 3.8 copies per reaction, respectively. The RdRp assay, which uses dual-color technology, can discriminate 2019-nCoV from SARS-CoV. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in national and European research networks in responding to public health emergencies.