Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether serum biochemical parameters can be used as a surrogate for chest computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in pediatric patients. Materials & methods: We evaluated potential associations between various serum biochemical markers and the COVID-reporting and data system (RADS) pneumonia grading system in 53 individuals with confirmed COVID-19. Results: A total of 28 chest CT scans (52.8%) were abnormal. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 on CT showed a statistically significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (186.4 ± 56.5 vs 228.4 ± 60.6; p = 0.01), which was significantly correlated with the COVID-RADS pneumonia grading system. Conclusion: Lactate dehydrogenase can be used as a surrogate marker for chest CT in children with COVID-19. This can reduce exposure to ionizing radiation during initial diagnostic procedures in children with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia.