Sign from a sample preparation area of a COVID-19 testing centre

Sign “Sample Input” displayed at the Sample Input area where COVID-19 samples were delivered after initial unpacking and heat treatment at Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre, based at the Anne McLaren Building on the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, April 2020 - April 2021

COVID-19 sample testing includes several steps. Sample preparation was where every vial was assessed to make sure it is safe and suitable for analysis. This includes adding QR codes to track the sample through the system and barcodes. Each sample was also heat treated using industrial catering ovens, pioneered by the Cambridge team. This makes the sample safer for laboratory workers to handle and means they can be handled outside of biosafety cabinets or in high level facilities.

Delivered in just five weeks rather than the normal six month fit out for a testing laboratory the Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre tested 3 million samples. The Test Centre was originally a collaboration between the University of Cambridge, AstraZeneca, and GSK, staffed by volunteers from the three sites, many of leaving their studies or roles for a few months, or taking on additional jobs. Staff worked in shift patterns in the same role to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In June 2020, the testing centre transition to a directly employed workforce, rather than relying on volunteers. The laboratory was run by Charles River Laboratories with 200 staff.