Sign for a RNA extraction room at a COVID-19 testing centre

Sign “RNA Extraction A + B” relating to biological waste produced the RNA extraction rooms on level 2 at Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre, based at the Anne McLaren Building on the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, April 2020 - April 2021

Laboratory testing uses a range of items, which often have to be discarded after a single use. 'Offensive waste' is material used which is non-infectious and non toxic. All bags were cable tied closed and placed in specific coloured bags and bins for collection. At this part of the COVID-19 proceess, liquids also needed to be diposed of safely and empty bottles.

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.