Operating instructions, with handwritten notes, for an Agilent Bravo used at a COVID-19 testing centre

Operating instructions, with handwritten notes, for an Agilent Bravo used at a COVID-19 testing centre Operating instructions, with handwritten notes, for an Agilent Bravo used at a COVID-19 testing centre

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Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Operating instructions, with handwritten notes, for the Agilent Bravo, an automated liquid handling platform used in the analysis of test samples at Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre, based at the Anne McLaren Building on the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, April 2020 - April 2021

14 robots speeded up the testing rate by six times at the Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre. The Agilent Bravo automated sample preparation for testing. According to the instructions, it should be operated by two people, never alone so there was always a witness to double check which samples were being tested. As well as acquiring a robot, new software instructions, specific to COVID-19, were also needed. Passing on learning was important, so this instruction set has a handwritten note to ensure people did not miss a vital step.

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 during its year of operation. 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. Volunteers 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.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Object Number:
2022-72/42
Materials:
paper
Measurements:
overall: 210 mm x 297 mm
type:
instructions