Envelope containing test sample tube with red cap with label “this is a test sample void”, a CupZip bag, test instructions and cardboard packaging UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, ‘crash lock’ pattern with label “this is a test sample void”, kit of the type used at Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre, based at the Anne McLaren Building on the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, April 2020 - April 2021

This is a type of sample kit a member of the public used to collect their own sample. Swabbing their nose and throat, or helping some one else to do the same, they would place the swab into the orange topped tube. Once securely sealed it was placed in a plastic bag with an absorbent pad in case of any leaks. Finally the bagged sample was added to the cardboard envelope. At each step, the barcodes need to be checked to ensure they matched. Once ready, the sample had a security sticker attached to the front, sending it to a COVID-19 test centre vai Royal Mail. Each label had a code so delivery could be tracked.

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.