QR code labelling for tracking COVID-19 tests

Strip of sequential labels “UK Biocentre box Camb 257, Camb 237-286” to “UK Biocentre box Camb 283, Camb 237-286”, including QR codes, 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

Barcodes and QR codes are essential to the COVID-19 testing process. It means a sample can be easily tracked through the system, aiming to prevent human error if manually updating its' location.

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. 14 robots speeded up the testing rate by six times. 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.