96 well PCR plate of the type used in COVID-19 testing

Packaged 96 square shape holes well PCR plate for DNA and RNA extraction, of the type used at the Cambridge COVID-19 Test Centre, based at the Anne McLaren Building on the University of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, April 2020- April 2021

Each well in this plate would have held one person's COVID-19 sample. 96 well plates were used to each prepare samples. A chemical chemical was added to neutralise the virus. Then the plates are placed into into a 65-degree oven for 10 minutes to deactivate the virus so that it is no longer harmful but can still be detected from the test.

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.