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Enhancing productivity and improving service provision in the virology laboratory

Following trials of the DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System, a new automated platform for routine viral load assays, Duncan Whittaker describes the workflow and turnaround time improvements achieved and how this might impact on service provision in the future.

The Department of Virology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a valuable diagnostic testing service to the people of Sheffield, serving the local community and five teaching hospitals within the trust as well as Sheffield Children’s Hospital. It is also a referral laboratory receiving samples from further afield for various tests, including routine viral loads and molecular diagnostics.

Three years ago, the department moved into a new, purpose-built laboratory medicine building, based at the city’s Northern General Hospital. At the same time, the laboratory working day was extended (09.00– 17.00 to 08.00–20.00) with no increase in staff numbers. However, the new facilities offered plenty of space, increased automation and improved proximities to help increase efficiencies, and the department looked forward to expanding its repertoire.

Today, the department’s annual automated workload includes around 105,000 serology samples (more than 300,000 tests) and 65,000 samples for molecular testing (around 129,000 tests), as well as 60,000 samples for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing.

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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