These educational visits are being organised by NHS Test and Trace in collaboration with the Royal College of Pathologists for medical and scientist trainees in microbiology and virology, biomedical scientists, consultant microbiologists and consultant virologists, public health teams, Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors and DHSC civil service.

These visits offer a unique opportunity to tour Pillar 2 SARS-CoV-2 RNA mass Lighthouse Laboratories in the UK.

Please read the terms and conditions below and note that you need to select one of the venues under tickets for this date or for the visit on 27 August. You are not able to book for multiple tours.

Please also note:

A limited number of places are available to book on a first come first served basis.
Individuals may only book one tour.
Tours are free but individuals are responsible for paying the cost of their travel to and from the laboratory.
Bookings are non-transferable and individuals must cancel their booking if they cannot attend their planned visit.
Details, including the address of the laboratory, will be emailed to individuals upon booking.
Limited personal data will be shared by the RCPath with the organising laboratory in order that they are aware of who to expect.
Individuals should expect to take photo ID to their laboratory tour and confirmation of their employer (if not on their photo ID).
All places must be booked by Friday 13 August 2021.

For more information, please contact:

Dr M Sudhanva MBBS, MD (Microbiology), FRCPath (Virology): msudhanva@nhs.net

Dr Sudhanva is a Consultant Virologist, South London Specialist Virology Centre, Infection Sciences, King’s College NHS Foundation Trust. He is also Lead Clinical Advisor Lab - Team of NHS Test & Trace [Lighthouse Labs and local advisor for Milton Keynes LHL].

Who should attend?

Medical and scientist trainees in microbiology and virology
Biomedical scientists
Consultant microbiologists and consultant virologists
Public health teams
DHSC civil service
Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors

Date and time

Visits to the laboratories below will take place on Friday 20 August and Friday 27 August between 2 and 4 pm. This eventbrite page is for tours taking place on 20 August.

Locations of laboratories - see table below.

You will select which lab visit you would like to book under tickets.

Topics covered

Detailed Learning point(s)

Introduction to history of Lighthouse Laboratory - Pandemic response and urgency
IT and dashboards - Setting up: from patient request to result availability
Construction - Planning and construction
Logistics - Equipment and reagent procurement and transport
Specimen reception - Sample receipt and debagging (triage for initial manual vs automated process routes, identifying deviating samples, leaks, no barcode etc)
Sample preparation Sample transfer to lysis plates (use of automation for consistency and supporting high sample throughput, reducing operator error, including contamination): manual and automated
RNA extraction process - Using semi-automated and automated platforms
PCR plate preparation - Using automated platforms
PCR room PCR analysers, channels
In Milton Keynes and Leamington Spa - EPCR setup Nexar, Hydrocycler and Araya Principles of EPCR, automation.

Visit to Pillar 2 SARS-CoV-2 RNA mass testing Lighthouse Laboratory 20/08