COVID-19 direct loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) testing platform
How we helped the Royal Devon University Healthcare trust effectively mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by asymptomatic testing
Overview
During the height of the pandemic and prior to widespread vaccinations, our team pioneered the development of a critical COVID-19 testing platform. This platform catered specifically to asymptomatic staff members of the Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust and its affiliated healthcare organisations, aiming to mitigate potentially fatal outbreaks among patients and staff.
Given the urgency of the global health crisis, swift implementation was imperative. We focused on creating a user-friendly system to encourage widespread adoption while delivering prompt and reliable results to both users and HR departments, facilitating swift outbreak control.
Project details
Collaborating closely with various departments within the trust, including the technology team and the department of blood sciences, we devised an optimal workflow process and database system. This ensured efficient sample management and accurate result delivery, crucial for outbreak containment and infection prevention.
Our platform was designed with a mobile-first approach, accessible via smartphones while remaining compatible with other devices. Users began by registering on the system, followed by scanning the barcode of their sample tube. Integration with third-party scanning software enabled seamless barcode submission, minimising errors.
Upon completion of testing, results were seamlessly integrated into the laboratory's HL7 testing system and fed back into our database. Automated email and text notifications were then dispatched to users, with positive results triggering alerts to the respective HR departments.
Conclusion
The impact of our system was profound, effectively halting numerous outbreaks. Identifying asymptomatic carriers prevented potential transmission to hundreds of patients and staff members, safeguarding their health and well-being.