UK Biocentre’s laboratories in Milton Keynes are being used to analyse swab samples to support the national effort against the coronavirus pandemic. They are one of the three lighthouse labs – the biggest network of diagnostic testing facilities our country has ever seen.

Operations have expanded rapidly to analyse swab samples to determine whether Covid-19 is present. We have repurposed existing laboratories and built new ones to provide the capacity required for such a significant undertaking.

As a by-product of the increased testing, the amount of clinical waste generated at UK Biocentre has increased and the existing contract in place does not support the volumes required by the Covid-19 testing. This tender is being run to manage clinical waste generated through Covid-19 testing only.