20/30 Labs has taken the wraps off its Covid infection control trial through the analysis of wastewater at Avery Healthcare residential care homes.
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used as an early indicator for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 - which affects the digestive system - regardless of symptomatic status.
At the end of last year, Northampton-based 20/30 Labs was granted a commercial trial by the Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency's Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection (EMHP) programme for the implementation of near-source WBE in the care home sector as an infection control method.
EMHP’s innovation partner Accelerated Capability Environment selected 20/30 Labs as the commercial partner to deliver this trial.
20/30 Labs managing director said Zoe Laughton: “We are privileged to be working with Avery and the government on a project that has the opportunity impact the future of infection control in communities significantly.
“This project perfectly embodies 20/30's 'more than a test result'- a key goal of our business is to add value to our customers and the patients and communities they serve; our passion for infection prevention and control, our drive for innovation and our expertise in environmental microbiology and clinical PCR."
Avery Healthcare chief operating officer Sharon Winfield added: "This trial is an important part of Avery's commitment to excellence within the care home sector.
“We hope to lead the way with 20/30 Labs, the DHSC and UKHSA to implement innovations in virus-control to keep our residents, staff and families safe."
