I’ve been on Twitter for lots of years and I enjoy interacting with science twitter and anyone who want some advice around #CIVID19 (other viruses do exist). But I just want to take time to recognise someone very special in Cardiff who is driving much of the testing at the moment

I like to describe my role as making sure the test works, it’s then over to the lab manager (for virology in Cardiff @quavers79) to get that test or in our case multiple strands of testing feeds to work properly together to be able to get the maximum number of tests out per day

I think @quavers79 has one of the most difficult jobs in any routine lab in the middle of a crisis. I can deal with the science, and guide on the best testing strategies. But ultimately I don’t implement it, that’s his job aided by his lab staff and the multitude of volunteers

We have to work together as I need to know how the lab works at its most efficient to ensure that I’m not going to suggest we introduce something that is so specialised that it can’t easily be picked up and run with for high throughput, that would put too much pressure on Jon

Currently all the testing in Wales is delivered in Cardiff completely under the management of @quavers79. Each time the lab breaks another daily testing record, it’s under his guidance. I think my role now is of answering yes or no very quickly to the question ‘will this work’?

I think the many hands who perform the tests are amazing, but to get the best out that system you need good lab managers. @quavers79 is doing a great job. I’m going to enjoy my two days off and dedicate it to all the lab managers around the UK who are pulling out all the stops.

Just before everyone goes we don’t need more managers in the NHS, lab managers are generally highly qualified #BiomedicalScientists who have worked up through the lab, we need them. Especially during #COVID19