Thread, A day in the life of..
Two SARS-CoV-2 swabs
A lot is asked about the varying turnaround times for C19 testing and I know how important it is so I thought I'd give 2 examples to show whyTATs can be different.This applies only from sample arrival to lab authorisation 1

8.15: Sample 1 arrives. Sorted/Unbagged/date stamped/ details checked/labelled/lysed.
9am- Analyser set up and Pipetting; no issues.
9.45- Extraction-all pass.
10.45- PCR plate set up -no issues
11.15- PCR run
12.45pm- All controls pass
2/

1.30pm-Results entered into computer (manually) and checked by second scientist.
Clinical team/surveillance scientist/infection control notified of positives
TAT- 5 hours 15mins

sample 2.
3.15pm sample arrives. missed pm run(cut off 3pm)
lysed and ready for following morning.
9am run begins ok but issues with analyser causes it to stop.
Helpdesk contacted but unable to fix.
Run must be completed manually. Run finally complete at 3pm

However, I.C failure in our sample means it has to be repeated on the next run. Next run slightly delayed due to previous issues so results off at 8.30pm
TAT almost 30hrs.
These issues are not unusual.Analysers breakdown, QCs fail.
Staff stay late to report

@docmait @HSELive @DonnellyStephen @FergalBowers @deshocks
I hope this answers some questions. Again I extend my invitation to visit @svuh to see the process in action
Thanks