The University of Gloucestershire has donated a range of specialist lab equipment to help with COVID-19 testing.

The equipment, ranging from thermo cyclers, vortexes and freezers, has been donated from research labs from the School of Natural & Social Sciences.

Collection was co-ordinated by the Department of Health and Social Care, who have been sourcing high-quality apparatus that will be used to expand testing capabilities for COVID-19 at health facilities in the UK.

And their efforts have seen them named a Punchline Business and Community Champion - an initiative backed by GFirst LEP, the Growth Hub, Gloucestershire County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The donation of equipment was led by senior lecturer in biosciences Daniel Stones.

He said: "Following a call for specific items of equipment needed to increase COVID-19 testing, colleagues from across the university have been excellent at enabling rapid supply of these vital resources.

"We are really happy to be able to make this donation of specialist equipment that will support the national effort for increased testing capacity in the fight against COVID-19."

The university has donated three thermocyclers, vortexes, a -80°C sample freezer and associated plastic ware.

Last week academics and technical staff united to send thousands of items of protective equipment, normally used in laboratories, to the frontline of the NHS and the local authority.

Hundreds of boxes of gloves, along with face masks, visors and other personal protective equipment have been sent to bolster their vital supplies.

Dr Caroline Mills, head of the School of Natural & Social Sciences, said: "We were given an indication of what kit was most urgently needed to support frontline staff and we are pleased and fortunate to be able to play a role in supporting testing capabilities in the effort to deal with the effects of COVID-19."

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Punchline's Business and Community Champion Awards are sponsored by:

GFirst LEP

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info@gfirstlep.com 

The Growth Hub Gloucestershire

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz 

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Gloucestershire County Council

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk 

customerservices@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Gloucestershire OPCC

https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk 

01452 754348