Reliable healthcare logistics during a global pandemic

Back in August 2020, we were approached by University College London to assist with collections of blood samples as part of their Virus Watch household study of COVID-19 in England and Wales.

Virus Watch Healthcare Fulfilment Summary:

  • Overnight courier solutions of chilled blood samples from over 70 clinics and surgeries around the UK to the UCL testing lab in London, England
  • 6,500 at-home swab kits stored, fulfilled and collated from our UK warehouses
  • Virus Watch recruited over 46,000 people in more than 20,000 households across England and Wales
  • Results from the study helped governments and public health agencies around the world to decide on the best ways to minimise the harms from COVID-19

About Virus Watch

The Virus Watch study was run by University College London in conjunction with the NHS. Most of what was understood about the COVID-19 virus at the time was based on statistics of individuals who had been hospitalised, with little to no data from milder or asymptomatic cases.

To understand the virus better, the study followed a large sample of households to learn how the virus spreads and what influences it (risk factors). For example, different age groups, previous medical conditions, occupations, ethnic minority groups and vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated persons.

The study asked thousands of households to take part by completing regular online surveys, and invited a subset of people to receive tests for immunity and symptom indicators.

Chilled blood deliveries. Through the night.

We supported Virus Watch with their investigations by providing reliable courier collections of chilled blood samples from over 70 clinics and surgeries around England. Once collected, we consolidated and delivered all the samples through the night to their testing laboratory in central London.

In addition, we provided a storage, fulfilment and collation service in our UK warehouses for all 70 clinics to supply them with blood taking equipment. We also provided a top-up supply service throughout the blood taking period.

A storage, fulfilment and collation service for the home study swab kits was also provided by Life Couriers. Over 6,500 kits were collated and sent from our warehouses during the height of the pandemic.

Proudly playing our part in the fight against COVID-19

The Virus Watch study proved how important reliable logistics solutions are, particularly during the response to a global pandemic. Ensuring the integrity of the samples whilst maintaining the safety of our staff was the primary goal, and our decades of experience in healthcare and life science logistics was crucial in delivering this successful logistics solution.

We are proud to have played our part in the fight against COVID-19 with this urgent study of national and international importance with the University College London.

Learn more about the Virus Watch study here.