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The UK鈥檚 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing network for coronavirus (COVID-19) is to be scaled down in response to reduced demand and to聽ensure value for聽money for taxpayers. From Tuesday 17 January, the network will reduce from 3 labs to 2, with the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory ceasing to process PCR tests for COVID-19.

This change聽is possible thanks to vaccines and lateral flow tests聽continuing to help聽keep people safe and reducing the聽current聽need for PCR testing.

Now that the number of PCR tests has reduced significantly, processing can be undertaken by existing NHS laboratories. The laboratory was processing around 75,000 tests per day at its peak, but this has now dropped significantly.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can scale up PCR testing quickly if required, for example if a new concerning variant meant increased PCR testing was necessary or in the event of a future pandemic.

Freeing the facility of PCR testing will now mean the facility can be used for other purposes. Options for how the facility will be used in the future are being considered and details will be made available in due course.

Oliver Munn, Chief Operating Officer for COVID-19 testing at UKHSA, said:

I am very grateful to the staff at the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory whose skill and dedication have contributed to saving lives and helping the nation recover from the pandemic.

The lab was built and became operational at record pace, with the first test samples being processed on 25 June 2021, just 6 months after building work began. Critically, it was able to contribute to testing during the winter of 2021 when the Omicron variant was at its peak.

The lab has processed over 8.5 million samples since聽its opening聽and has played a huge role in聽protecting the nation.聽UKHSA and its contractors will be working with affected staff to support them through the change.