The PHE Public Health Laboratory at Central Manchester University Hospitals (CMFT) has become the first microbiology laboratory in the North West to become automated using COPAN WASPLab (Walk Away Specimen Processor) technology.
The eight-month refurbishment and equipment installation was the culmination of a four-year project.
The automation project has seen its main laboratory completely refurbished and two COPAN WASPLab systems installed.
Duncan Selbie from PHE said the new technology will mean “major improvements in clinical and public health microbiology”.
The project is part of a national programme of work to support fully automated microbiology laboratories utilising modern technologies.
As well as Manchester, other laboratories in the PHE regional network are in the process of rolling out full automation.
