Clinical laboratory upgrade underway

Work has started this week on the internal upgrade of Containment Level 3 (CL3) in the Clinical Microbiology building.

The CL3 facility is an essential component of RCHT’s Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, enabling the safe analysis of high-risk hazard group 3 pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Following its closure in August 2025, all high-containment testing has been outsourced, which has increased turnaround times by 2 to 4 days and impacted clinical flow, particularly for respiratory and infectious disease patients.

The upgrade will deliver a fully-sealed, pressure-controlled, and fumigation-capable environment that meets all necessary health and safety standards. The laboratory refurbishment and recommissioning will include mechanical and electrical works, as well as a new and improved microbiological safety cabinet. Reinstating a fully-compliant, validated, and operational CL3 facility will restore our local diagnostic capacity, reducing clinical risk, and supporting service resilience.

“We’re delighted that this small but vital project is getting underway so that we can bring this essential service back in-house at RCHT,” says Richard Tandy, Head Biomedical Scientist and Laboratory Manager. “Not only will it improve turnaround times for results, it will also reduce significant outsourcing expenditure and improve vital safety precautions for our staff.”

Work will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete, with a further 2 weeks required for the revalidation