Life in the laboratory has shifted since the COVID- 19 pandemic began, and Pathologists are working round the clock to provide quick, high quality testing. We spoke to RCPA Fellow, Microbiologist and Infectious Disease specialist, Dr Rohan Beresford to learn more about how things have changed in his laboratory since the start of the outbreak.

“Before the outbreak, a typical day would usually start by reviewing the previous 24 hours of work, including the work completed overnight, and by ensuring all the important results are actioned. We then need to communicate these results to doctors, patients, and when appropriate, infectious disease authorities.”

“The remainder of the day is then split between acting on new results, validating new assays and streamlining procedures to ensure work is completed as quickly as possible with excess workload kept to a minimum.”

Recently, workloads have been increasing, with some laboratories performing over 1,000 tests per day for COVID-19 alone. With this significant rise in testing for COVID-19, Pathologists, Scientists and Laboratory Staff are working harder and for longer to provide accurate results in a short space of time. However, laboratories are also adapting, including introducing changes to workflow procedures to ensure results are still delivered quickly. According to Dr Beresford, these changes ensure laboratories can maintain appropriate turn-around times.

Whilst the workday may be long for Dr Beresford and his colleagues, he explains that this area of work is something that has always interested him.

“I’ve always had a scientific leaning. This interest meant that the wide range of pathogens and various testing modalities involved in Microbiology made it an easy choice for me. Even though the work is increasing day by day, it is very rewarding as we know it makes a real difference to the clinicians who use the results and the patients who receive care,” said Doctor Beresford.

The crucial information provided by Pathologists also guides medical authorities, which is particularly important during this challenging time. As COVID-19 is a notifiable disease, anyone with a positive result will be notified to the relevant public health authorities by testing laboratories and doctors. It will then be determine who, if anyone, has been in close contact with them while they were infectious, and these people will also be directed to self-isolate.

Laboratories are no different from other workplaces with a need to adjust to a new work environment focused on social distancing. With Dr Beresford also adapting to these new changes, he echoes the current advice from medical authorities on reducing transmission in the community and implores everyone to do their part to reduce the spread.

“This is the time we need to pull together as a community, not apart. Think of the people around you and how this affects them. Everything you do, ask yourself, will this help or hurt the efforts to fight this pandemic?

“I urge everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Wash your hands. Get your flu shot when you can. Be kind to each other. It may be hard to change the way we do things, but you will be doing your community an enormous service. Likewise, if you don’t follow guidance you will place us all at enormous risk.”

The RCPA would like to extend gratitude to Dr Beresford, and all of our Pathologists, Scientists and those working in Pathology Laboratories at this time.

Dr Rohan Beresford completed basic physician training, before undertaking joint training in Microbiology and Infectious Disease with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He currently works in an in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.