SYNLAB UK & Ireland
Rachel S. Carling
What inspired your research and what did it cover?
Operation Moonshot was set up by the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to fund various diagnostic approaches for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the summer of 2020. The project was a unique collaboration between scientists from academia, industry, and the NHS. I think it’s fair to say we were all inspired by the possibility of doing something useful to help manage the pandemic.
Looking at the potential of your findings, what difference can they make?
Operation Moonshot has opened the door for a range of new tests in routine clinical laboratories. At the moment, mass spec is generally used for the analysis of small molecules in clinical labs, but Operation Moonshot has demonstrated that, with investment in state-of-the-art technology, we could also offer targeted peptide analysis which would enable us to further expand our testing capabilities and provide testing for a new range of biomarkers.
Operation Moonshot perfectly demonstrated what can be achieved when academia, industry, and the NHS work together. It highlighted the importance of a collaborative mindset, advanced technology access, automation, and dedicated time for development in order to succeed.
Operation Moonshot: rapid translation of a SARS-CoV-2 targeted peptide immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry test from research into routine clinical use
National Library of Medicine – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36395058/
During 2020, the UK's Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) established the Moonshot programme to fund various diagnostic approaches for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen behind the COVID-19 pandemic. Mass spectrometry was one of the technologies proposed to increase testing capacity.
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has become a serious challenge for public health, economy and social life in Europe and other regions of the world. To flatten the curve of new infections, not only social distancing and restrictions in public life but also fast and reliable testing plays an essential role.
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