A new ‘mega-lab’ facility has been opened in Leamington Spa, England that will significantly expand the UK’s testing and genomic sequencing capacity for COVID-19. The new laboratory site is 225,000 square-feet and will be a key centre for processing COVID-19 tests and sequencing to protect the United Kingdom from variants of concern such as the Delta and Delta Plus strains of the virus. The laboratory is named the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory – a title to honour a scienti...

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is to receive expanded sequencing and surveillance capacities in order to bolster its ability to prepare, prevent and respond to threats to the nation’s health. In a remit letter which details the agency’s future priorities, the top task for UKHSA is to take forward the fight against COVID-19 and ensure that the country is prepared to react against other future external health threats.These increased capacities exhibit the UKHSA’s commitmen...

The Government has confirmed that lateral flow tests for COVID-19 will be available free-of-charge until at least the end of August. The scheme to provide various settings including workplaces with these lateral flow devices has therefore been extended after doubts were raised over the length of the free-of-charge offer. LFDs have been available via the postal service, and also pharmacy collection programmes. The Government says employers have until 19 July to order free rapid lateral flow tests...

Professional Accredited Registration (‘Credentialing’) is supported by BIVDA, but the use of appointment systems increases risk and delay in services and incurs un-necessary cost for suppliers.  BIVDA (British In Vitro Diagnostics Association) is the national industry association for the manufacturers and distributors of in vitro (IVD) products in the UK, representing almost 200 organisations including multi-nationals and SME’s.  BIVDA members supply products, equipme...

BIVDA launches its Sustainability Training Programme for members in partnership with SGS.   Sustainability is a key issue of operational transformation that the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) sector must take heed of in light of the NHS Net Zero requirements, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the duty we share to conserve the environment. As the trade association for the IVD sector, BIVDA is pleased to be able to help empower and facilitate member companies on their journey towards...

A new plan has been released which aims to make the United Kingdom a global leader in the innovation-focussed digital space. The government’s Plan for Digital Regulation aims to reduce red tape and cut down on cumbersome and confusing policy so businesses are freed to reflect on new ideas, grow their firms and create new jobs. Three guiding principles policymakers must follow are set out by the plan; actively promoting innovation, achieving ‘forward-looking and coherent outcomes&rsqu...

BIVDA's External Affairs team has composed a briefing on the Government's publishing of its 'Health and Care Bill'. Please find the BIVDA briefing for members below.  

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a new Delivery Plan for the 2021-2023 time period. “Putting patients first: A new era for our agency” is the title of the document, which aims to put a “constant focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for patients”. The plan sets out 14 objectives, and is grouped into six central areas: scientific innovation, healthcare access, patient safety, dynamic organisation, collaborative partnerships and...

 Sustainability is a key issue of operational transformation the IVD sector must take heed of in light of the NHS Net Zero requirements, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the duty we share to conserve the environment. BIVDA will empower and facilitate member companies on their journey towards enhanced sustainability.  The launch of the BIVDA-funded Sustainability Training Programme offer to members takes place next Thursday 8th July! A dedicated web-page will include the progra...

The Government has provided an update on the negotiations between the United Kingdom and New Zealand on their future trading relationship. Between the 8th – 16th June, the fifth round of talks between both nations has taken place. Clear paths to closure have been agreed upon regarding a wide range of subjects. These include digital, goods, telecoms, labour, customs and rules of origin. During the previous rounds, there has been completion of talks on the areas of SMEs, competition and reme...