A HEALTH board has reached a major milestone in the fight against Covid-19 after they tested their one millionth sample.

Scientists at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been working round the clock to process swabs since last December. Over 30,000 samples a week are tested at the facility.

The state-of-the-art lab is located at Gartnavel General Hospital.

Rob Gardiner, General Manager for Laboratory Medicine with NHSGGC, said: "I am immensely proud of the entire Virology team. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

"They have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic, persistently under extreme pressure, and have gone above and beyond in their duties. What they have achieved is truly remarkable. 

“Building and commissioning a Lab normally takes 12-18 months, but this team have achieved this in less than four. They are critical in the fight against COVID and an integral part of the test and trace system. Without their efforts, and others around the country, it would not be possible to deliver the world-class service that we provide.”

The lab has processed almost all of its swabs in 24 hours. Mr Gardiner went on to say: "The 24-hour mark is the universal (gold) standard for labs, so hitting that 99.9 per cent mark is impressive in itself. But to achieve 90 per cent within six to 12 hours is a huge achievement – and testament to the whole team, and its outstanding leadership.”