Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct, the Doherty Institute is named in honour of Patron, Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how the immune system recognises virus-infected cells. Under the expert guidance of Director, University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin, a leader in research and clinical management of HIV and infectious diseases, the Doherty Institute has more than 700 staff who work on infection and immunity through a broad spectrum of activities. This includes discovery research; diagnosis, surveillance and investigation of infectious disease outbreaks; and the development of ways to prevent, treat and eliminate infectious diseases.
The Doherty Institute seeks to break new ground through discovery with innovation achieved in accordance with the organisation's Values, being:
* Deliver: to work to improve health practice and outcomes
* Inspire: to develop the highest calibre people to achieve excellence
* Connect: to engage locally and globally with our partners, stakeholders, colleagues and community
In his talk Andrew pointed out the real problems associated with the number and complexity of testing cases for COVID-19. VIDRL has undertaken some 150,000 patient tests since mid March. Staff members are working 24/7 to try and cope with the workload.
During Andrew's presentation he had a number of overheads that outlined the workflow complexities and steps in order to ensure safe, accurate results. Even with the best of intents, routine testing takes between 8 and 80 hours depending upon a number of variable factors including location, collection, transportation, reception, record keeping, preparation, extraction, actual testing, analysis, reporting and notification.
The depth of interest in Andrew's presentation was demonstrated by a lengthy question and answer session which was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
Associate Professor Andrew Edgeley on Zoom
