A Liverpool-headquartered company has created the world’s first virtual reality Covid-19 training laboratory.
Testing firm DAM Health, which also has clinics across the 海角视频, Europe and Mexico, has teamed up with technology educator Credersi to create a new course to train lab technicians.
The syllabus is set to launch in October and aims to increase the number of lab technicians being trained to meet a mass skills shortage and crisis.
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The coronavirus testing and prevention company, which was launched by Professor Frank Joseph in 2020, said increasing the number of trained lab technicians will also help to reduce the unit cost of Covid-19 testing over time.
Professor Joseph said: "We’re incredibly proud to have teamed up with Credersi on what is set to be a really exciting project.
"The course and augmented reality we have developed will help to train the lab technicians of tomorrow and lead the fight against Covid-19 and any other virus or disease we may incur.
"This is just another example of our aims to operate at the highest standards, support global battles in the lab and make sure those in need today and tomorrow are looked after."
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The training course, which will take place via a virtual and augmented reality platform will last for eight weeks.
It will include components of science, data science and data analytical programming, to train students to extrapolate results from their work.
It will also have a physical PCR machine, which will be used to model and render into a 3D virtual lab.
This will allow the lab technicians and students to see an animated sequence of how to conduct a PCR test.
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Andy Lord, CEO and co-founder of Credersi, added: "This is a really exciting project for us to team up with DAM Health and we are incredibly grateful for their support and patronage.
"The addition of the 3D modelling to develop a course that has elements uniquely focusing on Covid-19 and PCR is a real game changer.
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"There is a huge shortage of skilled lab technicians at the moment, and we aim to address that imbalance by injecting a new army of talented and trained lab technicians.
"Demand for lab technicians is outstripping supply in the market. Covid-19 testing will be with us for the foreseeable future.
"By understanding and learning about PCR testing and how this works will enable the lab technicians of the future to be better equipped to deal with future viral epidemics and pandemics."