Cancer expert joins in testing effort

A Fife breast cancer scientist has joined the coronavirus effort and is helping to process thousands of tests a day.

Dr Grant Mcgregor, from Glencraig, helped set up a major testing facility in Glasgow as cancer research labs were closed due to the pandemic.

The 31-year-old, who normally works at the city’s Beatson Institute, was one of six volunteers tasked with setting up the test site at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in just three weeks.

He is now part of a 100-strong team processing Covid-19 tests from across the country.

The so-called Lighthouse Laboratory, is part of the UK’S biggest ever network of diagnostic testing facilities.

“I worked on improving some of the automation in the lab, which will hopefully help us get closer to the government testing targets,” said Dr Mcgregor. “Research on cancer is still our priority but the virus must be tackled too.”

He and his team have set up a “production line” for processing samples, unpacking nose and throat swabs, transferring samples from swabs, extracting genetic material, then analysing it on equipment donated by the Beatson Institute.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the work of cancer researchers across the country as a result of social distancing measures.

While many researchers work from home by writing papers, analysing data, collaborating, reading literature and generating ideas, others, like Dr Mcgregor, volunteered to work in testing hubs, apply their expert knowledge to help with technical work and analysis.

Around a quarter of the scientist volunteers carrying out testing at the Glasgow Lighthouse Laboratory are from the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute.

Dr Grant Mcgregor is working in Glasgow.