With NHS pathology services preparing for winter pressures and a rise in respiratory infections, a new partnership between Copan and Sterilab is making it easier for microbiology departments to access premium-quality swabs proven to support diagnostic accuracy and laboratory efficiency in high-turnover environments.
Sterilab is an authorised UK distributor for Copan and is offering the full range of Copan’s advanced specimen collection and transport systems, already trusted by leading laboratories worldwide. This development marks a significant opportunity for NHS microbiology teams to upgrade the reliability of front-end sample collection, often overlooked but critical to downstream accuracy.
As sample volumes rise sharply in emergency departments and rapid decision-making becomes paramount, the quality of the swab can directly impact diagnostic outcomes. Copan’s swabs are specifically designed to perform in these conditions:
- Consistent and high-quality sample recovery
- Proprietary flocked technology for superior absorption and release
- Validated compatibility with automated and high throughput systems
- Longer stability windows, ideal for transport across sites or laboratories
- Proven efficacy across respiratory, wound, and viral panels.
What sets Copan apart is its attention to preserving sample viability, even when patient load is high, delays are inevitable, or logistics are stretched. In high-pressure NHS environments, the swab is often seen as a commodity but it’s actually the foundation of the entire diagnostic pathway. If a sample isn’t collected and preserved properly at the start, even the best downstream equipment can’t recover what’s been lost.
Through this new partnership, Sterilab is offering Copan’s gold-standard swabs with UK-based stock, faster delivery, and technical support tailored to NHS Trusts. Each customer is supported by a dedicated account manager with microbiology expertise, helping laboratories:
- Forecast and plan for winter testing peaks
- Evaluate compatibility with current laboratory systems
- Build tailored product selections for specific ward needs.
This proactive approach aims to reduce risk, improve reliability, and ensure NHS labs can scale confidently as seasonal demand increases. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to raising diagnostic standards and supporting front-line laboratory teams with tools that go beyond the basics.
For more information about Copan swabs, technical consultations, or winter readiness planning, contact Sterilab Services, 01423 523 300 [email protected]