The Innovation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I designed the UK's first ever saliva-based COVID testing kit, building on my previous experience with the inventory of the EpiPen. This less invasive alternative to the standard nasopharyngeal swab tests represented a significant advancement in testing accessibility and comfort.
The HALO COVID-19 test kit contained:
- An instruction booklet with clear user guidance
- A specialized test tube for sample collection
- A funnel attachment for easy saliva collection
- An alcohol wipe for sanitization
- A 95 kPa specimen transport bag meeting safety standards
The key innovation was developing a PCR test that could reliably detect COVID-19 from saliva samples rather than the uncomfortable nasal and throat swabs that were standard at the time.
Technical Leadership
To bring this vision to reality, I:
- Recruited and led a specialized team from Oxford University with expertise in molecular diagnostics
- Oversaw the development of a robotic testing laboratory housed in a shipping container
- Directed the laboratory's upgrade and integration into Imperial University London
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements for medical testing
- Developed scalable logistics for sample collection, transportation, and processing
Impact & Legacy
Travel Testing
Enabling safer international travel
When the UK introduced the "test to release" scheme in December 2020, HALO's saliva-based tests allowed travelers to end their 10-day quarantine early with a negative test on day 5. Later, when mandatory day 2 and day 8 testing was introduced in February 2021, our non-invasive testing solution provided a more comfortable option for travelers.
Commercial Innovation
Pioneering private sector response
HALO represented one of the most innovative commercial responses to the pandemic. Unlike many companies that simply distributed standard tests, we developed a fundamentally different approach to sample collection that addressed user comfort while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Scientific Advancement
Pushing testing methodology forward
Our work demonstrated that saliva-based PCR testing could be as effective as nasopharyngeal swabs, contributing to the scientific understanding of COVID-19 detection methods. This knowledge continues to inform approaches to infectious disease testing beyond the pandemic.
Timeline
2020
Development and Launch
Design and development of the UK's first saliva-based COVID-19 test kit
Dec 2020
Test to Release
UK introduces the "test to release" scheme allowing travelers to use tests like HALO's on day 5 to end quarantine early
Feb 2021
Mandatory Testing
UK makes day 2 and day 8 testing mandatory for international travelers
2020
Laboratory Expansion
Shipping container laboratory upgraded and integrated into Imperial University London
Mar 2022
End of Requirements
UK ends requirement for travel testing for returning passengers
Personal Reflection
Leading the HALO project during the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. We were able to develop and deploy a critical healthcare innovation under unprecedented time pressure and uncertainty.
The lessons learned from rapidly scaling a medical diagnostics operation, managing complex logistics, and navigating evolving regulatory requirements have informed my approach to innovation and leadership in all subsequent ventures.
Most importantly, knowing that our work helped make testing more accessible and comfortable for thousands of people during a global health crisis remains a source of pride and purpose.