Genomic sequencing and Covid-19

Genomics can be incredibly valuable in tracking and managing infectious disease outbreaks. From salmonella and TB to Ebola and the current Covid-19 pandemic, genomic sequencing has proven to be one of the most important tools in the rapid identification and tracing of infectious organisms, enabling better understanding and management.

In this film, we meet professor Andrew Beggs from the University of Birmingham, who has been working as part of a team to develop a rapid RNA sequencing test for Covid-19.

Andrew tells us about the advantages that genomic sequencing of the virus has over the current testing method, and explains how these new tests could be used in the future to better manage outbreaks by identifying infected individuals early, often before they are symptomatic.

This video forms part of our free online course about whole genome sequencing, which runs twice a year. Sign up here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/w...

Health Education England's Genomics Education Programme is developing a substantial education programme to inform healthcare professionals about the impact of genomics on clinical practice. This video is the one of the many educational resources from the programme.

For more information visit https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk