Ambulance mobile testing units pass two million Covid tests mark

Mobile testing units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service have carried out more than two million Covid tests around the country.

The units, which were handed over by the army last August, can be mobilised quickly so Scots in urban, rural and remote areas have easy access to a coronavirus test.

Over the past month, the MTUs have been delivering around 15,000 tests a day due to the surging Omicron variant of the killer disease.

The Scottish Ambulance Service passed the one million mark on September 1 last year and has since carried out another million tests in just over four months.

John Alexander, general manager for the MTUs, said: “Our dedicated MTU staff have been working tirelessly across Scotland to deliver tests, particularly over the last month as the programme has been ramped up to combat the Omicron virus.

“All of our MTU staff have done a fantastic job in providing tests to the people of Scotland over the past year and I’m extremely proud they’ve delivered two million tests since August 2020.

“We reached the one million mark on September 1, 2021, one year and one day from the date of the MTUs going live, so to carry out another million tests in just over four months is a considerable achievement, and it’s testament to their dedication and hard work.”

Fight against Covid: Over the past month the units have carried out around 15,000 tests a day. Email

There are now 39 MTU teams across Scotland.

The location of the units, which are requested by National Services Scotland through the Scottish Government, local authorities and health boards, changes regularly to reflect demand.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf praised their work.

He said: “Our Covid-19 mobile testing units continue to play a crucial role in bringing testing capacity to communities who need it most.

“And reaching two million tests is incredible work.

“This is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of Scottish Ambulance Service staff who are doing a challenging job in difficult circumstances.

“Through the work they are doing they are helping to identify and isolate cases and breaking chains of transmission.

“My thanks goes to every member of SAS staff for all that they are doing to care and support people across Scotland – and for working throughout the festive break to ensure that testing continued.”