COVID-19 Antigen Testing launched at Dublin Airport
COVID-19 Antigen Testing launched at Dublin Airport
COVID-19 Antigen Testing Service launched at Dublin Airport
22 February 2021
Travelling to a country that requires antigen testing?
Antigen Testing is the fastest and cheapest of all lab tests for COVID-19 and is now available at our Dublin Travel Centre for just €49. Testing is conducted using a nose and throat (nasopharyngeal) swab with your results available within 1 hour.
Sometimes called a ‘lateral flow test’, it will reveal if a person is currently infected with a pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19. Unlike a PCR test (which detects the presence of genetic material) antigen tests detect proteins or glycans, such as spike proteins found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus.
Paul Turnbull, Randox Global Business Manager says;
“When it comes to travel, we started to see more and more countries across Europe state that they would only accept a negative PCR result and that has remained the case, as countries only want the most sensitive technology. Some countries however, such as the Netherlands, Germany & Sweden, require antigen testing as a secondary test before entry.”
Antigens remain in the body during infection and disappear once the COVID-19 infection has gone, so testing for antigens can identify those who whilst asymptomatic, are currently infected with, and could still be spreading the virus. It is thought that around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a very useful additional tool for tackling the virus.
It is important to note that no test is 100% accurate and all tests have limitations. The preferred testing for COVID-19 is still the gold standard PCR testing due to its high sensitivity methodology. PCR testing requires samples to be sent back to our COVID-19 laboratory in County Antrim, which is why it can take up to 24hours to receive results for a PCR test, as opposed to 1 hour for antigen testing.
The Randox Health Dublin Airport Testing Centre offers both PCR and Antigen testing for travel and peace of mind.
Before booking an antigen testing appointment please confirm with your destination that this method is accepted as a means for entry. If flying the same day, please book your test 4 hours before your flight departure time.
Visit booking.randox.ie to book your appointment.
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
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The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event – with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
16 February 2021:
The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event – with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
The trophy for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National – the race that never was – has been unveiled today during the 2021 Weights event, with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson.
Shown to the public for the first time during the event which was shown live on Racing TV, the 2020 trophy was designed by silversmith Cara Murphy, who like Randox, is also from Northern Ireland. The design reflects Randox’s commitment to better healthcare through improved testing.
Having made the trophy in 2020, Cara has since been commissioned by Randox to update the design with a delicate silver rose on its edge, to honour the memory of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, commented;
“It is very fitting that this wonderful trophy should be shown now, at a time when we all have a better understanding and appreciation of diagnostic testing, as a result of the terrible COVID-19 pandemic.
“But I am particularly pleased that with its unveiling, we can pay tribute to the remarkable Rose Paterson. Rose, in her role as Chairman of Aintree, had remarkable vision and energy and achieved so much for the racing public, for the owners, trainers and jockeys and, most importantly, for equine welfare.
“She was a wonderful person to know, both personally and professionally, and really made a lasting mark at Aintree. She will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to Owen and the whole family.”
Designed in solid silver, the 2020 trophy, which features unique and intricate stands of gold proteins and antibodies held within a 50cm diameter circle, differs to that of its 2017, 18 and 19 counterparts by way of its shield-like shape.
Encircling the outside of the shield is the Biochip – Randox’s proprietary technology for diagnosis of ill-health and disease – and a red enamel roundel is positioned in the logo, symbolising a drop of blood which enables Randox to carry out a range of innovative tests.
Silversmith Cara Murphy commented;
“Little did I know when I began researching Randox’s testing capabilities, that it would go on to play such a prominent role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that words like testing and antibodies would now be used so regularly in everyday conversation.
“Almost a year since the trophy was completed and things have changed so significantly – but I was honoured to have the opportunity to commemorate the life of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson in the update we have made to my design.
“The 2020 trophy has been a fantastic project to work on, and a great Northern Ireland collaboration between Randox and myself.”
As in previous years, the 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is accompanied by miniature team trophies. In their first year as sponsor, Randox introduced the concept of presenting the entire winning team with a trophy, to celebrate the combined effort that goes in to achieving such a special victory. In both 2018 and 2019, they went to Tiger Roll’s winning team; trainer Gordon Elliott, jockey Davy Russell, and groom Louise Dunne.
A new charity in honour of the life of Rose Paterson, The Rose Paterson Trust, is due to be launched at the Randox Grand National in April 2021.
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Biotin supplementation interference in health testing
12 February 2021
Biotin supplementation interference in health testing
How much do you know about Biotin? Commonly known as Vitamin B7, Biotin is taken by as many as 20% of people, including high profile celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Vanessa Hudgens, for its hair and nail-strengthening properties.
If you take biotin supplements, it is important to know the effects it can have on particular blood tests, should you visit your GP or local hospital.
Whilst there are various diagnostic health tests out there, including fertility hormone tests, prostate tests, and tests for troponin – a marker released into the blood during a heart attack – that are known to be affected by elevated levels of biotin, there are other tests available, including those provided by Randox, that are not impacted.
The reason that so many non-Randox tests are impacted by biotin is that biotin is widely used throughout the biotechnology industry in the development of diagnostic tests.
ELISA tests in particular (tests that measure the reaction of antibodies to identify a substance) often make use of antibodies labelled with biotin, to detect toxins or other foreign substances within the body.
In most instances, the biotin will bind to a protein called streptavidin. This bonding is the strongest non-covalent biological interaction known, and is therefore particularly useful in binding antibodies within diagnostic tests.
But with more and more people exceeding the recommended daily dosage for biotin (30 micrograms) by taking up to 10,000 micrograms of biotin in supplements marketed for beauty reasons, many diagnostic tests are being measured inaccurately. Excess biotin in the blood can block the binding of biotin-labelled antibodies to streptavidin within the tests, and the substance being tested won’t be measured accurately.
Laboratory professionals have known about this potential problem for some time. In late November 2017, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) published a safety notice to make the public and healthcare practitioners more aware that biotin can “significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect test results.”
The FDA even reported on one particular case in which a patient died following falsely low troponin (marker of a heart attack) results when the troponin test used was known to have biotin interference. Biotin supplements masked the true diagnosis of a heart attack.
Many patients taking biotin supplements have also been misdiagnosed with a condition called Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition characterised by an overactive thyroid. In these cases, biotin supplementation led to falsely low levels of thyroid stimulating hormones, and falsely high levels of other thyroid hormones. This particular profile of hormones led to a Graves’ disease diagnosis, in spite of a lack of symptoms, which in Graves’ disease would usually include muscle weakness, a quickened heartbeat, sleeping problems, diarrhoea, weight loss and poor tolerance of heat.
In pregnant women, tests that are impacted by biotin interference may produce falsely low results of beta HCG, more commonly known as the ‘pregnancy hormone’ as it released by the placenta after conception. With low levels of beta HCG, and therefore no confirmation of pregnancy, pregnant women could be exposed to X-rays and CT scans that may harm the developing foetus.
So, what can be done? Suggestions have been made that patients taking biotin supplements should be made to wait before any diagnostic testing is conducted, so that the biotin clears from their system.
But this “Wait and Watch” approach certainly would not work in emergencies. In the case of a heart attack, testing must be conducted as soon as possible to allow for diagnosis, immediate medical intervention and follow-up testing.
At Randox, we are convinced that the risk of analytic interference by biotin supplementation is a serious problem that needs to be more widely recognised and promptly addressed.
In the GP setting, general practitioners must ask their patients if they are taking any biotin supplements and inform the testing laboratory if interference from biotin is a possibility. They should also consider that lab results not matching with a patient’s signs and symptoms may be caused by biotin interference.
In the acute care setting however, it is imperative that biotin technology is not used in diagnostic testing to protect patients from misdiagnosis and subsequently, further health problems.
This is why Randox’s patented Biochip Array Technology does not use biotin technology in its development. This revolutionary methodology, free from Biotin-Streptavidin is not impacted by elevated levels of biotin from supplementation in the same way as Biotin-Streptavidin tests.
So if you have been taking supplements for hair or nail growth, to ease symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis, for epilepsy or for a range of other health conditions, and your diagnostic testing has been conducted using Randox Biochip Array Technology, you can rest assured of true, accurate, and reliable results.
Randox Biochip Array Technology is interference-proof.
For further information on the Randox Biochip, visit https://www.randox.com/multiplex-testing/
For any additional questions, please contact Randox PR by email: randoxpr@randox.com or by phoning 028 9442 2413
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Randox processes 10 millionth test and details investment in testing capacity
11 February 2021:
RANDOX PROCESSES 10 MILLIONTH COVID-19 TEST AND DETAILS INVESTMENT IN TESTING CAPACITY
Randox today confirms that it has processed its 10 millionth sample for the UK’s COVID-19 National Testing Programme, making it the first Pillar 2 testing laboratory to achieve this milestone. This achievement is based upon a £85 million investment since March 2020 in facilities and equipment at Randox’s laboratories in Northern Ireland.
As a key partner laboratory from initiation of the UK’s National Testing Programme in March 2020, Randox quickly ramped up its testing capacity. Randox’s response has involved recruitment of over 850 new staff , the building and equipping of over 80,000 sq ft of new molecular laboratory space and the development of new innovations in testing technology. These efforts have seen Randox’s COVID-19 testing capacity grow from 150 tests per day in March 2020 to over 120,000 samples per day today, making Randox the largest throughput laboratory in the UK and Ireland and amongst the biggest in Europe.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“This milestone is an incredible achievement and testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams, who have pulled together at a time of national crisis and whose non-stop efforts are vital to enable the country to return to both social and economic normality.
“We will continue to build our capacity and develop new cutting-edge testing equipment to support the fight against COVID-19. We’ve all learnt from this pandemic the importance of early and accurate testing and Randox is committed to investing in diagnostic technology to meet future health challenges.”
Contact information:
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
11 February 2021
We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
Randox is a key partner laboratory in the UK Government’s COVID-19 Testing Programme.
For an idea of what it’s like to be part of the COVID-19 testing programme at Randox, we spoke to Laboratory Manager Laura Cummings.
Laura spoke to us about what a typical day in our laboratories looks like, the career path she took to her current role, and how it feels to be making a difference in the global fight against COVID-19.
Name: Laura Cummings
Job Title: Laboratory Manager
Department: COVID-19 Laboratories
Can you describe a typical working day in the Randox COVID labs?
As the UK and Ireland’s largest COVID testing facility, Randox is critical to the national response to the pandemic. We run up to 120,000 daily tests for the UK Government’s National Testing Programme so the timely release of accurate and reliable results is key. We have a big focus on quality and are always looking for ways to improve our policies and processes. We have, for example, introduced a range of innovative robotic systems which automate the unpacking and racking of samples before they get tested by our scientists. All this takes very active management.
What are the main duties of your role?
Our staff work 24|7 and my role as a Laboratory Manager is to make sure that they have everything they need to do their job. I ensure that the lab runs smoothly, provide solutions for any issues that may arise, and monitor the performance of the testing process.
What has been your educational route to this post?
I studied Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast and then worked in England for a few years, in an organic chemistry lab. I was really fortunate to be able to move back home, and find a job not just in my field of science, but in a company that has made such an impact in the fight against coronavirus. I’m very grateful that the team at Randox have recognised my skills and achievements and given me valuable opportunities for career progression, including my recent promotion to Manager of one of the COVID labs.
How does your work as a COVID Laboratory Manager make the world a better place?
I’m proud to be directly involved in COVID testing, which plays such a vital role in the effort to contain and reduce the spread of the virus, and to be making a difference for the sake of our family, friends and communities. We recently reached a key milestone in reporting 9 million COVID-19 tests to the National Testing Progamme – and by the time you read this we will be closing in on 10 million.
What do you really like about your job?
Randox has employed more than 850 new staff into the COVID labs, and to work with and learn from such a diverse and multi-disciplined team has been really rewarding. Everyone has risen to the challenge this pandemic has created and I am proud of how we have all pulled together as a team in a time of great need.
What is your perception of future career prospects in the diagnostics industry?
I think the future of the diagnostics industry is very bright and those thinking of a career in this area should definitely get involved. In setting up the Randox COVID labs we have done something which was never seen before in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and service, and across society there is an improved understanding of the importance of testing. I believe that this, coupled with further advancements in technology, will be a catalyst for more personalised healthcare individually tailored to each patient.
We are delighted to have Laura with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For further information please email recruitment@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Record Seizure of Synthetic Drugs in Spain: A Randox Toxicology Blog
05 February 2021: Record Seizure of Synthetic Drugs in Spain
In a record seizure of synthetic drugs for Spain, police have confiscated approximately 827,000 ecstasy tablets, 76kg of speed, 39.5kg of crystal meth and 217 litres of liquid amphetamine at the start of 2021.
Eleven people – from Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, Colombia and Italy – were arrested during a joint investigation by the Guardia Civil and national police forces, according to a statement. The police operation, which lasted nearly a year, resulted in the largest synthetic drugs seizure in Spain, and second-largest ecstasy seizure in Europe over the past 20 years.
The criminal organisation was described as “the most important criminal organisation dedicated to the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs in the history of Spanish drug trafficking”.
Once the large haul was in Spain, the drugs were planned to be processed in two laboratories set up in Barcelona.
“It’s worth noting that of all the substances seized, the 217 litres of liquid amphetamine would – had it been processed in the organisation’s Barcelona laboratories – have produced 738kg of speed, making it the biggest ever amphetamine seizure in Spain,” a statement said.
Randox Toxicology
Randox Toxicology are helping to fight drug trafficking by continually investing in new technologies to aid in the rapid and large-scale screening for drugs of abuse. We are world leaders in drug screening solutions with the capability of detecting over 500 drug and drug metabolites using our innovative Biochip Array Technology – the most comprehensive on the drug testing market. Our patented Biochip Array Technology works across a variety of matrices including whole blood, urine, oral fluid, meconium, vitreous humor and hair.
Using our revolutionary Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated benchtop analyser that enables onsite, simultaneous testing for up to 21 classical, synthetic or prescription drugs from a single sample in under 20 minutes. This quick and highly reliable technology makes it perfect for use in non-laboratory settings for people with no lab experience.
To find out more about our Biochip Array Technology and our Evidence Series range of analysers, visit www.randoxtoxicology.com or email info@randoxtoxicology.com
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The importance of drug and alcohol testing in uncertain times
The importance of drug and alcohol testing in uncertain times
01 February 2021
The ongoing pandemic has had a dramatic impact on daily life. COVID-19 has changed how we socialise, work and go about our daily routines. If infections continue to rise, we will all have to live with ongoing restrictions in some form or another for quite some time.
COVID-19 has altered the way which we consume, and drugs & alcohol are no exception. The closure of pubs and restaurants have meant that supermarket and off-licenses have seen alcohol sales soar due to drinking from home being the main way to consumer alcohol. Drug consumption has been affected, with supply chains being impacted due to lockdowns & limit on travel distances.
New studies have begun to emerge which highlight how consumption trends in relation to alcohol specifically have changed since COVID-19 begun.
Below are some of the key findings:
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists analysed Public Health England data to reveal that over 8.4 million people are now drinking at a higher risk level – rising from 4.8 million in February; a 75% increase.
- Data from the Commission on Alcohol Harms and the Alcohol Health Alliance revealed that alcohol sales rose by 67% before lockdown began.
- An interim report from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) in early June revealed that COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdown have changed people’s drinking habit.
- 47% of Britons who drink stated that they had been drinking earlier in the day since lockdown started – a figure that was higher than for most other nations included in the survey.
- In addition, over 50% of Britons revealed that they had increased the number of days on which they drink, with a third of British respondents also reporting an increase in binge drinking.
- Alcohol Change commissioned a study that looked at drinking consumptions during lockdown in England.
- One in five drinkers (21%) said they have been drinking more frequently since the lockdown. This equates to around 8.6 million UK adults who may be drinking more frequently.
- 15% of those surveyed also said they have been drinking more per session since lockdown.
Business As Usual
The reason for highlighting the above figures is to show that, whilst for many lockdown meant adjusting to working from home, others business sectors continued to operate as normal. As such, workplace testing for drugs & alcohol shifted dramatically. Many companies who had a testing policy in place that included random testing suddenly stopped due to staff being based at home. However, other key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics all continued to function. With these businesses continuing, Randox Testing Services (RTS) remains open and fully operational and available to carry out testing.
Michelle Fenn, Business Development Manager for RTS, commented on the changing testing trends that occurred;
“RTS continue to operate and provide full-service provision during the on-going pandemic. During the first lockdown we noticed a change in testing, as more companies operated on a work from home basis. However, for some this isn’t possible and have had to maintain operations. Due to circumstances, we have seen companies increase pre-employment testing as new staff are brought on to cope with changing workplace demands. Other testing programmes have been altered such as random testing, but we continue to provide full services and are meeting & often exceeding requirements by our customers.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, RTS have continued to provide drug & alcohol testing services. At all times, we have ensured our staff are equipped to provide sensible advice and flexible solutions to drug & alcohol testing.
We have provided each Collection Officer with full PPE to ensure they meet requirements for personal and professional safety. Full social distancing guidelines are always followed whilst conducting testing. We continue to advise and navigate companies through this period as more businesses return and testing is required.
Importance of testing
The stats mentioned at the top of this article highlight the changing nature of how people have consumed alcohol over the last 12 months. With increases being seen in both quantity of consumption and frequency, it is important that companies are aware of the potential dangers that may arise if a member of staff arrives to work intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
In addition to the alcohol stats, annual research is also carried out to highlight drug consumption patterns. According to research by Public Health England and the devolved nations Health Departments, the most recent surveys covering England, Wales and Scotland reported the highest prevalence of drug use in the past 10 years. From the most recent surveys, the prevalence of any drug use in the last year was 9.4% in England and Wales, 12% in Scotland, and 5.9% in Northern Ireland.
In September 2020, a report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction said Scotland had the highest recorded drug death rate in Europe, far ahead of Sweden in second place. More than 1,200 people in Scotland died of drug misuse in 2019.
The consumption of drugs & alcohol in these uncertain times can cause untold potential dangers for employers. Whilst many companies will continue to function with staff working remotely, for some this isn’t possible.
Safety-critical industries such as construction, manufacturing and logistics will have staff present who need to carry on with daily tasks. It is important to ensure that staff are always safe, this includes provision of testing for drugs & alcohol.
Risk of injury
Employers put in place multiple mechanisms to ensure accidents at work do not occur. Despite these efforts, it’s not always possible to remove the danger. In the UK, workplace injury amounted to £5.2 billion in costs/damages in 2017/18.
28.2 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2018/19. Furthermore, the construction, retail/wholesale, manufacturing, accommodation and agriculture had statistically higher rate of workplace injury per 100,000 workers according to the Labour Force Survey 2018/19.
These statistics highlight the dangers of accidents occurring in the workplace. With the potential for serious injury or worst-case scenario a fatal incident, it is of paramount importance to ensure employees are safe in the knowledge that accidents will not occur due to substance misuse or employees being under the influence.
Fully managed testing service
Randox Testing Services specialise in drug and alcohol testing for workplaces. We provide a quality service that covers all employer needs with the safety of employees at the centre of this focus.
Our experience in the industry and the knowledge of our parent company Randox Laboratories has allowed us to pivot our offering to provide fully compliant and safe COVID-19 testing for workplaces. In these uncertain times, COVID-19 can cause potentially devastating consequences if not correctly managed and addressed.
A new study by researchers at University College London revealed that 86% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 did not have symptoms, highlighting the importance of frequent screening to reduce spread of the virus.
Our COVID-19 test uses Real-Time PCR to accurately detect for the virus. With our knowledge & expertise in testing for workplace companies, we are proud to offer this service; with our test currently used as part of the Government’s National Testing Programme.
The service includes a range of different options, each designed to meet the needs of any business and their requirements. From a fully managed service where our trained and full PPE equipped Collection Officers will conduct testing on behalf of your company, to our mobile testing unit which can move to multiple sites and conduct large volume testing with results in less than three hours, we are confident our services can meet your needs. By using any of our testing services for COVID-19, you can provide peace of mind to employees by conducing regular testing or get your employees back to work as part of a return to work programme.
About Randox Testing Services
We specialise in testing. Whether that be for drugs & alcohol or COVID-19, we are confident that no matter what your testing needs, we will be able to fully understand your requirements and successfully help your company to reduce the impact of drugs & alcohol or COVID-19.
Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Therefore, it is important to ensure they are not exposed to any dangers such as someone potentially intoxicated from drug & alcohol consumption. RTS can help eradicate this danger, whilst helping your employees successfully understand how to mitigate the impacts of substance misuse, through managed testing programme and a range of training & education services to inform and educate staff.
Contact us today and speak with our experts who will provide more information about how testing works and the ways in which RTS can help your company.
E-mail: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
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Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
27 January 2021: Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
Global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Health has announced a new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport.
The service from Randox, which is the largest COVID-19 testing provider in the UK and Ireland, and a partner in the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, uses gold standard PCR technology to generate results in 1 – 3 hours.
The laboratory is capable of processing up to 1000 samples per day, for both fit to fly and test to release, which allows individuals in England returning home from international travel to stop self-isolating if they get a negative test result after 5 days.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Founder and Managing Director commented;
“We continue to expand our portfolio of bespoke testing products and services, and our new testing facility at Heathrow Airport brings us one step closer to a timely return to a more normal society.
“It’s great to be able to provide our fit to fly and test to release services to the airport and help support their enormous efforts to restore public confidence in international travel and get people back in the air again.”
The Randox testing facility at Heathrow Airport runs in partnership with Doctap who provide a team of certified Sample Collection Officers to perform the swabbing on site.
A Laboratory Technician subsequently expedites the sample and reports the results, meaning that a fit to fly or test to release certificate that would normally take up to 48 hours now takes as little as 1 hour, and no longer than 3 hours to deliver a certificate back to a customer.
To book a test please visit Doctap.co.uk/randox
For further information on the Mobile Testing Laboratory please email mobiletesting@randox.com
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
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Dog Food Recalled Due to Potentially Unsafe Levels of Aflatoxin
Dog Food Recalled Due to Potentially Unsafe Levels of Aflatoxin
The importance of screening food for toxins has been highlighted this month with the recent news that Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. have extended their product recall after reports that the pet food has potentially caused the deaths of 70 dogs due to containing possibly unsafe levels of aflatoxin.
The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement that it has been “aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food.”
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by two species of Aspergillus, a fungus which is especially found in areas with hot and humid climates. Aflatoxins have a wide occurrence in feed and cereals, such as wheat, barley, rice and corn, which are used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in animals.
Midwestern Pet Foods first announced a voluntary recall on Dec. 30, extending it last week. “There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with certain lots of products. No human illnesses have been reported,” the company said in a recall announcement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have expanded this recall to cover all corn products containing pet foods with expiration dates prior to 07/09/22.”
Aflatoxin poisoning can display in animals with symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhoea.
The expanded recall includes “additional corn-containing lot codes of Sportmix, Pro Pac Originals, Splash, Sportstrail, and Nunn Better dry dog and cat foods” that were produced in its Oklahoma manufacturing plant. A full list of recalled products can be found here.
Randox Food Diagnostics
Randox provide solutions to the agricultural industry by having developed a range of screening platforms for toxins and drug residues within feed and cereals. Multiple mycotoxins can affect crops and drug residues can pass through to feed causing adverse health effects in both humans and animals.
Myco 9 facilitates the detection of up to 9 common mycotoxins from a single sample of cereal or cereal based feed, including aflatoxin B1/B2, aflatoxin G1/G2, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, paxilline, T2 toxin & zearalenone.
For more information on the antibiotic screening arrays available contact us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
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23rd January 2021: 9 million tests on the National Testing Programme
23RD JANUARY 2021: THE 9 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 23rd January 2021, Randox reported its 9 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 9 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com