Largest COVID PCR testing provider announces new nationwide network of ‘adaptive’ labs
Largest COVID PCR testing provider announces new nationwide network of ‘adaptive’ labs
Tuesday 28 September 2021: Largest COVID PCR testing provider announces new nationwide network of ‘adaptive’ labs
Randox, the UK’s largest laboratory diagnostics company, today announces its most significant expansion to date – the opening of 10 new adaptive “cube” laboratories within Great Britain. These facilities provide a rapid and cost-effective model to expand laboratory provision. They will improve accessibility to Covid testing, facilitate wider screening services and adapt to future health and testing challenges. Based on a modular format, sites can be operational within weeks and be redeployed if required.
The laboratories will initially be used to enhance the UK’s COVID-19 testing capacity during the winter, with each lab’s daily capacity of 12,000 tests combining to bring online an additional 120,000 COVID samples per day. They can subsequently be re-purposed to meet the UK’s post COVID diagnostic requirements.
The opening of the new laboratories, which upon completion, will create 700 new jobs across the UK, follows £30 million of investment by Randox, bringing its total COVID-19 investment to £150 million. Two of Randox’s ten new labs are already operational outside Manchester, with two sites to the north of London opening before the end of the month. Following this, a further six labs are set to open by the end of 2021.
Commenting on the announcement Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, said;
“Whilst the initial emphasis of these new laboratories will be on providing accessible, reliable and cost-effective COVID PCR tests, we of course acknowledge the positive steps being taken to ease restrictions and continue opening up our economy.
“We can draw on what we have learnt both pre and during COVID, leveraging the extensive logistics framework and IT infrastructure we have put in place, to directly address the global shortfall in laboratory testing capacity that has been exposed by the pandemic.
“The time taken to establish the required diagnostic infrastructure in the early stages of the pandemic adversely impacted the international response, but with such an adaptable capability, the UK can, as and when needed, respond rapidly to ever-increasing diagnostic demand.”
The new adaptive laboratories from Randox will ensure the provision of travel testing for those who still require them, and can also support any surge testing for the UK’s National COVID Testing Programme; Randox has processed and reported over 18 million COVID PCR samples to date. Randox also facilitate Covid-19 lateral flow testing.
Having used its 40 years’ experience in diagnostics to focus the business towards COVID testing and support the fight against the virus, Randox, established in 1982, will subsequently use its new lab sites to service a wider UK system of walk-in clinics which can offer whole-body diagnostic screening programmes.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“The legacy of COVID is that people increasingly understand and appreciate the importance of diagnostics and testing across our society, and as such we anticipate a real appetite from people to take greater interest in their health.
“We will continue COVID testing where necessary but will harness this high-volume testing capacity to pivot back to our core business offering of clinical health tests. The investment we have made in COVID lab facilities will allow us to build a national testing network that will facilitate a shift towards a new era of preventative healthcare, in which ill-health and disease are detected at the earliest possible opportunity, potentially even before symptoms appear.
“Our new adaptive laboratories will fundamentally be a game-changer for the UK’s future diagnostics requirements – improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare services.”
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or +44 (0) 28 9434 3005.
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Collinson and Randox partner to launch rapid airport PCR for travel testing
Tuesday 07 September 2021: Collinson and Randox partner to launch rapid airport PCR for travel testing
Rapid PCR technology means passengers can receive results in under three hours on the day of departure
Collinson has today announced it has partnered with biotech company, Randox, to offer rapid PCR testing. The ground-breaking new testing offering, which is already available at Collinson’s new park and test facility near Heathrow Airport, uses advanced on-site Randox technology to process RT-PCR – the gold standard of Covid-19 virus testing – in under three hours. It means passengers who require a negative PCR result to fly can, for the first time, book to take the test on their day of departure and have their result in time for check-in, rather than needing to arrange for a test days in advance.
Today’s announcement from Collinson and Randox will make the PCR testing process far more seamless for passengers, enabling them to book to take their test as part of the journey to the airport. In the next few weeks, the new technology will also be launched at Collinson’s drive-through facility near Gatwick.
With testing numbers skyrocketing as more people look to get abroad in line with UK restrictions lifting, Collinson is launching the rapid Randox testing as another option to help meet increased demand. Collinson has been a front-runner in travel testing solutions across the UK since it launched its first facility last summer and led the way in getting rapid genetic LAMP testing technology accredited for ‘Day 5’ testing.
Today’s partnership with Randox combines the medical and biological expertise and experience both companies have gained in travel testing over the past year. The joining of the two British companies and this new, rapid PCR technology means cheaper, faster and more reliable same day testing for anyone departing from the UK, which is sure to be a boost to both the country’s travel industry recovery as well the UK’s trade in general.
This new offering means that passengers with bookings can take a rapid PCR test the day they travel. As processing is handled on site rather than couriered to a lab; it is quicker while being just as reliable. While awaiting their test result, passengers can proceed to the airport terminal and enjoy a coffee, before going to check-in.
“We’ve come such a long way in travel testing since we first started speaking to the UK Government about our solutions last summer,” said Dr. Simon Worrell, Global Medical Director, Collinson. “The new, rapid PCR tests we’re announcing with Randox today really are the most sophisticated tests on the market. No longer do travellers need to take a PCR test three days before travel, and so risk contracting the virus in the interim. They’re a complete game-changer for anyone looking to travel at this time, making the testing process as seamless as possible for passengers as they can conveniently take their test on their way to the airport, rather than needing to find somewhere to be tested days in advance.”
“We are pleased to have partnered with Collinson, which has been leading the way in travel testing and recovery since last summer,” said David Ferguson, Managing Director, Randox. “We at Randox have been on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 since its outbreak last year and both of our companies know how important testing is to travel recovery. We’re thrilled to come together to pioneer rapid PCR testing – once more doing our bit to get the travel industry back on its feet and the world moving once more. This partnership allows Randox to further advance its service delivery in the fight against Covid-19 and offer ground-breaking medical diagnostics to ensure rapid and effective PCR testing. Travel during the pandemic has undoubtedly been challenging, but with this partnership I am confident that travel will now be far more accessible and achievable to those who use this service.”
The cost of a rapid PCR test is £95. To book visit collinsongroup.com
As a UKAS-approved testing provider, in addition to RT-PCR tests, Collinson will continue to offer a range of COVID-19 testing solutions for pre-departure and post-arrival at its facilities nationwide. Destination entry requirements differ depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Travellers should check the entry requirements of their intended destination country using the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages to be confident in their requirements.
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to allow international travellers to travel with confidence.
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on +44 (0) 28 9434 3005.
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Massive operation launched to keep ParalympicsGB team COVID-free
Sunday 15 August 2021: Massive operation launched to keep ParalympicsGB team COVID-free
A huge, high-tech operation is now under way to ensure that the 600-strong ParalympicsGB delegationtouches down in Tokyo next weekend free of COVID and that athletes have the best possible opportunity to compete without the fear of being ruled out on health grounds.
The ‘stop the virus’ logistics drive mirrors a similar and highly successful regime which ensured that Team GB landed in Japan COVID-free and that no athlete was then forced to withdraw in Tokyo because of infection or close contact with someone who had tested positive.
Despite fears that the virus could impact Team GB’s Olympic hopes, the rigorous testing programme put in place helped UK sporting stars to rack up 65 medals – their best-ever performance at an overseas Games bar the 67 medals won at Rio in 2016.
The COVID-19 testing programme is being masterminded by ParalmypicsGB with the support of Randox, which has the biggest COVID testing labs in the UK and Ireland, and amongst the biggest in Europe.
British competitors in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be tested regularly before they fly to Japan, with the last test just 72 hours before departure.
As with the Team GB Olympics operation, Randox is delivering test kits direct to athletes, either at their homes or training camps, and has set up its own courier services to ensure speed and reliability in processing the results.
ParalympicsGB will have visibility of a bespoke dashboard to register, view and access results reports for samples that will be taken by the ParalympicsGB Clinical Team and then transported to and tested in Randox’s COVID-19 laboratories, capable of processing 500,000 samples per day.
Whilst out in Tokyo from 24 August – 5 September the ParalympicsGB delegation of over 600 athletes, coaches and support staff will also have access to unique Randox point-of-care technology which offers rapid PCR tests results in as little as 40 minutes – an extra layer of safety that will provide the team with further reassurance that they are COVID-free while competing.
Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said;
“Following our testing regime for Team GB who enjoyed an incredibly successful Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we are delighted we can extend our gold-standard PCR testing to the ParalympicsGB athletes ahead of their competing in the Paralympics.
“It is an honour to provide our COVID-19 testing service to ParalympicsGB, so the athletes can travel to Tokyo to achieve their dream of competing in the sport they have trained so hard for, and we can help to keep them safe along the way.”
Four-time Paralympic Gold Medallist Bethany Firth MBE will be using Randox Health’s COVID-19 testing service for safe travel to and from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
Not only is Randox trusted by the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations to deliver reliable and timely testing but it is also recognised across the UK and Ireland for its efficient returns service, a unique and independent logistics operation consisting of a network of more than 120 custom-built dropboxes to which customers, and BPA Paralympians, can deposit their samples for next-day results.
One such Paralympian is Northern Irish swimmer Bethany Firth, a four-time Paralympic gold medallist who was Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, with three golds and a silver medal, at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, and who will be using Randox Health’s COVID-19 testing service for safe travel to and from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Four-time Paralympic Gold Medallist Bethany Firth MBE said;
“The journey to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games has been an incredibly challenging one, as I had been previously recovering from an injury and taking a break from heavy training. When the time came to get back to Paralympic preparation the COVID pandemic hit and all of a sudden I no longer had the option to train in the way I have been since I began to swim.
“At various points throughout the last year I and my fellow Para Swimmers even wondered if we would make it out to Tokyo, spending our days during lockdown swimming in our paddling pools in our back gardens because we couldn’t access a pool.
“I am therefore so grateful to Randox Health for providing Paralympics GB with the COVID-19 testing we need to compete in Tokyo in a safe and COVID-free assured environment, and for enabling me to continue on to the next stage of my swimming and Paralympic journey.”
British Paralympic Association CEO Mike Sharrock said;
“The health and wellbeing of athletes is always the top priority for ParalympicsGB. To ensure we get our team to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games for this pinnacle moment in their sporting careers, we must first do all we can to prioritise their safety and wellbeing so that they can board the plane to Japan.
“By partnering with a testing supplier of Randox Health’s calibre we can be assured we have the highest quality COVID-19 testing available – giving the athletes the peace of mind they need to focus on their preparation, training and performance. We have every confidence ParalympicsGB athletes will produce performances to inspire and unite the nation once again.”
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to allow international travellers to travel with confidence.
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or +44 (0) 28 9434 3005.
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Randox Health teams up with Olympic Medallist Bianca Walkden to open COVID travel testing centre in Liverpool ONE
Tuesday 10 August 2021: Randox Health teams up with Olympic Medallist Bianca Walkden to open COVID travel testing centre in Liverpool ONE
A new COVID travel testing centre, from the UK’s leading diagnostics provider Randox Health, was officially opened this week by Taekwondo Olympic Bronze Medallist Bianca Walkden.
Located centrally in Chavasse Park in Liverpool ONE, the new facility has a capacity of more than 1500 appointments per day, making it the largest COVID travel testing centre in Liverpool.
The facility consists of an on-site testing laboratory and a walk-through sample collection centre where appointments, during which a trained collection officer takes the sample, take no longer than ten minutes.
David Ferguson, Randox Global Sales Director said;
“As the largest COVID-19 testing laboratory in Europe, with a capacity of over 500,000 tests per day, Randox is committed to the provision of reliable and affordable testing for international travel.
“Randox already has strong connections to the city of Liverpool having been the headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National for the last five years, and by setting up our newest testing centre in such a popular tourist destination as Liverpool ONE, we will ensure our service is as accessible as possible for both UK holidaymakers and those returning home after their visit to the city.
“We look forward to supporting their travel plans and making the testing process stress-free.”
The Randox Health testing facility at Liverpool ONE offers a range of asymptomatic testing services for both pre-departure and arrival testing requirements, including next-day Day 2 and Day 8 tests, antigen testing, and express services offering PCR test results in either 12 or 1-3 hours.
For the month of August Randox Health is also offering a £5 discount on all tests at Liverpool ONE.
Iain Finalyson, Liverpool ONE Estate Director, commented;
“Trusted by Team GB to deliver pre-departure and arrival testing for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Randox Health is renowned in the UK as a leading and reputable supplier of COVID-19 testing, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this service to Liverpool city centre.
“Visitors to Liverpool ONE can, at their convenience, take their test, and while they are waiting for their result, enjoy all that Liverpool ONE has to offer across shopping, dining and leisure.”
Bianca Walkden, Taekwondo Olympic Bronze Medallist;
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to officially open the Randox Health COVID travel testing centre in my hometown of Liverpool.
“Having used the service myself for Team GB’s pre-departure and Day 2 testing requirements pre and post the Olympic Games, I can vouch for the thorough testing and support Randox gave us to ensure we were prepared to arrive safely to the starting line in Tokyo.”
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to allow international travellers to travel with confidence.
Randox tests on offer
- Departures – PCR (1-3 hours) / (12 hours) / (next day) – £95 / £70 / £60
- Departures – Antigen – £39
- Arrivals – Day 2 – £60
- Arrivals – Day 8 package – £60
- Arrivals – Test to Release (12 – 16 hours) – £60
For more information or to book visit fly.randox.com
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or +44 (0) 28 9434 3005.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team: randoxpr@randox.com
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Statement on Randox COVID-19 dropbox service
09 August 2021: Logistics Update on Randox COVID-19 Testing for International Travel
A spokesperson for Randox said:
“Randox is constantly expanding and improving its COVID-19 testing capacity and associated logistics network, which is already the largest in the United Kingdom, to meet the rapidly growing demand resulting from the loosening of travel restrictions. Randox continues to increase the number of drop boxes across the United Kingdom, which already totals over 200, and is increasing the frequency of box collections which are already occurring multiple times per day. Randox is providing premium testing services in dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances and is committed to continuously improving its logistics network, to ensure that all international travellers receive their results in time.”
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Randox Statement following ‘The One Show’ Broadcast of 28th July 2021
Randox Statement following ‘The One Show’ Broadcast of 28th July
Randox Laboratories completely refute the general portrayal of our services as shown on ‘The One Show’, broadcast on 28th July 2021. The cases shown are not indicative or representative of the services provided. Randox have been active within the diagnostics / testing industry for almost 40 years.
Randox Laboratories run the largest Covid-19 PCR testing laboratories in Europe and since the start of the pandemic have tested and reported over 15 million samples. Within our operations we are fully committed to the provision of PCR testing to support international travel and fully recognise the importance of such travel, and of traveling safely.
Randox are also committed to operational efficiency and to processes of continuous improvement. This commitment is borne out by the fact that, over an extended period, 99.9% of international travel samples received in our laboratories have been reported within 24 hours.
We understand that there are certain elements of the process that are not fully within any national testing providers’ control, particularly in the area of logistics. As a result Randox have established a branded nationwide drop box system that returns samples direct to our laboratories 7 days a week, in which we have full confidence. Other providers, which customers may elect to use, may have a less comprehensive service.
Testing providers’ customer support services also have to deal with enormous peaks and troughs of demand, largely as a result of changes to Government travel policy to which no forewarning is provided. The requirements placed upon the general public, regarding testing for international travel, also add significant demands for information. Randox understands the frustration that potential customers may experience, common to all testing providers, and are addressing this through improved website design, use of social media, redeployment of staff and additional recruitment to our Call Centre.
Randox have great experience in the provision of PCR testing to support international travel, a proven record of success in reporting high volumes of samples in a timely manner, and continually seek to improve the customer experience. Randox has every confidence in its services.
The full statement provided to BBC Watchdog
A spokesperson for Randox said: “We take our responsibilities towards our customers extremely seriously, and recognise the crucial role we play in ensuring that international travel can take place safely. Randox are processing high volumes of COVID-19 tests to support such travel with 99.9% of private sample results, from January – June 2021, returned within 24 hours of receipt into our laboratory. Our stated aim is to provide next day results for clients who use Randox drop boxes, and within 12-24 hours of receipt of the sample at our laboratory for other courier services. We have investigated the cases which have been brought to our attention, and have been in communication with the customers.
“We are duty bound to follow government guidance in relation to travel. We are not provided with forewarning on changes to existing guidance and, therefore, we aim to be as flexible as possible and adjust our operations in a timely manner in what are often rapidly changing circumstances. We are deploying more dedicated resources at our call centre to help address the unprecedented and growing demand for our testing services.”
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Save The Date – The 2021 Causeway Business Awards sponsored by Randox
Save The Date – The 2021 Causeway Business Awards sponsored by Randox
The 2021 Causeway Business Awards will recognise the best in business and entrepreneurship within Causeway Coast & Glens Borough.
The awards, now in their 9th year are organised bi-annually by Causeway Chamber of Commerce, recognising the very best of business from across the region, sponsored by Randox, will take place on Thursday 14th October, at the Lodge Hotel. The awards will highlight the positive contribution that businesses make to the economy and to society as a whole.
David Boyd, President of Causeway Chamber, said:
“The awards which have been running since 2005 are not only about celebrating past success but are about setting future aspirations to reach new standards of excellence. It has been a year like no other. Businesses across the Causeway Coast and Glens have been tested and challenged, but they have done what they always do, showed strength and resilience. Causeway Business Awards provides an insight into the wealth of business talent and success, across all sectors that this region has much to be proud of and this year will be no exception. The 18 award categories have been carefully reviewed to reflect the changing dynamic of our borough and we are confident that you will find a category to suit you and your business.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox commented:
“We have been closely engaged with the Causeway Coast and Glens region since opening Dundarave in Bushmills, a classic Northern Irish estate offering fresh local produce which has proved very popular with both the local community and other businesses.
“The onset of the Covid pandemic has been a particular challenge to our business community. It is therefore a particular honour and pleasure, at this time, to be able to support and celebrate the robustness and successes of businesses within the Causeway Coast and Glens over the past year. As a key provider of Covid-19 testing in both the UK and Ireland we are very familiar with those challenges. We would like to congratulate the Causeway Chamber of Commerce for bringing together the best local businesses and providing an opportunity to celebrate significant achievements and support one another. This event will also demonstrate the business strength within the region and shows what Northern Ireland has to offer to a global business market.”
Sarah Travers will return to compere the Awards ceremony which will take place on Thursday 14th October at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. This is now a major event in the Borough’s social calendar, so put the date in your diary now. The Chamber promises an excellent evening so, come along, network and most importantly help celebrate and reward all that is the best in business in the Causeway Borough.
Remember that the awards are FREE to enter and OPEN to all businesses across the Borough.
To join the mailing list to be the first to hear when the awards are launched at the end of July email info@causewaychamber.com or keep checking Causeway Chamber social media channels for updates.
For further information you can contact Annette Deighan, Operations Manager at Causeway Chamber on 028 7034 3111 or email annette@causewaychamber.com.
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Randox Biochip is centre stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed Future Lab
Randox Biochip is centre stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed Future Lab
You visit the doctor because you think there is a problem. The doctor suspects it may be an infection but she’s not sure. A blood sample is taken and sent to the laboratory where three to five tests are run on it. Your blood does not show a positive reading for any of the tests conducted. You still don’t know what’s wrong. Does this sound familiar?
Enter a pioneering piece of technology called the Biochip. This health testing platform, from global diagnostics company Randox, and on show at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, can uniquely run multiple tests simultaneously – making sure you get the right diagnosis as fast as possible.
Current and futuristic developments in this critical strand of medicine, involving detailed analysis of blood to identify both current and future health risks, appeared as part of the Future Lab project at the festival which took place 8th – 11th July 2021. Those who visited Future Lab found out how technology can be utilised to improve the speed and accuracy of health diagnoses across the world.
The event’s reach afforded Randox a valuable platform from which to promote the importance of early, accurate and reliable diagnostics, and understandably, our message this year resonates more clearly than ever before.
The impact of the pandemic has highlighted the need for early and accurate diagnostics, which can and do save lives. Randox set up the largest throughput COVID-19 laboratory in the UK and we have completed over 12 million gold-standard PCR tests for the UK’s National Testing Programme, representing approximately 21% of all PCR tests in the UK.
More sensitive, comprehensive and accurate technologies hold the promise of much earlier and more effective diagnosis, often before symptoms appear – greatly improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare services. And these technologies are directly available to the individual through Randox Health, not just through GPs or hospitals.
It is also a fact that diagnostics have historically been undervalued – in healthcare systems around the world laboratory technologies account for around 2% of overall budgets, yet 70%-80% of all healthcare decisions affecting diagnosis or treatment involve a laboratory investigation.
Sensing the potential to improve healthcare through diagnostic innovation, Randox has invested significantly in the development of Biochip Array Technology, allowing many tests to be run simultaneously.
Pictured at the Randox Future Lab stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2021 are the RAF Red Arrows
The Randox Biochip is key to unlocking true personalised medicine. Ultimately it acts as a roadmap of your health by predicting the health conditions of which you are personally at risk in the future. By taking preventive action you will be empowered to live healthier for longer. It’s the world’s first technology of its kind, capable of extending your life.
Also new to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year was the Future Lab Podcast, presented by Randox.
Over the course of the podcast series, Future Lab curator Lucy Johnston met the people tackling the biggest problems facing planet earth and pushing humanity to achieve things we’ve never seen before. The Future Lab podcast tells the stories of the people taking ideas from the pages of science fiction and bringing them to life before our eyes.⠀⠀
Listen here.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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Randox Academy will ensure Ulster University Biomedical students don’t miss out on COVID-hit lab sessions
Tuesday 29 June 2021
Randox Academy will ensure Ulster University Biomedical students don’t miss out on COVID-hit lab sessions
Global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories is this summer hosting a Student Training Academy for Ulster University Biomedical Science students who have been unable to complete practical laboratory classes due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being held at the company’s headquarters, the Randox Science Park in Antrim, each rotation of the Biomedical Science Student Training Academy for Key Laboratory skills takes place over 2 weeks to cover key laboratory techniques and technologies, as well as industry standard practices and employability skills.
Modules range from Chromatography and Spectrophotometers to Robotics, PPE Awareness and PCR, the testing method currently employed by Randox’s team of COVID-19 scientists to detect the virus for the UK’s National Testing Programme.
Elizabeth Ferguson, Randox Training Specialist commented;
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on all of us, and particularly on Biomedical Science Students who during the 2020/21 academic year were unable to experience the hands-on lab practicals they would usually be afforded during their studies at Ulster University.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership with Ulster University for many years, including but not limited to our university-wide sports sponsorship and the recently announced Randox Professor of Medicine post, and are delighted that our collaboration with this renowned university has grown further in the form of this Randox Student Academy.
“We are proud to be able to offer Ulster University students the chance to gain practical lab experience in a world-leading life sciences company and pleased that our first group of students so thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the programme.”
Dr. Valerie Hinch, Course Director for the BSc Hons Biomedical Science programmes at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus said;
“The School of Biomedical Sciences is delighted to partner with Randox Laboratories to provide this important learning experience for our students. The work experience and practical skills they have gained will be invaluable to them as they continue their studies and target a career in the Life Science industry.
“This training will help us to inspire a new generation of scientists who can make a real impact on healthcare in our society, with benefits for researchers, clinicians and patients alike.”
Coleraine-based Ulster University Biomedical Science Student Aimee Stitt, who won the Randox Training Academy “Stellar Student” Award at the June session, added;
“I’ve always had such a keen interest in science, and so I was really excited for the practical and hands-on elements of my first year of studies of Biomedical Science at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus – but COVID had other ideas!
“As I hadn’t been in a lab for so long I wasn’t really sure what to expect and had forgotten in a way how interesting it is, but the experience of the Randox Student Training Academy exceeded all my expectations and reignited my passion for science. I’m so grateful to the team at Randox for giving us the opportunity to not only gain key lab skills, but also to meet real-life scientists and to learn from them and ask them for advice about what it’s like to work in the industry.
“I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get an insight into the Randox COVID-19 labs, and it was the icing on the cake, at the end of an incredibly enjoyable two weeks, to win the Stellar Student award. Thank you Randox and Ulster University for a very rewarding experience which has made me so excited for what is up ahead – at university and in my career as a scientist.”
Ulster University Biology Student Tom Prokop, who won the Randox Training Academy “Stellar Student” Award at the September session, added;
“The most enjoyable part was probably just going inside the labs because obviously we have not experienced this before. It was insightful seeing the full process of Covid testing. The only time I have seen something like this before has been in the movies. It was very enjoyable.
“I have gained a lot of experience from using various equipment and developing essential lab skills like pipetting techniques. This experience will be great for my CV as I now have experience in a real life lab and have learnt a lot.”
The first rotation of the Randox Student Training Academy took place from Monday 14th – Friday 25th June, with the second session from 6th – 17th September 2021.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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Manchester Airports Group bolsters onsite testing with eight new centres and welcomes Randox onboard
Monday 28 June 2021: Manchester Airports Group bolsters onsite testing with eight new centres and welcomes Randox onboard
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has announced plans to more than treble the number of testing sites at its airports ahead of the restart of international travel.
MAG – which owns Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports – also confirmed Randox will join existing partner Collinson to operate the sites, which will be a combination of walk-through and drive-through testing centres.
Together, they will operate 11 sites across MAG’s three airports, offering passengers a range of tests for arrival and departure, including packages for amber/green list countries, plus Test to Release, which unlocks passengers from quarantine after a full five days.
Both providers will offer unique tests, including Randox’s rapid 1-3-hour PCR test and Collinson’s same day Test to Release offering. Currently PCR tests can take up to 48 hours, meaning passengers have to come to the airport ahead of their trip. However, with Randox’s rapid PCR test, with results available in just 1-3 hours, travellers can save time and do the test on the day of travel.
Collinson’s same-day Test to Release process uses a rapid LAMP test, meaning that passengers can get their results back on the same day and release from quarantine on day five* with a negative result. Other providers use PCR, meaning it can take up to day six or seven to get a result. These are just two of the services Randox and Collinson will provide across MAG’s airports, with more than a dozen tests and options available.
PCR test prices start from £60, a full list of tests on offer, costs, plus locations at each airport can be found below. Tests can be booked online now.
Brad Miller, Managing Director of MAG, said:
“We are pleased to be increasing our testing facilities at all three of our airports ahead of international travel re-starting in earnest.
“By offering both arrival and departure tests, as well as a choice of walk-through and drive-through test centres, passengers know they can select whatever it is they need to make their trip as stress-free as possible.
“We are looking forward to working with both partners and hope to get Britain flying again as soon as possible.
“Finally, I’d like to thank all of the staff and colleagues involved from all organisations, in delivering these new services.”
David Ferguson, Sales Director from Randox said:
“To date Randox has processed over 13 million gold-standard PCR samples, and testing continues to be a vital part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social normality and international travel.
“We are delighted to be working with Manchester Airports Group to support its enormous efforts to ensure passenger safety, and with premium COVID testing services in place across Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports, our new partnership will allow people to get back in the air again when international travel resumes.
“Randox is committed to providing accurate and cost-effective testing to ensure that essential travel, and holidaying when and where possible, is accessible, affordable and reliable and as such have invested in our capacity to now be able to process over 500,000 tests per day.”
David Evans, Joint CEO from Collinson said:
“The new spacious facilities will enable more travellers to be tested in a safe and comfortable environment, ensuring that departures and arrivals can happen as conveniently as possible. Collinson is proud to offer the full range of Government-approved COVID-19 testing solutions, including the only Test-to-Release process that allows travellers testing negative to be safely released from quarantine after just five full days.
“We’re continuing to develop and strengthen our relationship with MAG, offering a full spectrum of tests and helping to support travellers as they prepare for a well-deserved summer break.”
MAG is the UK’s largest airport operator and has been at the forefront of passenger safety throughout the pandemic. It was one of the first airport groups to introduce a range of onsite safety measures including mandatory face coverings, enhanced cleaning, bookable security slots and sanitiser stations. It opened its first testing centres in December 2020 with Collinson and has performed over 100,000 tests across its three airports to date.
RANDOX TESTS ON OFFER:
- Departures – PCR (1-3 hours) / (12 hours) / (next day) – £95 / £70 / £60
- Departures – LAMP – £70
- Departures – Antigen – £39
- Departures – Antibody – £39
- Arrivals – Green Arrival (Day 2) – £60
- Arrivals – Amber Arrival (Day 2 and 8 package) – £120
- Arrivals – Test to Release (12 hours) – £60
For more information or to book visit fly.randox.com
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of Covid-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to allow international travellers to travel with confidence.
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or 0800 2545 201.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team: randoxpr@randox.com
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.