Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: successful detection despite virus mutation
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: successful detection despite virus mutation
02 February 2021
Test performance not affected by mutation found in new UK, South African and Brazilian variants.
The new SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been identified recently in the UK (known as 501Y.V1, VOC202012/01 or B.1.1.7 lineage), South Africa (known as 501Y.V2 or B.1.351 lineage) and Brazil (B.1.1.248 lineage), contain multiple mutations in the segment of the virus’ genome that codes for the spike protein.
Of particular interest is a double deletion at position 69-70 of the spike protein gene (69-70del), observed in the B1.1.7 variant, which has been found to affect the performance of some diagnostic PCR assays that use an S gene target (S gene dropout).
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 using the multiplex RT-qPCR assay from Randox Laboratories Ltd. is not affected by the identified mutations. This kit is a fast and highly sensitive multiplex diagnostic solution containing the necessary components to provide the detection of two genes (ORf I ab, E gene) to reduce the impact of genetic variation in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The multiplex primer mix in this assay allows the amplification of specific gene sequences found within the genome of the pathogen, covering all variants. Therefore, the mutations in the B.I.I.7, B.I.351 and B.I.I.248 lineage variants do not affect the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by the PCR test.
Randox Laboratories Ltd. monitors SARS-CoV-2 variants in NCBI and GISAID databases and performs bioinformatics analysis regularly. Based on in silico analysis the performance of the test is not impacted by the mutations.
The Randox multiplex RT-qPCR diagnostic kit supports clinical and public health laboratories to quickly diagnose COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, assisting the screening and isolation of individuals that require quarantine and immediate intervention.
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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 or check out our London PCR Travel Test Sites here.
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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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
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COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
12 January 2021: COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
Global diagnostics firm Randox is working in collaboration with Belfast International Airport, to provide quick and affordable tests for passengers.
A new walk in testing facility has been launched at the airport, providing rapid PCR tests for those who require a negative test before travelling on any essential journeys.
The newly formed service will provide passengers with a cost-effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport said:
“Many destinations now require passengers, who have to travel for essential reasons, to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival. It is essential that we are able to introduce these measures as testing will help protect travellers and staff, and provide an increased level of confidence for those travelling when current lockdown restrictions ease.
“In the long run it should help assist in the recovery of the aviation and travel sector, however it is only a start and we need more to be done in terms of both the vaccine and testing.”
“Swabs are administered by trained sample collection officers which decreases the likelihood of an inconclusive result. Tests are then conducted by Randox scientists at a state-of-the-art testing laboratory within easy reach of the airport, ensuring the price is kept to a minimum and the results can be turned around quickly.
“We already have a close working relationship with Randox and we are delighted to partner with them on this important development for the travel industry.”
The new COVID-19 facility on site at Belfast International Airport provides a convenient location for passengers right across Northern Ireland, with free onsite parking available. Passengers can receive their certified results next day, which if negative, allow them to travel to their required destination.
Sophie Boyd, Project Manager for the Randox Express COVID-19 Testing Service, said:
“We are proud to be working with Belfast International Airport to make COVID-19 testing accessible, affordable and reliable for all travellers who need to make essential trips.
“We have worked hard to ensure the PCR test is as easy as possible for passengers. People can simply visit the airport website to book a test at a date and time to suit. They can then arrive for their test and receive their results the next day via email.
“It’s great to be able to provide this service to the airport and help support them in getting people back in the air when they are able to do so.”
This new testing provision will strengthen the health measures already in place at the airport in line with the international campaign “Protecting each other” developed and promoted by VINCI Airports for all the airports in its network worldwide.
Based on hygiene recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this campaign helped improve the cleaning and disinfection protocols, physical distancing, staff protection and passenger communications since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 testing from Randox is available to book now and passengers will be able to attend a Randox Testing facility at the airport, or at a Randox Health Clinic in either Crumlin or Holywood. The price is £99.
To book a test with Randox please visit booking.randox.com
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7th January 2021: 8 million tests on the National Testing Programme
7TH JANUARY 2021: THE 8 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 7th January 2021, Randox reported its 8 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 8 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
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Randox unveils SARS-CoV-2 antibody test to determine previous COVID-19 infection in just 1.5 hours
21st December 2020
Randox unveils SARS-CoV-2 antibody test to determine previous COVID-19 infection in just 1.5 hours
Randox Laboratories is proud to announce the launch of its new SARS-CoV-2 IgG test, utilising patented Randox Biochip Technology to simultaneously detect IgG antibodies that are reactive to both of the leading COVID-19 diagnostic antigens – Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Nucleocapsid protein (NP).
Maximum test sensitivity is ensured through simultaneous detection of both RBD-only and NP-only responders, making it superior to current commercially available COVID-19 IgG tests that are based on RBD or NP alone, from which false negative results can occur.
The Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array provides clinicians with an opportunity to discriminate vaccinated individuals from those naturally infected by COVID-19.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Clinical Marketing Manager commented;
“When there is little or no access to molecular testing, serology tests provide a means to quickly triage suspected cases of COVID-19, enabling appropriate case management, and guiding public health measures, such as quarantine or self-isolation.
“The new Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array, provides a unique insight into disease severity, is an established method of indirect disease diagnosis, and facilitates epidemiological surveillance as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.”
The Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array has been developed for the Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated benchtop immunoassay analyser delivering accurate results in just 1.5 hours.
Features of the new Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array
- Utilises established diagnostic antigen candidates – RBD and NP
- IgG measurement confirms adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2
- Clinical specificity of 99.5%
- Clinical sensitivity of 100% ≥ 14 days post SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmation
- Dual sample matrix: human serum/plasma.
Contact marketing@randox.com for further information on our latest SARS-CoV-2 array or click to find out more!
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Randox approved for COVID-19 test to release scheme
RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
21 December 2020: RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
Randox has been added to the Department of Health and Social Care’s list of private providers of coronavirus testing.
This includes the lists for both general testing and test to release, a scheme which is applicable to those in England who need to self-isolate on their return from international travel.
If after 5 days you take a test and receive a negative result, you can stop self-isolating.
To purchase your COVID-19 test kit for test to release, visit; https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit-2/
Please Note: The earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you left the country not on the travel corridor list. Individuals who do not opt into the Test to Release scheme will need to self-isolate until 10 full days have passed since they were last in a country not on the travel corridors list.
To opt into the scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
You must complete this form within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK and will require your booking reference number and name of the test provider.
To view the list of test and release testing providers, visit; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
It is important to keep up to date with government guidelines by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus to find out more.
For further information please contact covidcustomersupport@randox.com
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20th December 2020: 7 million tests on the National Testing Programme
20TH DECEMBER: THE 7 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on Sunday 20th December, Randox surpassed 7 million tests within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 7 million samples accessioned, 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 in 2020.
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
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Vivalytic’s rapid coronavirus test delivers results for positive samples in less than 30 minutes
18th December 2020
Cloud-based software update means a faster PCR test for SARS-CoV-2
We are happy to announce that due to improved software for the Vivalytic analysis device, the CE marked Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 rapid coronavirus test, which uses polymerase chain reactions (PCR), now delivers its results even faster. By applying optimized evaluation strategies, the Vivalytic analysis device can detect a positive SARS-CoV-2 sample through its high viral load in less than 30 minutes, right where the sample is collected.
This modified product is part of a research and development project relating specifically to COVID-19, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to the tune of 4.97 million euros. The project’s aim is to expand the options for detecting acute infections of the coronavirus, looking particularly at on-the-spot testing in which the sample is analyzed in a fully automatic PCR process, as this offers rapid yet reliable results.
- Improved software for Vivalytic: turnaround time for positive SARS-CoV-2 samples reduced to under 30 minutes.
- Update from the cloud: Vivalytic analysis devices are updated over the internet.
Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH said;
“In the fight to contain the coronavirus pandemic, speed is of the essence. With Vivalytic, we are delivering cutting-edge medical technology. Our IT and software expertise have helped to make the Bosch Corona test for positive samples even faster – all within a short period of time.”
The new update is available for the SARS-CoV-2 singleplex test and the SARS-CoV-2 pooled test. Updating the Vivalytic testing devices is simple and straightforward – all that is required is an internet connection to access the Bosch cloud platform Vivasuite. Developed in-house at Bosch, the Vivasuite cloud platform allows users to digitally manage and update all their Bosch Healthcare Solutions devices. This is also an advantage when Vivalytic devices are in use in the field. The platform meets the strictest security standards and data privacy is guaranteed at all times: for example, there is no remote access to Vivalytic devices, and no possibility of accessing patient data.
The turnaround time for samples negative for SARS-CoV-2 is still 39 minutes. PCR tests are considered the gold standard, and Bosch’s rapid coronavirus tests have a sensitivity of 98 percent and a specificity of 100 percent.
Contact marketing@randox.com for further information on the latest vivalytic software update for SARS-CoV-2 testing.
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Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
11 December 2020: Randox launches Mobile COVID-19 Lab for Workplace Testing
World-leading diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has today unveiled a new Mobile Laboratory Service which will offer rapid and reliable COVID-19 workplace testing.
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.
Each Mobile Laboratory will be capable of processing up to 1000 samples per day, to allow employers to uphold COVID safety within the workplace and maintain maximum output.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, said;
“As the nation continues to navigate the working challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of organisations will want to implement a COVID-19 testing regime so that they can sustain safe working environments.
“With this in mind we continue to expand our portfolio of bespoke testing products and services, and our latest addition, the Mobile Testing Laboratory, in conjunction with our work within the National Testing Programme, brings us one step closer to a timely return to a more normal society.”
As part of the Randox Mobile COVID-19 testing service, a team of healthcare professionals will collect the samples on site, and a Laboratory Technician will subsequently expedite the sample and reports the results.
The Mobile Laboratory is available across the UK from 14th December 2020.
Dr FitzGerald continued;
“Since a new study by researchers at the University College London revealed that 86% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 did not have virus symptoms1, frequent screening of asymptomatic patients, is vital to identify any hotspots and limit further spread.
“Our Mobile COVID-19 Laboratory, which uses gold standard PCR technology and can visit the location of your choice for immediate service, will promote safe working practices, allow companies to demonstrate their commitment to their staff, and facilitate recovery of the UK economy.”
The Randox Mobile COVID-19 Laboratory comes fully staffed and stocked for testing, and is suitable for any and all industries – Construction, Aviation, Hospitality, Retail and more.
Find out more at https://www.randoxhealth.com/mobile-covid-19-testing-laboratory/
For further information please email mobiletesting@randox.com
References
1 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2020/oct/symptoms-covid-19-are-poor-marker-infection
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