International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
On Saturday 11th February, we are celebrating International day of Women and girls in Science! This day is an opportunity to celebrate and promote equal access to science for women and girls.
Ahead of the 11th, we have interviewed five influential Women who fulfil STEM based roles across Randox Laboratories. They have shared their experiences and thoughts on Women and girls in the science industry.
Our second interview is with Lead Biomedical Engineer- Sarah Hamilton.
Why did you pursue a career in STEM?
At A-Level I studied Technology & Design, Biology & Chemistry. I always enjoyed the process of facing a problem scenario and working through design processes to form a solution. The problems I identified were always centred around healthcare issues. During A-Levels, I also had the opportunity to take part in the Sentinus Golden Crest Award, an initiative promoting STEM in schools. I went on to pursue a career in Engineering largely down to the great exposure I had to the industry during my time at school. Biomedical Engineering appealed to me most as it had the added aspects of applying biological/biochemical principles to technology in ways that improve healthcare provision and create products that directly impact quality of life. As part of my degree, I had an Industrial placement year, this experience was within Medical Device R&D where I had some amazing mentors who helped me see that Engineering R&D was definitely the correct career path for me.
What is your role in Randox and how long have you worked in the company for?
My role within Randox is Lead Biomedical Engineer within the Engineering R&D department. I started in 2017 having graduated from Ulster University as a Biomedical Engineer. During the last 6 years I have progressed to a Team Leader role. In this role I co-ordinate a team of 7 people from Senior to Placement Biomedical Engineers.
Within this team we work across multiple projects which are all in different stages of development. My main role is to plan and facilitate the completion of testing ranging from early prototype development through to Verification & Validation. The Biomedical Engineering role involves working within a multidisciplinary team of Mechanical, Electrical & Embedded Design Engineers, Software Developers & Testers and Scientists (Chemists & Physicists). In Engineering, we also work alongside Assay Development Scientists and Lab Scientists. In doing so we ensure our product requirements are in line with user needs and performance is as expected.
What change have you seen for women in science over the years?
Comparing my time at school & university to now, there has been a noticeable change in the emphasis put on STEM careers. It is great to see employers from a variety of industries participating in more outreach programmes aimed at both primary, secondary and tertiary education levels, similar to the Sentinus Award which first got me interested in a STEM career. Many of my colleagues, and I, have participated in different events aimed at promoting careers in STEM. And I know many companies have diversity and inclusion programmes with aims of attracting more females into STEM roles at both junior and more senior levels. I feel that this has helped change attitudes of both woman and men from what was previously considered normal within STEM.
Have you found it harder or any different going into your career in science as a woman?
When I started as a graduate engineer, I was the only female in a team of 15 men, so, while I have found the industry still quite predominately male, I don’t believe this poses any setbacks for starting out in a STEM career or for career progression. Currently, within my own team of Biomedical Engineers, we have an even split of woman to men which is a positive step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing that equality normalised in future. Overall, getting to work within a group of likeminded people who work together to solve multiple complex problems is extremely rewarding.
How do you think we can encourage more women to go into the science industry?
I think improving and promoting initiatives that provide exposure/insight into the STEM industry in schools is one of the best ways to inspire the next generation. It allows more girls to see the many different roles in the STEM industry which they might not otherwise have been aware of or considered pursuing.
If you have one piece of advice as a woman starting out the STEM industry, what would it be?
Have confidence to make sure you are heard.
For more information, please contact Market@randox.com
International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
On Saturday 11th February, we are celebrating International day of Women and girls in Science! This day is an opportunity to celebrate and promote equal access to science for women and girls.
Ahead of the 11th, we have interviewed five influential Women who fulfil STEM based roles across Randox Laboratories. They have shared their experiences and thoughts on Women and girls in the science industry.
Our first interview is with Head of technical Services- Louise Lynn.
Why did you pursue a career in STEM?
I enjoyed science at school and it was an easy decision to continue science through to A-level. I went on to study Biochemistry at Queens University, Belfast and during my time there I heard about Randox. I applied for various jobs when I graduated, but Randox interested me the most and was most applicable for my degree.
What is your role in Randox and how long have you worked in the company for?
I am currently Head of Technical Services in Randox, overseeing the Global Technical Support and Applications Teams.
I have been working in Randox for almost 25 years! I started in the R&D lab during the development of our Liquid Enzyme reagents, and quickly moved into Technical Support. I have held various roles within Technical Support over the years and have seen many changes in that time. As a department we support the Randox Clinical products, dealing with enquiries, complaints and troubleshooting, as well as customer training. No two days are the same.
I enjoy dealing directly with the customers and building those relationships. Working in Technical Support has given me the opportunity to travel and visit labs globally which has been very interesting and allows you to see our products in use and is always a reminder that ultimately there is a patient depending on our products to manage their health.
During the pandemic I was also involved in setting up the Covid Customer Support Team which was one of the most challenging times in my career, but also a very positive experience.
What change have you seen for women in science over the years?
During my time at university and throughout my career I have worked alongside many females, however I have seen an increase in female engineers over more recent years, which is great to see in one of the more male dominated sectors of the business.
Have you found it harder or any different going into your career in science as a woman?
Throughout my career at Randox I have had both male and female managers. We have been very fortunate that everyone is given an equal opportunity within the company and we have always had females in senior management positions. At no stage in my career have I found being a female has caused me to struggle or consider changing my career path. I was also given flexibility when my children were young, but this did not prevent me from progressing my career once I was ready to do so again.
How do you think we can encourage more women to go into the science industry?
Female scientists and engineers going into schools and talking about what they do. Many young people don’t know what they want to do and getting their attention at an early age and hearing real life career stories first hand can have a huge impact.
If you have one piece of advice as a woman starting out the STEM industry, what would it be?
Decide what you want to do and have confidence in yourself that you can do it, even if it is in a male dominated sector. You will make mistakes, but that is science, learn from them and move on.
For more information, please contact Market@randox.com
Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2022!
Celebrating World Diabetes Day, 14th November 2022!
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to become too high. This can cause complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems or nerve damage if not treated.
Although there is no cure for Diabetes, the condition can be controlled and monitored.
There are three main types of diabetes, type one, type two and gestational diabetes. The former two are lifelong and can cause life threatening complications if not monitored effectively.
Type one diabetes is when the body can’t make insulin, which is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. In the UK, around 8% of the population have type one.
Type two diabetes is generally caused from lifestyle, when the pancreas doesn’t work properly and can’t keep your blood sugar levels from rising. Type two represents around 90% of people with diabetes in the UK.
Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that appears in pregnancy, characterised by high blood sugar due to the hormones produced in pregnancy. In the UK, around 5% of pregnant women are diagnosed every year.
Globally, Diabetes affects more than 415 million people, with type 2 being the most common.
People with T1D have an estimated 50% risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease over their lifetime. CKD can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Taking a personalized approach to kidney disease screening for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may reduce the time that chronic kidney disease (CKD) goes undetected, according to a new analysis performed by the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study group.
World Diabetes Day aims to increase visibility around the condition and can help sufferers feel less alone. Charities such as Diabetes UK also use the day to help promote awareness and information around the condition to help get people diagnosed earlier through campaigns such as #RewriteTheStory.
Randox reagents cover a spectrum of laboratory testing which can help monitor Diabetes and the effectiveness of management. This can help prevent serious complications which can become life threatening.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Fructosamine (Glycated Protein) has been identified as an early indicator of diabetic control compared to other markers such as HbA1c. HbA1c represents the average blood glucose levels for the previous 2-3 months, conversely fructosamine reflects average blood glucose levels of the previous 2-3 weeks. HbA1c levels may also be impacted by genetic, haematological and disease-related factors. The enzymatic Fructosamine method also offers improved specificity and reliability compared to conventional NBT-based methods and does not suffer from non-specific interferences unlike other commercially available Fructosamine assays.
Complications Monitoring – Ketoacidosis
D-3-Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) is the most sensitive ketone for the diagnosis of ketosis, in particular diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) , because it represents approximately 80% of ketones present in blood during DKA. The nitroprusside method commonly used in semi-quantitative dipstick tests only detects acetone and acetoacetate making it less accurate.
Complications Monitoring – Renal Dysfunction
Cystatin C is extremely sensitive to very small changes in GFR and has been identified as a strong predictor of clinical outcomes associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cystatin C doesn’t have a ‘blind area’ like creatinine. Up to 50% of renal function may be lost before significant creatinine elevation occurs. NICE guidelines recommend cystatin C testing due to its higher specificity for significant disease outcomes.
To find out more visit: https://www.randox.com/diabetes-reagents/
Or email us at: reagents@randox.com
Rapid MG, MH, UP/UU Testing Now Available on Vivalytic
Introducing MG, MH, UP/UU Testing to Vivalytic
Aiding the rapid diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and immediate decision making at the point of care, the Vivalytic portfolio of tests has now expanded to complement current comprehensive screening for STI’s, introducing rapid screening for Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH) & Ureaplasma parvum (UP)/urealyticum (UU) in 1 hour.
What are MG, MH, UP/UU pathogens?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 30 different bacterial species, viruses and parasites have been identified to be involved in the spread of STIs. Mycoplasmas in particular belong to the group of human pathogenic bacterial species with many risk associations particularly on the female reproductive system.1 Studies have also found that UU and MH are implicated in prematurity-linked conditions 2. UP & UU bacterium again are implicated to have adverse implications for both men & women. They affect up to 70% of sexually active couples and exist mostly in an asymptomatic state. If left untreated, UP & UU may be associated with infertility and other risk associations such as meningitis and pneumonia. 3
Why test MG, MH, UP/UU on Vivalytic?
Current diagnostic cultivation methods for screening can take up to three days for MH, UP and UU or even 6 months, with the introduction of these STI pathogens to the Vivalytic, quick, accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment decisions can be made at the point of care , before symptoms worsen, or any long-term implications occurs to the patient. In a world where over 1 million STIs are acquired daily 5, a quick and efficient process that allows for almost immediate results can improve operations considerably.
The push to encourage individuals to test themselves regularly before engaging in sexual activities with a new partner is becoming more and more widespread. The Vivalytic, as a portable point of care device, designed to suit a range of environments such as Doctors’ offices or GUM/ Sexual Health Clinic, can provide a screening immediately, minimising the stress and uncertainty a patient may experience whilst waiting for a result to receive the relevant treatments if needed. The Vivalytic’s speed not only provides reliable and precise diagnoses, but also plays a role in fighting the spread of STIs and minimising hospitalisations that may arise from complications from undetected sexually transmitted pathogens.
Features and Benefits
- By using a single cartridge, the Vivalytic MG, MH, UP/UU test detects and differentiates between pathogens of the Mycoplasmataceae family
- Detection Method: Real-Time PCR
- Result Time: 1 hour
- Sample Volume: 300μl Clinical Sample
- Sample Type: Swab (Urethral, Vaginal, Cervical, Rectal), Urine
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What makes this possible?
Making this happen, The MG, MH, UP/UU rapid test on Vivalytic by Bosch, a point of care platform brought to the market by Randox Laboratories. The Vivalytic system is a fully automated, cartridge-based platform capable of both Hi-Plex and Lo-Plex infectious disease testing. Each easy-to-use cartridge contains all necessary reagents, is fully sealed to minimise risk and can be conveniently stored at room temperature.
Making a point to care, the Vivalytic also provides a comprehensive sexual health profile of 10 bacterial, viral, and protozoan infections with a rapid turnaround time of just 2 hours from sample entry to result. Designed to offer a complete sexual health profile with an aim of prevention and control, the Vivalytic STI array can be used to diagnose existing infections whilst any identifying co-infections.
The Vivalytic consolidates the full molecular workflow into a small benchtop platform, capable of extraction, PCR amplification and detection. It follows an easy 4 step process from sample entry to results and with the gold standard PCR testing. With most up to date technology, the Vivalytic has wireless connectivity, with no peripherals required, making a unique space saving and hygienic solution. Handling and utilisation are simple and medical professionals require only minimal training.
For more information on the Vivalytic, why not visit our webpage: https://www.randox.com/vivalytic-molecular-point-of-care/
For more information on our new MG, MH, UP/UU test, please contact market@randox.com
References:
- Mardh P. A., Westrom L., von Mecklenburg C., Hammar E. Studies on ciliated epithelia of the human genital tract. I. Swelling of the cilia of Fallopian tube epithelium in organ cultures infected with Mycoplasma hominis. The British Journal of Venereal Diseases. 1976;52(1):52–57.
- Viscardi R. M. Ureaplasmaspecies: role in neonatal morbidities and outcomes. Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition. 2014;99(1):F87–F92.
- World Health Organization. “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).” int, World Health Organization: WHO, 22 Nov. 2021, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis).
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
World Heart Day 2022
World Heart Day 2022
World Heart Day – Raising awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases
On 29th September, World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use heart for humanity, for nature, and for yourself. Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart.
In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. World Heart Day is, therefore, the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden.
World Heart Day is a global campaign created by the World Heart Federation in which it informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year. It aims to highlight the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD as well as to drive action to educate people by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders relating to the heart and blood vessels and they include:
- coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
- cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
- rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
- congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth
- deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
How can Randox help with these current global challenges
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, is easier to treat when detected early. Here at Randox, we utilise innovative diagnostic tests for early risk assessment capable of diagnosing disease at the earliest possible stages, because we understand that “prevention is better than cure”.
Randox Laboratories is a world leader in innovative diagnostics with 40 years’ experience and a leading provider of diagnostic reagents for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. Randox offer an extensive menu of cardiac biomarkers within the cardiology reagents panel including:
Risk Assessment
- CK-MB – useful in patients with chest pain; Creatine Kinase is an enzyme produced in many different types of cells, of which high levels indicate muscle trauma or damage.
- Myoglobin – a small protein which leaks out of muscle cells after injury, is also considered a biomarker for the detection of Myocardinal Infraction.
- Routine lipid tests to determine the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels – HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Independent risk assessment tests such as sdLDL Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) to determine any genetic factors which may increase their risk of CVD. Please note, this is necessary even for patients who have good cholesterol levels
- Secondary tests, such as High Sensitivity CRP, in addition to risk assessment markers and lipid evaluation – secondary tests are important in predicting future cardiac events of individuals with no previous history of CVD and those deemed healthy because of primary tests; approximately half of all heart attacks occur in patients classified as low risk. In addition, they can also be used to evaluate the risk of a recurrent cardiac event
- Homocysteine – elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various disease states including CVD. Extremely high levels are found in patients with homocystinuria, of which many suffer from early arteriosclerosis.
More information
If you are a clinician or lab interested in our Cardiology & Lipids Panel, we have a wealth of resources available:
Download our Reagents Brochure
Download our Cardiology & Lipid Testing Brochure
If you would like to get in touch with a Sales representative please email us reagents@randox.com
Cardiac QC
Acusera Cardiac Controls is designed to deliver an assayed solution for Tropinin I and NT-proBNP testing. Its intended use with Roche, Abbott and Siemens. This control is manufactured using only the highest quality material and offers a 7-day thawed stability at +2ºC to +8ºC.
Four levels are available covering the clinically relevant range, including High Sensitivity Troponin I.
Features and Benefits
- Liquid for ease-of-use stability
- Aqueous material
- 4 Clinically relevant levels (including Ultra-Low)
- Stable to expiry date at -18-24ºC storage
- Thawed stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
For more information, visit our Cardiac Quality Control website
If you have any other queries, don’t hesitate on contacting us at qualitycontrol@randox.com
Heart Health Test
High Cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke therefore at Randox Health we have the Heart Health Test to keep our cholesterol at a healthy level. This is done from the convenience of your home with our home sample collection kit. Heart Health measures your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Why we get tested?
There is so much importance in identifying cholesterol imbalance early which allows you to make appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is essential to acknowledge that regardless of your age and physical health, anyone can have high cholesterol; high levels may be a result of genetics or lifestyle which can often display with no underlying symptoms. Those with a family history of heart disease, who are overweight/ obese, drink alcohol, smoke regularly, lead a sedentary lifestyle or have diabetes are at an increased risk and should get tested.
Find out more here
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
Celebrating World Hepatitis Day 2022!
Hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver and can be caused by an infection with a virus. With five different types of Hepatitis from A to E, the most common types of viral Hepatitis are A, B and C. These three viruses affect millions of people worldwide, causing both short-term illnesses and long-term liver disease.
World Hepatitis Day highlights the need to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis and the importance of testing and treatment for those in need. The “I can’t wait” campaign brought to us by World Hepatitis Alliance, amplifies the voices of those affected demanding immediate action and the end of the stigma and discrimination attached.
Currently there are 325 million people who live with hepatitis globally with more than 1.1 million lives lost to hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
It is important to note that the use of appropriate quality control measures is vital in ensuring the appropriate daily performance of the assay used in the laboratory independent of the technology.
Features & Benefits of Randox Molecular Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Controls
- Traceable to International Standard (where available) or to Internal Reference Material
- Liquid frozen for user convenience and ease of use
- The panels are suitable for use with the majority of commercial and in-house molecular methods
- Manufactured to ISO: 13485 quality standards
Download brochure here
In addition to this, we have our third party Infectious Disease (Serology) Controls which are designed to deliver a cost-effective, high-quality solution for the analysis of infectious disease. Our controls are compatible for use on wide range of immunoassay platforms.
Features and Benefits
- Liquid ready to use – All samples are provided in a user-friendly, liquid ready-to-use format significantly reducing preparation time and the risk of pipetting errors.
- Commutability- Manufactured from human plasma each control is designed to react to the test system in the same manner as the patient sample, helping to meet ISO 15189:2012 requirements.
- True third-party controls – Designed to deliver an independent, unbiased assessment of performance with any instrument or method the Acusera range will help to meet ISO 15189:2012 requirements and eliminate the need for multiple instrument specific controls.
- Reduced waste – With a working stability of 60 days art 2oc to 8oC waste and costs are kept to a minimum.
- Consolidation – The availability of multi-marker controls will reduce the number of individual controls required ultimately reducing costs, time, and storage space.
- Clinically relevant – Designed to challenge clinically relevant ranges our low reactive samples will ensure accurate and reliable instrument performance.
- Acusera 24.7 – Our Acusera Infectious Disease (Serology) Controls are compatible for use with our interlaboratory data management software Acusera 24.7.
For more information about Third party Infectious Disease (Serology) Controls:
Visit our website: Serology Quality Controls
Or email: qualitycontrol@randox.com
Serology Control
Serology Brochure
Molecular IQC
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Global Leaders combine to provide pre-race COVID testing of UAE Team Emirates
Monday 28th March 2022: Global Leaders combine to provide pre-race COVID testing of UAE Team Emirates
Randox, a world leader in Health Diagnostics has been announced as the Official Supplier of UAE Team Emirates. The two-time winners of cycling’s most prestigious prize, the Tour de France.
The agreement will see UAE Team Emirates utilise the Vivalytic, a point of care platform brought to the market by Randox Laboratories and Bosch Healthcare Solutions to test riders and the wider support staff for COVID prior to upcoming races and tours.
The Bosch Vivalytic brings innovation to the Molecular Diagnostic testing market. A fully automated, sample to point of care diagnostic machine with the full molecular workflow consolidated into one small benchtop platform.
The ethos of improving healthcare which drove Randox Managing Director Dr Peter Fitzgerald to start the company in the 1980s is clearly reciprocated by their new partners. From their initiation into the top tier of professional cycling in 2017, UAE Team Emirates have had the aim of representing an entire nation, the UAE, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through cycling.
Team UAE Emirates are the newest addition to Randox’s growing portfolio of elite sporting sponsorships, which includes; GB Olympic and Paralympic teams, Sheffield United Football Club, Olimpia Milano and the Aintree Randox Grand National. The first endeavour into the United Arab Emirates sporting industry comes as no surprise as Randox have been providing UAE Hospitals, Universities and Veterinary centres with their broad range of products and services, offering a comprehensive insight into patient diagnosis to facilitate more effective disease management and treatment for a number of years.
Giulio Saule, Randox International Sales Manager stated:
“For a Global Company such as Randox it is an honour to be supplier of COVID tests to UAE Team Emirates, a team that in both 2020 and 2021 won the Tour de France and ended in the top 5 of the UCI Teams Ranking. The effort of the team in talents looks exactly the same as Randox effort in bringing innovative technologies on the market. This cooperation then brings Randox in one of the elite sports where surely there may be different horizons than COVID.”
Andrea Agostini, chief operating officer UAE Team Emirates stated:
We have paid a lot of attention against this virus since the beginning. For us the health of our members is a priority and to have the possibility to test them always, autonomously, during the cycling season is a big advantage.
About Team UAE
UAE Team Emirates entered the highest level of professional cycling, the World Tour, in early 2017. The team has the aim of representing an entire nation, the UAE, and promoting a healthy lifestyle linked to the use of the bicycle.
Season after season, the Emirati team has attracted a growing number of world-class riders and quality sponsors, taking them to new heights and successes in the biggest races in the world. The culmination of this growth and success has come with the victories of Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021.
For further information please contact James Crilly; james.crilly@randox.com / 028 9442 2413
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Contact us or visit UAE Team Emirates.
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We Are Randox | Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2022 with Kane McIlroy
Did you know that 7th – 11th February 2022 marks Apprenticeship Week in Northern Ireland?
The initiative from the Department for the Economy offers an opportunity through a dedicated week of events and promotional activity to demonstrate how apprenticeships work for individuals, business, communities and the wider economy.
To mark the week, we spoke to one of our Randox apprentices, Kane McIlroy, to find out more about his role, what he enjoys about the apprenticeship, and his advice for young people considering a career in software engineering.
Name: Kane McIlroy
Job: Software Engineering Apprentice
Department: Randox Engineering
Kane, what are the main duties of your role?
My current role is a Software Developer in the Randox Engineering R&D department. I have a keen interest in software development and in my role, I have had the opportunity to use various programming techniques. I work as part of a software team in which I write code and collaborate with others to create intuitive, responsive applications that allow users to interact with the Randox testing machines.
What and where you studied and why you chose the apprenticeship route?
I am enrolled in a Higher-level Apprenticeship with the Northern Regional College in Ballymena, where I am studying a foundation degree in Computer Science alongside my work at Randox. At Cambridge House Grammar School I studied Technology and Design for A-Level and it was during this time that I became very interested in IT. My interest in technology led me to work in Curry’s Electrical Retail Store where I was very often placed in the computer department due to my interest. I was trained in the shop’s range of hardware, software, equipment, and products. The Apprenticeship with Randox also gives me the opportunity to earn while I am still learning which is great. It means I have no student debt which is such a bonus!
What top three things you love about your job?
- As a Software Developer writing code, you will often be faced with bugs that need fixed. I really enjoy coding and the problem-solving that is involved in trying different ideas to implement the most efficient solution.
- I have had the opportunity to work on very exciting projects for a range of different Randox machines. Many of these have involved robotics, which are fascinating to work with as they allow me to implement code that instructs the machines to perform specific physical actions.
- Working in a diverse and experienced engineering team gives me the opportunity to continuously learn and challenge myself and this drives me to learn new coding skills.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship route?
I would recommend the apprenticeship route as it is a fantastic opportunity to work, learn, and earn, all at the same time. You will get hands-on experience in a real job without having to give up your education. Financially an apprenticeship has great benefits as it provides a fully funded education without the burden of student loans. You gain experience that employers want, which will help with your future career. You also learn directly from experienced individuals working in your chosen industry and have access to their support, which helps you gain the skills and knowledge you require to achieve your goals. If the apprenticeship role is something you’re interested in and are passionate about, I would highly recommend it as an excellent career path!
We are delighted to have Kane with us at Randox as part of our Apprenticeship Scheme.
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 about Apprenticeships at Randox please email RandoxPR@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Response to release of specified minutes, notes and correspondence relating to Government contracts awarded to Randox
4th February 2022: Response to release of specified minutes, notes and correspondence relating to Government contracts awarded to Randox
A spokesperson for Randox said:
“It is clear from these papers that Randox contracts were awarded in full compliance with government procedures and protocols in place at a time of the emerging pandemic.
“The awarding of the contracts reflected Randox’s extensive diagnostics capabilities within the UK and 40 years of experience in that field. As Secretary of State, Sajid Javid says in his statement, the service Randox provided was integral to the rapid building, from scratch, of the largest ever testing industry in UK history.
“Randox’s laboratories expanded rapidly in order to operate at scale and were the first laboratory to report over 100,000 PCR results in a day. It is clear from these papers that the company has delivered a vital and core part of the UK’s testing capacity.
“Randox remains proud of its performance and delivery of Covid 19 testing throughout the pandemic. To date Randox has reported almost 24 million PCR results and has played a key role in both keeping people safe and sustaining vital national infrastructure.
“Unlike other laboratories Randox was able from the outset to provide whole-system capabilities to deliver the tests. Both the World Health Organisation and the UK government agreed this capability was crucial to combating the pandemic.”
For all media enquiries, please contact Ian Monk on ian@ianmonk.com or +44 7970 026072 / + 44 203 011 1933
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2 years on…since the development of the Randox COVID-19 Biochip
Wednesday 02 February 2022: 2 years since the Randox COVID-19 Biochip
February 2022 marks 2 years since the development of the Randox COVID-19 Biochip.
In February 2020, based on almost four decades of experience in diagnostic R&D, including the development of a CE marked panel of tests for fifteen respiratory viruses, as well as tests for SARS and MERS, Randox recognised the threat from COVID-19 and quickly developed a test to accurately identify the virus.
And a lot has happened since then…
Randox’s capability was recognised by the UK government and since March 2020 Randox has been contracted to provide COVID-19 testing support to the UK’s Pillar 2 National Testing Programme. The company immediately pivoted to move from a 9-5 business to a 24|7 operation.
Through the enormous effort and commitment of its staff Randox has (at the time of writing) processed more than 23 million gold-standard PCR tests for the National Testing Programme and for international travel – providing a reliable service to enable COVID-safe travel which facilitates personal, family and business engagements and activities during the pandemic.
Demonstrating its commitment to helping people live their lives as easily and normally as possible, and to enhance accessibility to travel testing, the company partnered with major airlines including British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Cathay Pacific, and Jet2, travel providers such as TUI, and travel agents including the DNATA Travel Group, to provide discounted travel tests. By investing in testing capacity, logistic capabilities, and the introduction of a dedicated Customer Support team, Randox could make greater efficiencies that allowed it to reduce the price of PCR testing and become the most competitive service in the UK and Ireland.
During the 2020 Olympic Games, Randox got Team GB safely to the starting line in Tokyo by providing the Olympians with its premium COVID-19 testing, a service which it also provided for the ParalympicsGB athletes. A number of other sporting organisations opted to make Randox their COVID-19 testing provider of choice for their players and supporting staff, including the Irish Football Association, the US Men’s National Soccer Team, and Premiership Rugby, to ensure a COVID-safe training environment. Using Randox diagnostic technologies, companies like Norbrook Laboratories and Northern Ireland Screen were able to implement a staff screening programme that demonstrated a high standard of duty of care to their employees.
As and when required, Randox rapidly established new customer-focused services catered to the needs of the ever-changing travel testing guidelines. In May 2021, for example, Randox launched a ‘test to return’ service for UK holidaymakers returning home from Portugal and requiring predeparture tests before their return flight. In a first for the industry, passengers were able to take their PCR kit to Portugal and return their sample to one of Randox’s partner labs in the Algarve, before Randox flew the samples back to its labs in the UK for testing.
The company also provides tests for COVID-19 antibodies, as well as lateral flow testing services, where such tests satisfy international travel requirements, and has developed an innovative phone app to securely process and verify customer identification and results in just 15 minutes.
Randox has amongst the very largest laboratories in Europe and since the start of the pandemic has built, equipped and staffed 80,000 sq ft of PCR testing facilities, in Northern Ireland, Manchester and Greater London, and 50,000 sq ft of supporting logistic and engineering space. Randox has opened a number of mobile testing labs as well as almost 30 travel clinics, for COVID-19 testing appointments and over-the-counter home testing kit purchases. Walk-through and drive-through test centres have opened across a number of key airport locations, some in partnership with renowned travel services provider Collinson.
Randox is the only testing provider in the UK within this reporting period to have reported over 100,000 PCR results in a single day. Turnaround times for test results are rigorously monitored to meet the needs of both Government and private customers.
The company has more than doubled its workforce since 2020 and has developed a robust and comprehensive nationwide logistics network for the timely distribution and return of sample collection kits and samples. In collaboration with reputable partners including Morrisons supermarkets, Wells Pharmacies, Roadchef and PayPoint, Randox has established almost 200 PCR sample dropboxes and over 1500 click and collect sites, with the aim of improving customer accessibility and simplifying the process of COVID-19 testing requirements.
By responding rapidly, dynamically and cost-effectively to an ever-changing environment, with updates to travel testing requirements often being made at short notice, Randox has played an important role in managing the effects of the pandemic in both the UK and Ireland, facilitating safe social and economic activity, including international travel.
For further information on Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on 028 9434 3005.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team: randoxpr@randox.com
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