We Are Randox | Charlotte Dixon World Indoor Rowing Champion
We Are Randox | Charlotte Dixon World Indoor Rowing Champion
02 November 2021
Charlotte Dixon: Covid Scientist and World Indoor Rowing Champion
One of our favourite things about our We Are Randox series of staff interviews is the opportunity we are given to find out about the unique and interesting talents of our colleagues.
From creative bakers to melodious musicians, motivated youth leaders to athletic sportspeople, many of our staff are just as busy outside of the office as they are in it.
Take Covid Scientist Charlotte Dixon for example. During working hours Charlotte spends time in our Covid-19 testing laboratories – reviewing results before they are sent to the patient, helping her team with any issues they face, and compiling performance reports for management – but outside of work she is impressively the World Indoor Rowing Champion in the women’s U23 500m sprint, having beaten experienced competitors from Denmark, Egypt and Europe in the prestigious World Indoor Rowing Championships.
We caught up with Charlotte to find out about her intense training regime, her goals for the future of her rowing career, and her advice for anyone wanting to try a new sport or hobby.
1. Hi Charlotte, can you tell us about your job at Randox and the main responsibilities of the role?
I work in the Covid-19 Labs at the Randox Science Park in Antrim, as a Reviewer for a type of testing called qPCR. As a Reviewer I load plates of samples on to the machines which perform sample analysis to produce a negative or positive COVID result, and then review the results to ensure they are sent out correctly to the patient.
I am also the Shift Lead for my team, for which the main responsibility is to organise the shift and delegate any jobs that need done, ensuring I appropriately deal with any issues that may arise and communicate with the managers to resolve any problems.
2. What does a typical day look like in your role at Randox?
Depending on whether I’m doing a day or night shift, my day starts at 8am or 8pm with a handover meeting with the managers and other shift leads to discuss any points that need to be noted or carried forward from one shift to the next, and then the two labs for which I am a Shift Lead get deep cleaned. The 12 hour shifts normally involve a mixture of test scanning, witnessing and loading plates of samples, as well as reviewing results. Once I have written the shift report, the day/night finishes with a final tidy of the lab and another meeting with the team managing the next shift, to discuss the report and any issues to be passed on.
3. What was your educational / career background to get to this role?
I studied Biomedical Science at Ulster University Coleraine and graduated in 2019. Once graduated I took time out to focus on my equestrian ambitions and during this time I got the opportunity to compete internationally several times. Unfortunately, Covid-19 halted all competitions, but then the chance to work at Randox arose, and I jumped at the opportunity to put my science background to use.
4. What do you enjoy most about the job and what do you find most challenging?
During the pandemic I was grateful that my role in Covid testing meant I was able to play a direct role in the fight against the pandemic. However, I always say the best part about my job is the people I get to work with. I’ve made some amazing friends in this job and they really can make those long night shifts that little bit easier.
5. Tell us a bit about your title of “World Indoor Rowing Champion” – when and how did you receive this accolade?
Finishing University in 2019 I joined my local gym, Gladiator Training, in the aim to get fitter to benefit my horse riding, which I have done since I was little. I signed up to a 12-week indoor rowing programme and things really just went from there. At the end of 2019 I entered the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships for a bit of fun and won 2 races, before going on to place in the British Championships a few weeks later.
In 2020 things were a little different due to Covid restrictions but thankfully Indoor Rowing events could be held virtually. In December I won both the British and European U23 500m Championships, qualifying me for the World Indoor Rowing Championships.
After I qualified for the World’s, I was granted Elite athlete status which allowed me to train with my Coach at the gym even when restrictions meant it wasn’t open to the public. My training was so focused, and it was during this time that I made the most progress and realised how much I appreciate being able to train every day.
The World Indoor Rowing Championships, due to be held in California, was also held virtually due to restrictions. I had the fastest qualifying time going into the race and finished in Gold with a personal best time of 1:31.6 against competitors from across the world.
6. What does your training involve?
I train for 2 hours, 5-6 days a week. This is either at 5am before day shifts, 4pm before night shifts or 9am on days off. Working long hours means I have to be quite flexible with when I do my training, but I’m pretty used to it by now. What I do during training can vary quite a lot and depends on what type of competition I’m prepping for. In preparation for the World Championships, I rowed 2-3 days a week and then did a large amount of weight training on the other days to increase strength and sprint capacity.
7. What’s up next in your indoor rowing career?
Quite a lot of exciting things actually! I am currently preparing for the Irish indoor Rowing Championships held in Limerick on 20th November. This is my first year in the Senior category so I’m excited to try to go for Gold in multiple races. I have also just been accepted onto the British Rowing World Class Start Squad, a programme set up to find and train future Olympians. Rowing on water is something I have never done but I am so excited to give this a shot and see where it takes me!
8. Can you tell us a little bit about your equestrian interests and achievements?
I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride horses since as long as I can remember. I compete mainly in Eventing, which involves Dressage, Showjumping and Cross-Country – a bit like a triathlon for horses! Over the years I have notched up a few major titles including an U18 International Win, a Senior International Win (at only 19 years old), several other International placings and winning Team Gold at the Student Rider World Finals in Switzerland.
9. How do you juggle your time between work, rowing and equestrianism?
Juggling my time can be a bit difficult. Training on top of 12-hour shifts makes for extremely long days. I am so lucky though that I have an incredible team of people who support me with the horses and keep their fitness regimes up during competition season whilst I’m at work, leaving me to focus on riding them on my 4 days off. Riding and training are easy when they’re so enjoyable and I think that is the secret to juggling everything!
I’m very appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been offered at Randox and how accommodating they have been when it has come to my training schedule and I’m so excited for what the future holds with both my future sporting and working careers!
10. How do you like to relax when you have time in your busy schedule?
I really enjoy training and riding so I rarely feel like I need a ‘break’ from it but when I’m not working I just love going out for dinner to relax. I just enjoy eating lots of nice food.
11. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to try a new sport or hobby, or take one they have already to the next level?
I think whenever you take up a new hobby or sport you may not enjoy it that much at first, as chances are you won’t be very good at it! The key is to persevere and also find people who make it fun. A community of supportive people is the best thing about any sport. If you want to push yourself to the next level you just have to be prepared to work hard and do things that you haven’t done before. That’s how you’re going to make progress at the end of the day.
We are delighted to have Charlotte with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
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For further information please contact Randox PR by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox and Collect+ join forces to boost accessibility of reduced-cost PCR and Lateral Flow tests
25th October 2021: Randox and Collect+ join forces to boost accessibility of reduced-cost PCR and Lateral Flow tests
Today, Randox and Collect+ announce a new partnership that will provide even easier, nationwide access to low-cost COVID-19 testing. The partnership enables consumers to order a new reduced-cost PCR (£34.99) or lateral flow (£19.99) test online and then pick it up on the same day from participating shopping centres within the Collect+ network. This first of its kind partnership means people in the UK no longer need to wait for a home delivery or walk-in clinic access when ordering a COVID-19 test.
With an initial 29 locations already open, this collaboration plans to expand to more than 100 Collect+ locations in the coming weeks, and hopes to go further to utilise even more of the Collect+ network over the medium to longer term. Randox’s collaboration with Collect+ has not only simplified the logistics process but has sought to help support their retailer partners and provide another vital service at the heart of local communities.
In recognition of changes to travel guidelines for England, which state that from 24th October, fully vaccinated passengers from non-red list countries can take a lateral flow test for their day-two post-arrival checks, Randox now offers home testing kits as both PCR and lateral flow, to aid pre-departure testing and any current and future day 2 requirements. PCR and lateral flow tests are available at the newly reduced prices of £34.99 and £19.99 respectively when using Collect+ click and collect.
Philip Robinson, VP Sales at Randox said: “As guidelines change and the country continues to open up, Randox is able to support any travel testing requirements by utilising our extensive diagnostics experience and logistics network, and offering value for money for both PCR and lateral flow tests that can be collected at the customer’s convenience thanks to our new partnership with the Collect + service from PayPoint.
“Our significant investment in capacity expansion and in logistics solutions such as Collect + click and collect sites that further simplify the process of ordering COVID-19 tests, have allowed us to make ongoing price reductions, demonstrating our commitment to helping people live their lives as easily and normally as possible.”
Nick Williams, Head of Strategic Partners & Product, Collect+ said: “This is an exciting and important partnership for Collect+, which has always had consumer convenience and accessibility at the very heart of its operations. Randox has been instrumental in making COVID-19 tests easily available to people around the UK and this collaboration will see that country wide impact become even more meaningful.”
As Randox remains amongst the very largest COVID-19 laboratories in the UK and Europe and to date has processed almost 20 million tests, facilitated by drive-thru services, in-person clinics and home delivery options, the introduction of Collect+ locations further diversifies the efforts made by the company to make testing more accessible.
The number of Randox shopping centres with Randox Collect + locations now totals 29, including but not limited to Liverpool ONE, Waterloo Station, Brent Cross London, and Festival Place Basingstoke.
Neil Churchill, Centre Director, Festival Place Shopping Centre, commented:
“The Randox click and collect service is a good illustration of Festival Place’s growing position as an all-day destination, offering a variety of services to complement the traditional retail offer. Our Guest Services team have noted an increase in visitors, from all across Europe, passing through Festival Place to collect the Randox kits required for their travel. Customers appreciate the option to pick up their kits close to home while able to do their shopping at the same time.”
For further information on our new Click and Collect service please click here.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar, Randox Public Relations Team Leader; amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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23rd October 2021: 20 million tests across the National Testing Programme and testing for travel
23RD OCTOBER 2021: THE 20 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 23rd October 2021, Randox processed its 20 millionth across the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme and testing for international travel.
That’s an incredible 20 million samples processed 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 listed on Gov.uk as provider of Day 2 Lateral Flow COVID tests
22nd October 2021: Randox listed on Gov.uk as provider of Day 2 Lateral Flow COVID tests
Following changes to government travel guidance, lateral flow (antigen) tests will be the Day 2 requirement for any fully vaccinated passengers arriving into England, from 24th October. This change applies only to fully vaccinated international travellers and most under 18s arriving into England from non-red list countries, and will replace the previous PCR testing requirement.
This change will come into effect for anyone returning into England, following the half-term break and tests can be completed on or before day two of their arrival.
Randox is listed on Gov.uk as a provider of Day 2 Lateral Flow COVID tests.
Randox offers multiple lateral flow testing solutions, including the new Randox CertiFly rapid antigen test, which will allow you to complete your Day 2 test in the comfort of your own home from only £19.99.
The Randox CertiFly Lateral Flow test is designed to simplify foreign travel for passengers and facilitate the efficient transfer of secure and verified information through an easy to use mobile app.
Available for free through the App Store and coming soon on Google Play, the app securely identifies customers and processes testing results within 3 hours.
To order a Lateral Flow Home Testing Kit visit https://covid.randox.com/day-2-test-at-home/
If your preference is to take your Day 2 test on arrival at the airport then you have the option of visiting one of our many travel centres conveniently located across the UK.
From £35 you can organise for a Sample Collection Officer to take your swab at clinics including Manchester Airport, Heathrow Airport, Stansted Airport, East Midlands Airport, Liverpool ONE, and Waterloo Station London.
To book an in-clinic Day 2 Lateral Flow appointment visit https://covid.randox.com/day-2-test-in-clinic/
Background to Government changes
Eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and those with an approved vaccine from non-red countries will be able to replace the test taken as soon as possible on arrival, referred to as the Day 2 PCR test, with a self-administered lateral flow device (“LFD”). Arrivals must have had a complete course of a recognised vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in England. They will not be required to take a Pre-Departure Test or a Day 8 test.
Passengers who do not meet the “eligible traveller” criteria will still have to take a pre-departure test, a Day 2 and Day 8 PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days upon their return from a non-red list country. Test to Release will remain an option for unvaccinated passengers who wish to shorten their isolation period.
How will the new lateral flow system work?
Passengers will be required to take a photograph of their completed lateral flow test alongside their booking reference number which Randox will provide via email on receipt of order. Randox will then verify the result of your sample. Passengers will still be required to complete a passenger locator form to return to England.
Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test. The government have confirmed that anyone who has previously purchased a Randox PCR test will not need to buy another lateral flow (antigen) test.
With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox is strongly placed to allow all travellers to the UK to complete their antigen test with ease – offering same day results up to 11.59pm.
For further information on our Day 2 Lateral Flow testing please click here.
To read more on official UK government announcement please click here.
For customer enquiries please contact our Customer Support team on 028 9434 3005.
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Randox receives UKAS ISO 17025 Accreditation for testing of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Randox receives UKAS ISO 17025 Accreditation for testing of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Randox Laboratories has today confirmed its UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), granted on 7th October 2021.
UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom and is appointed by government to assess and accredit organisations that provide testing services. Given the unprecedented requirement for nationwide testing over the past two years, the need for the public to have confidence in testing remains more important than ever.
Randox has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic, is amongst the very largest COVID-19 laboratories in the UK and Europe, and to date has processed almost 20 million tests.
Today this final UKAS documentation confirms that Randox has continuously met all ongoing Government and UKAS requirements and submission deadlines, to remain fully active as a national COVID-19 testing provider, and listed on the Gov.uk website.
Randox, with almost 40 years of diagnostics experience, and multiple UKAS accreditations for a range of testing methods, is well placed to support the testing requirements associated with international travel.
To order a Randox home test kit visit covid.randox.com
For any enquiries on our Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on +44 (0) 28 9434 3005.
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Health Minister Robin Swann visits Randox COVID testing laboratories
20th October 2021: Health Minister Robin Swann visits Randox COVID testing laboratories
Health Minister Robin Swann has today thanked local staff for their ongoing role in COVID-19 testing while visiting Randox Laboratories.
During his visit to the testing facility at Randox Science Park on the outskirts of Antrim, the Health Minister heard how the company significantly increased its testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic.
Following a tour of the facility, Minister Swann, said: “Randox continues to play an important ongoing role in the fight against COVID-19 as part of the National Testing Programme and has enabled thousands of people in Northern Ireland to get tested quickly.
“There is no doubt, that we are in a very fortunate position in Northern Ireland to have companies like Randox. We have seen how the company and its highly skilled and expert workforce have been able to innovate and advance its testing capabilities to greatly support the pandemic. I want to personally thank the staff at Randox for all they have done in helping to keep people safe.”
Minister Swann added: “We are continuing to see a high number of positive cases each day in Northern Ireland which is concerning. Therefore I would again remind people of the importance of getting tested should they develop symptoms. Alongside vaccination and contact tracing, COVID-19 testing remains one of the main pillars of protection against this virus. Please do the right thing.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director said:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister Swann to our COVID testing laboratories at the Randox Science Park in Antrim, to witness first-hand the incredible efforts of our hard-working staff, who have been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic and as such have played a vital role in the global fight against coronavirus.
“Thanks to their ongoing commitment to serve our communities in these difficult times, Randox remains amongst the very largest COVID-19 laboratories in the UK and Europe, and to date has processed almost 20 million tests for the UK National Testing Programme and testing for international travel.
“Randox have built on 40 years of diagnostic experience, and extensive R&D, to provide our extensive COVID-19 testing capabilities and we will continue to support the community and the needs of travellers for as long as that is required. Thereafter we know that diagnostics have a key role in future healthcare, to both prevent disease and optimise its treatment, and will refocus our efforts to that end.”
Since March 2020, Randox has invested a total of £150 million in the development of new innovations in testing technology and in the building and equipping of world-class testing laboratories, sample collection clinics, and associated logistics networks. The company has also grown its workforce by more than 850, and continues to recruit across science, manufacturing and customer support.
For further information please contact Amy Millar, Randox Public Relations Team Leader; amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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We Are Randox | Randox IT is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021
19 October 2021: Randox IT Team is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021
Congratulations to the Randox IT department who have been shortlisted in four categories at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021.
The event from the Belfast-based media outlet, is set to be a showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
Randox IT have been shortlisted for Digital Project of the Year, IT Team of the Year, IT Project Team of the Year, and Covid Response for their work on the development of IT systems required for nationwide COVID testing, playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19.
See an overview of their applications below.
In early 2020 Randox, the largest diagnostics company from the UK, recognised the threat from COVID-19 and based on almost 40 years of experience, developed a test to identify the virus in a greatly accelerated timeframe of just two weeks.
Faced with unprecedented demand for testing to curb the spread of the virus, the company stepped up to support the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme without hesitation.
Armed with world-leading testing technology and expertise, the next step for Randox was to scale its capacity and infrastructure.
Growing from an initial testing capacity of just 150 samples on the first day of COVID testing in March 2020, to now a capacity of 500,000 COVID samples per day, Randox has to date tested almost 20 million samples across the National Testing Programme and private testing for international travel.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the Randox IT team, who responded quickly in an ever-evolving situation and introduced a full end-to-end testing process inclusive of logistics, sample registration, accessioning and results reporting, for tens of thousands of daily tests.
The development of platforms such as an online sample kit registration portal, intelligent robotics automation, and an informatic lab workflow management system, all designed and developed entirely in-house, showcases the knowledge, expertise, responsiveness and overall capability within Randox IT.
Examples of innovative systems developed in-house by the Randox IT team include but are not limited to;
- Online sample collection kit registration portal
- Robust accessioning platform for sample receipt and chain of custody
- End-to-end digital and informatic laboratory workflow management solution
- Robotics for intelligent process automation
- Fully automated result communication system
- Intelligent data management
- Diagnostic algorithm development
Each of these innovative and re-deployable platforms has been scaled across a number of different testing services. Initially intended for Randox’s new 80,000 sqft of molecular laboratory space at the company’s headquarters in Antrim, the systems are also in use across newly built adaptive labs in Manchester and London, in mobile testing vans at key airport locations, and in a number of walk-through and drive-through testing clinics across the UK and Ireland.
The improvements in IT automation, robotics and software capabilities, have enabled Randox to upscale its testing capability like no other – growing the company to be amongst the largest COVID-19 testing laboratories in Europe.
The finals for the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2021 will take place on Friday 5th November 2021 in The Mac, Belfast and all finalists can be viewed here.
Good luck to the Randox IT department!
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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.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.
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Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports events?
Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports?
1 September 2021: Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports?
Some may be wondering, why is a healthcare company so invested in the equine industry? Why would they sponsor the world’s most famous steeplechase – The Randox Grand National?
It’s a labour of love… Peter FitzGerald’s fond attachment to the equestrian world, together with 40 years’ experience in the in vitro diagnostics industry, was the perfect match.
Clinical diagnostics is at the heart of Randox and our experience and expertise has paved the way for the development of innovative and accurate diagnostic products for Equine Health.
You could say ‘it runs in our blood.’
With 70% of all medical decisions based on the analysis of blood, Randox are set to release the VeraSTAT-V, a stable-side Equine Serum Amyloid A test device designed to detect levels of inflammation in horse blood in a matter of minutes.
The ability to quickly detect and monitor your horse’s health, at the stable side, brings huge benefits to both horse and owner. Early detection of inflammatory states means treatment plans can start sooner, recovery periods are shorter, and the horse can return to work healthy much earlier.
When performance is key, monitoring inflammation is vital.
Whether it’s detecting inflammation related to joint injury, or screening for infection before or after transport, competition or surgery, the VeraSTAT-V is a valuable means to monitor Equine Health.
At Randox, we have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Jockey Club and will continue to deliver innovative diagnostics solutions to the Equine Industry for the years ahead.
Interested in finding out more?
For all Equine SAA and/or Veterinary related inquiries, please email marketing@randox.com or visit www.randox.com/veraSTAT-V for more information.
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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.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.
