Randox is new patron for NI Chamber of Commerce
Randox is new patron for NI Chamber of Commerce
25th MARCH 2021
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has announced that Randox, the UK and Ireland’s largest diagnostics company, is its newest Patron organisation.
As a new NI Chamber Patron, Randox joins a select group of leading businesses, who lend their support to the development of the region’s economy and business community. The partnership offers mutual benefit and will see Randox experience increased brand exposure among the business community and close association with a leading membership organisation.
Announcing the partnership, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said:
“Randox has a long relationship with NI Chamber and I am delighted to announce that the company has decided to strengthen its association with us, by coming on board as a Patron.
“Having the support of one of Northern Ireland’s leading exporters is a real endorsement of the work we do and in particular, the support NI Chamber has provided to companies over the past 12 months. As we continue to help firms in all sectors to restart and grow, we look forward to working with Randox and indeed all of our Patrons.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox, added:
“We are delighted to be welcomed as a patron of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As a leading life science company with global export markets, Randox very much values the contribution of the Chamber – particularly so at a time of significant change related to Brexit and the impact of COVID-19. We are ambitious for the future and see the potential for significant growth, as the importance of diagnostics and preventative healthcare grows. We look forward to working with Ann and the Chamber team as we rise to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities to grow our economy – for the benefit of all our people.”
Established in 1982, Randox is the largest diagnostics company from the UK and Ireland; focusing on the provision of accurate and timely health testing. By identifying risk to health, improving clinical diagnoses and promoting preventative healthcare, Randox technologies are used to achieve better health outcomes whilst reducing the burden on clinical services. The company’s innovative and comprehensive portfolio includes tests for diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, stroke and COVID-19. In 2019 Randox manufactured over 4 billion tests, and operated in 145 countries. With over 2000 staff, including more than 450 research scientists and engineers, key facilities are located in Co Antrim and Co Donegal.
Randox joins a list of NI Chamber Patrons which also includes Caterpillar, Danske Bank, DSV, fonaCAB, Investec, Moy Park, Pinsent Masons, Power NI, Queen’s University, Ulster Bank, Ulster Carpets and Ulster University Business School.
For further information please email Amy Millar, Public Relations Team Leader on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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11th March 2021: 11 million tests on the National Testing Programme
11TH MARCH 2021: THE 11 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 11th March 2021, Randox processed its 11 millionth sample within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 11 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 launches COVID-19 Testing Drive-Through at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
Randox launches COVID-19 Testing Drive-Through at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
03 March 2021
Randox launches COVID-19 Testing Drive-Through at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
A €99 Express COVID-19 Testing Service launches this week in a new Drive-Through Testing Centre at Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
The testing service from Randox, a laboratory partner in the UK’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, utilises a robust and reliable method of testing known as PCR, which is currently the only method of COVID-19 testing recognised and approved by every country worldwide.
The launch of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Drive-Through, which offers rapid next day delivery of results, can be used for pre-departure screening, on-arrival testing to reduce quarantine timeframes, or simply for peace of mind.
Sophie Boyd, Project Manager for the Randox COVID-19 Testing Service, explained;
“In addition to our Travel Centres in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo and Galway, we are pleased to open our new Drive-Through testing service in Dun Laoghaire, to serve South County Dublin with our accurate and cost-effective COVID-19 test.
“Whilst restrictions and guidance during the pandemic continue to evolve, testing will remain a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify outbreaks, isolate cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality.”
Ireland is currently part of the EU ‘traffic lights’ system which coordinates international travel, meaning that anyone leaving Ireland, currently orange on the traffic light scale, can avoid quarantine on arrival if they obtain a negative PCR test result before departure.
Those arriving in Ireland – depending on their departure country – may be able to reduce their on-arrival quarantine timeframe by taking a COVID-19 test no less than 5 days after arrival.
Sophie continued;
“The Randox Health COVID-19 testing drive-through at Dun Laoghaire Harbour is another positive step towards the normalization of travel and other social activities, for the residents of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and across South County Dublin.
“Anyone who is interested in booking a test can do so at the Randox Health booking website, and will have their results returned to them the next day.”
The Randox €99 Express COVID-19 Testing Service is open to all asymptomatic individuals and operates from the Randox Health Drive-Through at Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
Randox Health PCR Testing is also available at Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, and in Leopardstown Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Cork and Galway.
Visit booking.randox.ie to book your appointment.
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
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COVID-19 Antigen Testing launched at Dublin Airport
COVID-19 Antigen Testing Service launched at Dublin Airport
22 February 2021
Travelling to a country that requires antigen testing?
Antigen Testing is the fastest and cheapest of all lab tests for COVID-19 and is now available at our Dublin Travel Centre for just €49. Testing is conducted using a nose and throat (nasopharyngeal) swab with your results available within 1 hour.
Sometimes called a ‘lateral flow test’, it will reveal if a person is currently infected with a pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19. Unlike a PCR test (which detects the presence of genetic material) antigen tests detect proteins or glycans, such as spike proteins found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus.
Paul Turnbull, Randox Global Business Manager says;
“When it comes to travel, we started to see more and more countries across Europe state that they would only accept a negative PCR result and that has remained the case, as countries only want the most sensitive technology. Some countries however, such as the Netherlands, Germany & Sweden, require antigen testing as a secondary test before entry.”
Antigens remain in the body during infection and disappear once the COVID-19 infection has gone, so testing for antigens can identify those who whilst asymptomatic, are currently infected with, and could still be spreading the virus. It is thought that around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a very useful additional tool for tackling the virus.
It is important to note that no test is 100% accurate and all tests have limitations. The preferred testing for COVID-19 is still the gold standard PCR testing due to its high sensitivity methodology. PCR testing requires samples to be sent back to our COVID-19 laboratory in County Antrim, which is why it can take up to 24hours to receive results for a PCR test, as opposed to 1 hour for antigen testing.
The Randox Health Dublin Airport Testing Centre offers both PCR and Antigen testing for travel and peace of mind.
Before booking an antigen testing appointment please confirm with your destination that this method is accepted as a means for entry. If flying the same day, please book your test 4 hours before your flight departure time.
Visit booking.randox.ie to book your appointment.
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
Our COVID-19 Products and Services
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The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event ā with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
16 February 2021:
The race that never was: 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is unveiled at 2021 Weights event – with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson
The trophy for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National – the race that never was – has been unveiled today during the 2021 Weights event, with a special tribute to the late Rose Paterson.
Shown to the public for the first time during the event which was shown live on Racing TV, the 2020 trophy was designed by silversmith Cara Murphy, who like Randox, is also from Northern Ireland. The design reflects Randox’s commitment to better healthcare through improved testing.
Having made the trophy in 2020, Cara has since been commissioned by Randox to update the design with a delicate silver rose on its edge, to honour the memory of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, commented;
“It is very fitting that this wonderful trophy should be shown now, at a time when we all have a better understanding and appreciation of diagnostic testing, as a result of the terrible COVID-19 pandemic.
“But I am particularly pleased that with its unveiling, we can pay tribute to the remarkable Rose Paterson. Rose, in her role as Chairman of Aintree, had remarkable vision and energy and achieved so much for the racing public, for the owners, trainers and jockeys and, most importantly, for equine welfare.
“She was a wonderful person to know, both personally and professionally, and really made a lasting mark at Aintree. She will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to Owen and the whole family.”
Designed in solid silver, the 2020 trophy, which features unique and intricate stands of gold proteins and antibodies held within a 50cm diameter circle, differs to that of its 2017, 18 and 19 counterparts by way of its shield-like shape.
Encircling the outside of the shield is the Biochip – Randox’s proprietary technology for diagnosis of ill-health and disease – and a red enamel roundel is positioned in the logo, symbolising a drop of blood which enables Randox to carry out a range of innovative tests.
Silversmith Cara Murphy commented;
“Little did I know when I began researching Randox’s testing capabilities, that it would go on to play such a prominent role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that words like testing and antibodies would now be used so regularly in everyday conversation.
“Almost a year since the trophy was completed and things have changed so significantly – but I was honoured to have the opportunity to commemorate the life of Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson in the update we have made to my design.
“The 2020 trophy has been a fantastic project to work on, and a great Northern Ireland collaboration between Randox and myself.”
As in previous years, the 2020 Randox Health Grand National trophy is accompanied by miniature team trophies. In their first year as sponsor, Randox introduced the concept of presenting the entire winning team with a trophy, to celebrate the combined effort that goes in to achieving such a special victory. In both 2018 and 2019, they went to Tiger Roll’s winning team; trainer Gordon Elliott, jockey Davy Russell, and groom Louise Dunne.
A new charity in honour of the life of Rose Paterson, The Rose Paterson Trust, is due to be launched at the Randox Grand National in April 2021.
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Randox processes 10 millionth test and details investment in testing capacity
11 February 2021:
RANDOX PROCESSES 10 MILLIONTH COVID-19 TEST AND DETAILS INVESTMENT IN TESTING CAPACITY
Randox today confirms that it has processed its 10 millionth sample for the UK’s COVID-19 National Testing Programme, making it the first Pillar 2 testing laboratory to achieve this milestone. This achievement is based upon a £85 million investment since March 2020 in facilities and equipment at Randox’s laboratories in Northern Ireland.
As a key partner laboratory from initiation of the UK’s National Testing Programme in March 2020, Randox quickly ramped up its testing capacity. Randox’s response has involved recruitment of over 850 new staff , the building and equipping of over 80,000 sq ft of new molecular laboratory space and the development of new innovations in testing technology. These efforts have seen Randox’s COVID-19 testing capacity grow from 150 tests per day in March 2020 to over 120,000 samples per day today, making Randox the largest throughput laboratory in the UK and Ireland and amongst the biggest in Europe.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“This milestone is an incredible achievement and testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams, who have pulled together at a time of national crisis and whose non-stop efforts are vital to enable the country to return to both social and economic normality.
“We will continue to build our capacity and develop new cutting-edge testing equipment to support the fight against COVID-19. We’ve all learnt from this pandemic the importance of early and accurate testing and Randox is committed to investing in diagnostic technology to meet future health challenges.”
Contact information:
For further information or to organise interviews please email Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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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.
Want to know more about Randox?
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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.
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
Our COVID-19 Products and Services
HOME TEST
ANTIBODY TEST
TRAVEL CERTIFICATE
LABORATORY TOOLS
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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