Matt Hancock pays tribute to Randox staff in House of Commons
Matt Hancock pays tribute to Randox staff in House of Commons
Matt Hancock thanks Randox staff in House of Commons 21 September 2020
On Monday 21st September 2020, in the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, personally thanked Randox staff for the role we play within the National Testing Programme.
He said;
Randox deliver a very significant number of tests every single day – a growing number – in fact, they are currently outperforming the allocation we have asked them to deliver and I pay tribute to every single person who works at Randox for the work that they have done and the part that they have played in keeping people safe.
Because everyone who gets a Randox test result, like every other test result, gets more information with which they can keep themselves safe and we have more information with which we can try to keep the whole of society safe.
Our work has greatly expanded the capacity for testing in the UK and we will continue to ramp up our capabilities, to both save lives and promote a timely return to a more normal society.
We thank our staff for their ongoing support, and for their commitment to the work that we do, which is making a real and positive difference.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox response to Sunday Times Article 20 September 2020
STATEMENT FROM RANDOX: 20 September 2020
Key Points:
- Randox has committed 99% of its Covid-19 testing capacity to the national testing programme.
- Randox are fully committed to the national testing programme and robustly refute accusations within today’s Sunday Times.
- On 19th September Randox successfully reported to the national programme almost 10,000 samples beyond its committed daily rate.
- The majority of samples which are voided at Randox are down to logistical reasons outside Randox’s control. Samples voided at Randox’s laboratories are comparable to other laboratories across the programme. Every voided sample is properly accounted for.
- Randox does not prioritise private samples over comparable samples within the testing programme.
- Randox staff have performed extraordinarily well and are our strongest asset.
- All Randox investment in rapidly increasing capacity to the national testing programme has been through its own private resources.
Randox are fully committed to supporting the national Covid-19 testing programme and fully recognise the importance of this work to the economic and social well-being of the nation. We have made significant private investment to increase capacity and drive process improvements. We work very closely with all partners within the programme to ensure the most effective possible testing.
Randox robustly refutes accusations in today’s Sunday Times (Sunday 20th September 2020) that private samples are prioritised over comparable samples within the national testing programme.
This is a gross mis-representation of the facts on the ground with regard to its processes.
We reiterate that Randox does not prioritise private samples over comparable samples from the national testing programme.
Once processed into Randox’s laboratories the vast majority of all samples are reported on within 24 hours. It is inaccurate and unreliable to claim that Randox has completed fewer than one in 10 tests on time. In fact Randox is successfully meeting and exceeding the capacity requirements agreed with Government and fulfilling its contractual obligations. Moreover Randox is successfully reporting above our commitment to Government for the national testing programme.
On average the Randox void rate is comparable across the programme. It is important to note that whilst all laboratories conduct the voiding of samples, the reason for the voiding most frequently lies outside the laboratory – normally user or logistic type issues. It is extremely inaccurate and misleading to claim that Randox, or indeed any laboratory, voids samples without explanation.
Every sample is receipted in accordance with stipulated, formal procedures and processed accordingly. This includes cross-referencing every sample barcode electronically with the national registration database. Every sample is appropriately accounted for and samples will only be voided if, due to the quality of the sample, the results could not be guaranteed as reliable. Every sample is fully assessed and if voided is allocated a formal reason for void, and all void statistics are reported daily to Government for further analysis.
It is important to note that Randox is not responsible for the sample logistics of the national programme and, as requested by the national programme, often receives samples in excess of daily capacity to report on within the following days. This is manageable given the time that samples remain valid.
Randox is a private sector diagnostics company, has been in operation since 1982 and operates in 145 countries across the globe. As such Randox have experience of a wide range of public and private sector responsibilities. Randox takes great care in meeting all of its contractual obligations and fully recognises the critical importance of meeting those obligations with regard to the national testing programme.
Randox does not prioritise commercial work ahead of other work streams.
As stated to the Sunday Times, staffing levels are not an issue and holidays have not impacted on throughput – Randox is currently successfully above our commitment to government.
We reiterate that Owen Paterson MP has played no role in securing any Randox contract with DHSC.
Randox staff have been extraordinary in their commitment and dedication in meeting unparalleled need at a time of national crisis, often in the face of ill-informed and misplaced criticism. We salute our staff.
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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The use of DNA, Drug and Alcohol Testing in Medico-Legal cases
18 September 2020: The use of DNA, Drug & Alcohol Testing in Medico-Legal cases
Drug and alcohol testing may be required by various professional bodies involved in child custody cases, care proceedings or child protection cases. In cases regarding divorce and children, a dispute may arise during the process of discussions involving the custody of children. In these cases, drug and alcohol testing may be sought if there has been a substance abuse claim against a parent fighting for custody or visitation. In cases relating to child protection, social services may seek drug and alcohol testing if child welfare claims have been made regarding suspected substance misuse.
Why is Drug and Alcohol Testing in Medico-legal Cases Important?
Drug and alcohol testing is important to ensure child protection from the detrimental effects of parental substance misuse and to ensure they have the quality of life they deserve. In addition, it is also important to allow parents the opportunity to get the help and support they need and begin rehabilitation treatment.
Doing the right thing by the child is the main priority, and where possible parent and child relationships are sought to be maintained. Drug and alcohol testing assists in these efforts and in such cases abstinence monitoring testing may be required to assess a parent’s recovery e.g. if a visitation case is being reassessed.
Our Expertise
At Randox Testing Services we provide drug and alcohol testing to all professionals within the medico-legal sector. Our testing service utilises accredited testing methods and is made more cost-effective through patented testing methods developed by Randox.
We understand the impact a positive result can have on a parent, child, and extended family and ensure results are of the highest precision and accuracy. With over 35 years’ experience in the diagnostic industry we have gained reputation as a trusted provider.
Our drug and alcohol testing solutions are flexible and can be tailored to our customer needs with a choice of testing methods. We offer a comprehensive drugs of abuse test menu and our service also includes the use of an Expert Witness Statement where applicable.
Range of Testing
We provide a range of testing to suit the requirements for any medico-legal case. Read more below to find out what is available.
Alcohol Testing
PEth
PEth (Phosphatidylethanol) is a direct alcohol biomarker that only forms in the body when ethanol is present, making it the most sensitive and specific test to assess alcohol consumption levels.
- PEth test involves spotting a drop of blood from a small finger prick onto a test card. The dried blood spot (DBS) is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- PEth testing will differentiate between abstinence or light alcohol consumption, social alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse for up to a month prior to the test.
Benefits of PEth Testing
- Accurate blood alcohol test
- Detect chronic and single-drinking episodes of alcohol consumption
- Monitor abstinence, drinking behaviour and identify relapse
Hair Alcohol Testing
Testing for alcohol in head hair works by detecting two metabolites of alcohol: ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and the fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE). Both EtG and FAEE can be measured in hair providing an insight into alcohol consumption over the previous period of months. Concentrations can be influenced by cosmetic treatments and products and as such it is always advisable to test in conjunction with PEth or LFT/CDT blood testing.
Benefits of Hair Alcohol Testing
- Assessment of alcohol consumption for up to 6 months
- Collected by fully trained Collection Officer
- History of alcohol consumption can be established
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood alcohol testing is used to measure the level of alcohol in an individual’s blood. When alcohol is consumed, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, with approximately 90% being broken down into the liver. RTS offer the following blood alcohol tests:
- Liver Function Test (LFT) – The blood is examined for specific enzymes which can indicate damage to the liver caused by alcohol consumption. However, other factors can lead to increased levels of liver enzymes.
- Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) – Looks at specific protein which can become elevated because of heavy alcohol consumption. However, other factors can lead to increased levels of CDT.
Benefits of Blood Alcohol Testing
- Collection by a fully trained phlebotomist collection officer
- Assessment of alcohol consumption for up to 1 month
- Determine drinking behaviour and patterns of use
Drug Testing
Urine
Urine drug testing is used to determine whether someone is misusing drugs by taking a sample of their urine. We offer a 12 panel that covers the major drug groups, including:
Opiates, MDMA/Ecstasy, Cocaine, Tramadol, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ketamine, Amphetamine, Cannabinoids, EDDP, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine
Benefits of Urine Drug Testing
- Assessment of substance consumption for up to 12 days, drug dependent and quantity ingested
- Confirmation of presumptive positive available on request
- Fully accredited LC mass spectrometry confirmatory analysis
Hair
Hair drug testing is a useful form of testing and can be used to support other methods such as oral fluid and urine testing. Our standard panel for hair drug testing includes:
Opiates, Methadone, Tramadol, Cocaine (inc. Crack Cocaine), Amphetamines, (inc. Methamphetamines and “ecstasy” type drugs), Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Ketamine
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing
- Detection window of 0-12 months dependent on length (1cm roughly 1 month) – Can be an overview of 3 monthly periods or segmented into monthly periods.
- Head hair & body hair (except axillary & pubic)
- Body hair – Up to a 12-month overview. Unable to be segmented
- Bespoke hair drug panel with other substances available on request
DNA Testing
We provide a range of DNA Testing services to suit your requirements.
- Paternity testing
- Maternity testing
- Sibling DNA testing
- Grandparent DNA testing
- Aunt/Uncle testing
Benefits of DNA Testing
- Fully trained collection officer
- Legally accepted results
Want to find out more?
To speak to one of our experts about how our range of testing and services can help with your medico-legal testing enquiry, contact us today by emailing testingservices@randox.com or by phoning +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
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Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
17 September 2020
Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
There’s no doubt that coronavirus is having a devastating effect across the globe.
But here in Northern Ireland there’s a company making a real impact in the fight against COVID-19. And you can be part of it.
Randox Laboratories, in County Antrim, has partnered with the government on its programme for coronavirus testing across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
The programme, which in its first few weeks was focused primarily on staff working within the NHS, and then on key workers, is now available to anyone living across the UK who has symptoms of coronavirus.
Randox are providing high volume laboratory testing of potential COVID-19 samples in its laboratories at the Randox Science Park in Antrim.
It’s an enormous task, but one that Randox is well-equipped to handle. In 2019, Randox manufactured over 3 billion tests and exported to 145 countries. Its new headquarters, the result of a £161 million investment, houses state-of-the-art laboratories and the latest innovations in health diagnostic technology.
The company stepped up to support the government’s testing programme without hesitation.
Across the COVID-19 testing process, a multi-disciplinary team work collaboratively and assiduously to provide optimal support to the national response to COVID-19.
It begins with the production of Randox’s Biochip, a patented testing technology which can run multiple diagnostic tests simultaneously.
Upon identifying the latest strain of coronavirus as a significant global threat, and by drawing on almost 40 years of experience as a world-leading diagnostics company, Randox developed a new Biochip for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in a greatly accelerated time frame of just two weeks. The new Randox Biochip processes two coronavirus tests simultaneously – one specific and one confirmatory – as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The firm’s team of talented scientists continue to develop these COVID-19 Biochips on an unparalleled scale, in preparation for testing of samples from across the UK.
Meanwhile, specialist engineers design and build the coronavirus testing platforms used to conduct the tests when they arrive at the laboratory.
Randox recently announced it was hiring 160 mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineers to work on the fast-tracked development of newly designed molecular analysers used to detect the presence of COVID-19.
And the company is also recruiting for positions in Manufacturing and Science, and in particular scientists who have experience in a diagnostic laboratory, in support of Randox’s role within the government testing programme for COVID-19.
These scientists will be exposed to molecular testing techniques including DNA extraction, PCR techniques and Biochip technology, in order to process samples that arrive at the laboratory for testing.
Everyone at Randox has a vital role to play in the practical application of COVID-19 testing. For Scientists, Engineers and those with experience in Manufacturing, Randox’s recruitment drive is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the fight against COVID-19. Successful applicants will contribute directly both to saving lives and assisting the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out more about the positions available for Randox’s COVID-19 testing project, visit https://randox.getgotjobs.co.uk/
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Alzheimerās Disease Month at Randox Biosciences
15 September 2020
Alzheimer’s Risk Array from Randox Biosciences
September 2020 marks the 9th World Alzheimer’s Month
World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive decline and is the most common form of dementia. It is defined as an irreversible, progressive brain disorder in which parts of the brain are damaged over time.
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International dementia affects people differently – no two people will experience symptoms in exactly the same way. A person’s personality, general health and social situation are all important factors in determining the impact of dementia on an individual. The most common signs are memory loss, the loss of practical abilities, problems with language, changes in mood and behaviour, and withdrawal from work or social activities.1
Who is affected?
- There are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.2
- 209,600 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes.2
- 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia.2
- 70% of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.2
- There are over 42,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK.2
The Randox Alzheimer’s Risk Array is a rapid and highly sensitive blood test facilitating direct Apo E genotyping without the need for molecular testing. Apo E is present in three common isoforms; Apo E2, Apo E3 and Apo E4. Alzheimer’s Disease risk is increased in individuals with the Apo E4 allele.
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a major cholesterol carrier that supports lipid transport and injury repair in the brain. ApoE polymorphic alleles are the main genetic determinants of Alzheimer Disease risk. Presence of ApoE4 allele is associated with increased risk for cerebral amyloid angiopathy and age-related cognitive decline during normal ageing.3
Apo E4 is one of three common isoforms of Apo E and is recognised as a major genetic risk factor the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Apo E4 triggers inflammatory cascades that cause neurovascular dysfunction, including blood-brain barrier breakdown, leakage of blood-derived toxic proteins into the brain and reduction in the length of small vessels.
Utilising revolutionary patented Biochip Technology, the Randox Alzheimer’s Risk Array provides a unique solution for the measurement of both total apoE and the apo E4 isoform levels from a single patient sample, facilitating the fast and accurate classification of Alzheimer’s disease risk in comparison to brain scanning (CT and MRI).
Key Benefits of Alzheimer’s Risk Array
- 2-plex testing from a single sample
- Assist in research and development of potential treatment
- Early risk detection of disease
- Small sample volume
- Fast throughput
Biochip Technology
Biochip Technology is an immunoassay testing platform and is the core of Randox Biosciences. The intelligent chemically activated 9x9mm ceramic biochip acts as a solid phase reaction vessel. Benefits of Biochip Technology include:
- The biochips are pre-fabricated with discrete test regions (DTR’s)
- Highly accurate testing
- Better diagnosis
- Reduced sample volume
- Wide test menu
- Multiple sample types can be used on a Biochip
- Cost consolidation
Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator offers a high throughput even as a compact, semi-automated analyser promoting lab efficiency and cost saving solutions. Utilising Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, this platform facilitates multiplex testing in a rapid, accurate and easy-to-use format providing a comprehensive patient profile from one single sample. This analyser is suitable for medium throughput laboratories and is extremely robust with only one moving part.
For further information on our early risk detection testing for Alzheimer’s Disease, please email info@randoxbiosciences.com
References
- https://www.alz.co.uk/info/early-symptoms
- https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3898682/
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Randox response to Sunday Times Article 13 September 2020
STATEMENT FROM RANDOX: 13 September 2020
Randox analyse samples and provide Covid-19 test results through the national portal as efficiently as possible, and those tested will receive their results by text and email. The vast majority of those tested will receive negative or positive results.
Otherwise, a small minority of samples may be voided for reasons such as leaking or damaged tubes, or have time expired. Those being tested are made aware that samples only remain valid for a limited period once collected, and those periods of validity are fully understood across the planning and logistic process. Randox have no responsibility for the logistics of sample delivery to laboratories.
Should samples enter the laboratory outside that period the results could not be relied upon; the sample could give a false result and would be voided. In all void circumstances individuals are advised by the national program to seek a retest. Randox, and the Government planners, take every precaution possible to minimise voids, understanding that each sample is of critical importance.
A test can only be voided once it is processed and reviewed within our laboratory system, including cross referencing each barcode electronically with the national registration database.
Randox Laboratories are committed to supporting the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and play an important role in national network of Pillar 2 (outside the NHS) laboratories testing those who may be currently infected with Covid-19. Such testing is critical to the timely identification and containment of Covid-19 outbreaks and to reduce further spread. It is acknowledged that the success of the testing program is essential to the social and economic well-being of the nation.
To support our operations Randox liaise very closely with Government planners responsible for the national collection and distribution of samples, and have built an additional 30,000 square feet of laboratory space and employed many more staff in order to increase capacity. At the time of writing further increases in capacity are being implemented and planned. Decisions on sample distribution across the Pillar 2 laboratory network are made at a national level.
Randox remain committed to effective and timely Covid-19 testing at scale – this is work of national importance.
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Randox selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19
02 September 2020
Randox selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19
Randox Laboratories selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19, with six sample collection centres across the United Kingdom and Ireland
Randox Laboratories has been selected by Pure Health, the largest laboratory network in the UAE, to test airline passengers flying into the United Arab Emirates, in accordance with the UAE’s requirement for travellers to prove they are not infected with Covid-19. Pure Health has been appointed by the UAE’s government to launch this pioneering project to promote safe travel.
“We are delighted to support Pure Health in their efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic and facilitate safe travels for passengers flying into the UAE,” said David Adamson, Randox Laboratories, Business Development Manager.
“As one of the largest diagnostic facilities in UK, we are ideally placed to successfully deliver this ambitious initiative, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us.”
Randox Laboratories has already set up six collection centres across United Kingdom and Ireland. The programme is already up and running in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Antrim and Dublin.
“The UAE has trusted Pure Health with safeguarding it against any incoming Covid-19 threats, worldwide, this responsibility requires us to ensure we only partner with verified and accredited facilities around the world, thus why we have partnered with Randox Laboratories, to ensure that the screening process is of the highest quality and to ensure an excellent customer service for the travellers.” said Maria El Houari, International Passenger Screening Project Manager at Pure Health.
The UAE issued regulations that require all travellers flying into the UAE to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Travellers without such a certificate are refused entry into the flight.
The system is similar to the ESTA process in the United States. The traveller visits screening.purehealth.ae, chooses a testing location, selects a time slot, and completes the test at the agreed time and place. Test results are then transmitted to the UAE authorities, who use the data to cross-check arriving travellers against the border control database.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Cerebral Array II from Randox Biosciences
13 August 2020
Cerebral Array II from Randox Biosciences
Randox Biosciences’ Cerebral Array II has been designed for the simultaneous measurement of analytes associated with nervous system dysfunctions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The array harnesses multiplex testing measuring up to five biomarkers simultaneously using a single patient sample with a turnaround time of 2.5 hours. It is suitable for human serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Our Cerebral Array II offers excellent sensitivity, precision and recovery as well as analytical performance.
Cerebral Array II
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- D-Dimer
- Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE)
- Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL)
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor I (sTNFRI)
Key Benefits of Cerebral Array II
- Multiplex testing from a single sample
- Suitable for human serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples
- Small sample volume
- Excellent analytical performance
- Fast throughput
- Applicable to fully automated and semi-automated Evidence platforms
Your central nervous system is your body’s control centre which includes the spinal cord and a large network of nerves and neurons. Together, the nervous system controls everything from your senses to the muscles throughout your body. When this is damaged, triggered by an illness or injury it can disturb many functions including memory, sensation and even a person’s personality.1 Up to 1 billion people (1 in 6 of the world’s population) suffer from neurological disorders from Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease, strokes, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.2
World Health Organisation (WHO) categorizes neurological disorders in two groups which is shown in the table below3. Group one is classified as neurological disorders in neuropsychiatry which are non-communicable diseases (NCD). NCD is a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another. Group two are disorders/injuries with neurological sequelae meaning a pathological condition resulting from a prior disease, injury, or attack.
| GROUP ONE | GROUP TWO |
| Epilepsy | Cerebrovascular disease |
| Alzheimer and Other Dementias | Neuroinfectious |
| Parkinson’s Disease | Nutritional deficiencies and neuropathies |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Neurological injuries |
| Migraine |
Randox Biosciences can assist in cerebrovascular research by providing innovative diagnostic technology and tests that will continue to revolutionise the healthcare industry and assist in academic research. This technology includes our Evidence Investigator and our Cerebral Array II which can be used to assist in the discovery and research of Cerebral diseases.
Biochip Technology
Biochip Technology is an immunoassay testing platform and is the core of Randox Biosciences. The intelligent chemically activated 9x9mm ceramic biochip acts as a solid phase reaction vessel. Benefits of Biochip Technology include:
- The biochips are pre-fabricated with discrete test regions (DTR’s)
- Highly accurate testing
- Better diagnosis
- Reduced sample volume
- Wide test menu
- Multiple sample types can be used on a Biochip
- Cost consolidation
Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator offers a high throughput even as a compact, semi-automated analyser promoting lab efficiency and cost saving solutions. Utilising Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, this platform facilitates multiplex testing in a rapid, accurate and easy-to-use format providing a comprehensive patient profile from one single sample. This analyser is suitable for medium throughput laboratories and is extremely robust with only one moving part.
For further information on our Cerebral Array please visit the Randox Biosciences website.
For any other enquiries please email info@randoxbiosciences.com
References:
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Dr Peter FitzGerald: “Nothing will ever be the same again.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald: Nothing will ever be the same again.
An Interview with Ulster Business Editor John Mulgrew in The Belfast Telegraph, in which Dr FitzGerald speaks to John about developing and helping roll out millions of tests for Covid-19, a forever changed society, the high likelihood of a similar pandemic returning and when a vaccine for the virus could be found.
Dr Peter FitzGerald’s expertise and opinion has probably never been taken as seriously as it has in the last few months.
“Nothing will be the same again,” he tells Ulster Business. And, of course, he’s right.
His firm Randox – based in Antrim – has been on the front line of testing for Covid-19 right across the UK and beyond. And as a result, he’s hired hundreds of new staff and built a £30m testing lab to deal with additional deluge of work resulting from a global pandemic unlike anyone here has ever seen.
“I think there is a reasonable chance there will be more pandemics, with globalisation and increased population,” he told Ulster Business. “I have no idea how much it will come back again in second wave.
“We know we have the capacity as a company to respond, and respond well. I suspect the country is going to be better prepared… it’s hard to predict.”
The medical testing giant’s first involvement with the current coronavirus strain began back in January, before it became an increasingly concerning dinner conversation in homes across Northern Ireland.
“In late January, research called and were looking at doing a test,” Peter said. “We downloaded the genetic sequence of the virus and spent the next two weeks developing a test. We can do it very quickly, as we already had coronaviruses on chip.
“It was sent to Public Health England, which took a while to prove it. We then got a contract to test for the NHS… we were doing what we thought was for the national good.”
The initial deal didn’t include all of the UK, but Randox is now also testing Northern Ireland.
“We do the testing and we have different analysers that do the testing as well, which we sell to labs across the world.”
The virus has led to a new complete lab being built (in which Peter is pictured in) to deal with the additional testing. “We decided to accelerate the manufacturing in our Randox Science Park in Antrim,” he says.
As a result, it has hired around 200 staff in the space of six to eight weeks to deal with the surge.
“Because we had closely related strains of the virus, it was wasn’t so difficult to modify our tests to allow for slightly different variations… once we got the contract we soon realised that we didn’t have enough lab space to deal with the ramp up.
“We then decided to be 33,000 sq ft of new lab space, and it was needed in three weeks. We got that done – work was 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. It’s now operating well. That has been very important in the process.”
Randox had a workforce of around 1,450 worldwide before the coronavirus crisis began, but has since taken on around 280 additional staff for a range of roles, partly in ramping up demand for the additional testing.
“A lot were being taken on a temporary basis but many will be permanent. We are not sure of the final numbers, but well over 100.” Those roles include scientists, manufacturers, and engineers.
“Nothing will be the same again,” Peter says. “What it has done is heightened the importance of testing. People sometimes don’t know what we do here at Randox… but people now realise.
“In the end, it’s a good thing. We are advocates of testing. It identities disease before symptoms occur and can save lives in many occasions. It saves lives and saves costs. It fits in with what we have been trying to do for years… as far as we are concerned, it’s the silver lining.
“We have customers worldwide and other products kept going. We moved around 100 scientists into Covid-related things and then they have gone back to normal jobs as we bring in new people.
“Some of our R&D projects have changed, new systems and new analysers allow for efficient and accurate testing.”
Peter says that just a small element of the business has seen a decrease amid the crisis, while other areas around Covid-19 have grown. “Only a small element of core business decreased. But our Covid and other genetic products have increased… overall sales will be up and by end of year normal business up as well.”
As a result of the latest expansion and growth across the business, generally speaking, Peter says the workforce looks set to climb to 1,650, with around 500-600 based at its main headquarters, just outside Antrim.
Peter’s also keen to reiterate the importance of Northern Ireland and its people to Randox. “This is our home base. It’s where we do our primary R&D and manufacturing. We also have a facility in Donegal.”
And, could all of this happen again soon, with a further outbreak or a similarly devastating strain or pandemic?
“(We are) more prepared and our technology is getting more accepted through bio chips. Early detection is a very important next stage. You don’t want people who have a cough or fever to think they have Covid all the time. That is where testing comes in and that differentiates.”
Peter says the next stop forward in a bid to address similar future incidents it also understanding how our immune systems work – better.
“The other major step forward in many ways is understanding the immune system better. How to better respond to infection. This will be very important.
“Some people are susceptible, and this could be genetic. (It’s about) working on certain genes in those who may have a bad attack. It will prepare humans better, the body’s defence, dealing with it as well.
“I have a deficiency in a particular gene which means I’m more susceptible to respiratory (conditions) but the spin-off of the gene means I’m less susceptible to certain cancers. This is the issue – it is so complex. One could be a strength and one moment, a weakness.”
And as for the formulation of a proven vaccine, Peter says: “I would say it would be well into next year.”
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
Photo Credit Elaine Hill
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Drug and Alcohol Training from Randox Testing Services
10 August 2020: Drug and Alcohol Training from Randox Testing Services
As well as providing a fully managed drug & alcohol testing service, RTS provide a range of training and education services to help inform and educate regarding the issue of drug & alcohol use in the workplace.
Alcohol use increases the risk of problems in the workplace, such as absenteeism, presenteeism and inappropriate behaviour. Use of alcohol or illicit drugs can impair a person’s performance at work through poor decision making and impaired reaction times causing lost productivity, inferior goods/services, errors and accidents.
Certain working situations and conditions are associated with use of alcohol and illicit drugs (i.e. shift or night work, travel away from home, working remotely, business meals, poor communications and job stress, etc). There are many factors within the workplace culture that present an increased risk for the use of substances including availability, work/peer-group pressures, lack of supervision, physical danger and interface with a demanding or aggressive public. International evidence also indicates that longer working hours are significantly associated with higher rates of alcohol use and related problems.
Professional Services
Randox Testing Services offer professional training services to ensure efficient implementation of workplace drug and alcohol testing. The training services confirm employer confidence to carry out workplace drug and alcohol testing and management competence in enforcing the process. There are a range of tailored training programmes to educate employers and their management staff.
Range of Courses
Our range of competency courses are designed to train employees who will be responsible for carrying out self-collection in accordance with company policy. Anyone involved in self-collection needs to be suitably trained and certificated to follow set procedures that ensure all testing can be legally defended. We provide competency courses for the following matrices:
- Alcohol Testing
- Instant Urine Testing
- Instant Oral Fluid Testing
In addition to the above, we also provide a portfolio of other training and education presentations that enable employers to enhance awareness of substance misuse & understand the various processes involved when implementing a workplace testing programme. These options include:
- Chain of Custody Training
- Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training
- Employee Briefings
- Bespoke Training Courses
All training courses are fully recorded, regularly reviewed and include an assessment of the effectiveness of training. Upon completion, all attendees are granted a Certificate of Attendance at the end of each completed training course.
Randox Testing Services
Randox Testing Services are a specialist in the workplace drug & alcohol testing sector. We provide a wide range of testing for companies who want to reduce the impact of substance misuse in the workplace. With a range of service options and expert staff on hand to provide help and training, our services will help to eradicate the impact of drugs and alcohol.
If you have any questions regarding drug & alcohol testing and how we can provide your company with training and education services, please use the below details to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss requirements.
Email – testingservices@randox.com
Phone – +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
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