Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
02 March 2020
Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
Randox’s pioneering new test for coronavirus, which identifies COVID-19 and differentiates it from nine other respiratory infections, is to be used in Chinese hospitals.
The comprehensive test, which is being shipped this week to hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou, has been developed on Randox’s unique technology platform, the Biochip. This allows for each patient to be simultaneously tested for a range of respiratory infections inclusive of all known coronaviruses.
The Coronavirus Biochip tests each single patient sample for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, as well as nine other respiratory viruses, including SARS, MERS, and Influenza A and B. This enables clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections, prioritise patients and administer appropriate and timely treatment.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies being used to diagnose COVID-19 are focused on simply detecting the presence or lack of this singular strain and therefore neglect to differentiate it from other respiratory infections. At Randox we have developed a multiplex Viral Respiratory Infection Array that tests for COVID-19 and nine other infections simultaneously, and are delighted that this new technology will be deployed in Wuhan and other cities across China.
“The Coronavirus Biochip will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, thereby empowering clinicians to make faster and better-informed decisions.”
Due to be used in hospitals in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the new testing technology is capable of processing 324 patient samples, generating 3240 reportable results, in just 8 hours.
The panel includes two tests for COVID-19, a specific test (SARS-CoV-2) and a confirmatory test (Sarbecoviris) on the same panel, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This avoids the need to repeat the test, and importantly, reduces the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis, ensuring appropriate containment and reducing the risk of further contamination. This faster and more comprehensive testing will ultimately support the health service in China by facilitating the efficient use of valuable healthcare resources.
Byron Wang, CEO of Beijing Promed, Randox’s partner in providing the new coronavirus test in China, commented;
“We welcome the support of the global community in assisting us combat COVID-19 at this time. Randox is a highly regarded In Vitro Diagnostic company in China and has supported our market with high quality products for many years. We look forward to supplying this test to hospitals located within the area of greatest need and believe it will make a real difference.”
Dr FitzGerald concluded;
“Randox is committed to saving and improving lives on a global scale and we know that this new COVID-19 test will make a significant contribution to the global coronavirus containment effort.”
The Coronavirus Biochip tests simultaneously for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Sarbecoviris (SARS, SARS like, COVID-19), Coronavirus 229E/NL63, Coronavirus OC43/HKUI, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Adenovirus A/B/C/D/E, Enterovirus A/B/C, Influenza A, Influenza B and Rhinovirus A/B.
The Randox Coronavirus Biochip complies with guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team on 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
QNOSTICS
QCMD
BIOSCIENCES
Randox actively testing samples for Coronavirus COVID-19
12 February 2020
Introducing the COVID-19 Coronavirus Test from Randox
A ground-breaking test for the potentially fatal COVID-19 strain of coronavirus, is available at global health diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
The test, developed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, is as an enhanced multiplex array which includes tests for COVID-19 and nine other respiratory viruses which can display the same symptoms.
The new enhanced Biochip therefore allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies for the diagnosis of coronavirus are designed simply to detect the presence or lack of COVID-19, and therefore neglect to differentiate between this strain and other respiratory infections.
“We have therefore developed an extended Viral Respiratory Infection Array that tests simultaneously for COVID-19 and nine other viruses. This will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, and empower clinicians to make fast and informed decisions.”
The test is available on the Randox Evidence Investigator with a turnaround time of 5 hours.
Benefits of the new Randox COVID-19 test
- Quick Turnaround Times (5 hours on Evidence Investigator)
- Multiplex array differentiates between mild and serious infection
- Automated and Semi-Automated options available
- Medium to high throughput (54 samples in 5 hours)
For further information please visit www.randox.com/coronavirus-randox
QNOSTICS
QCMD
BIOSCIENCES
Coronavirus test available at Randox
26 January 2020
Introducing the COVID-19 Coronavirus Test from Randox
A ground-breaking test for the potentially fatal COVID-19 strain of coronavirus, is in the final stages of development at global health diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
The soon-to-be-launched test, developed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, will be available for immediate COVID-19 testing, but an additional enhanced multiplex array will also include tests for other respiratory viruses which can display the same symptoms.
The new enhanced Biochip will therefore allow clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies for the diagnosis of coronavirus are designed simply to detect the presence or lack of COVID-19, and therefore neglect to differentiate between this strain and other respiratory infections.
“Whilst we’re very quickly developing an efficient novel test for this new strain of coronavirus, we are therefore also working on an extended Viral Respiratory Infection Array that will test simultaneously for COVID-19 and a range of other viruses. This will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, and empower clinicians to make fast and informed decisions.”
The test will be available for the Point of Care analyser, the Vivalytic, within 3 hours, and within 5 hours on the Randox Evidence Investigator.
Benefits of the new Randox COVID-19 test
- Quick Turnaround Times (3 hours on Vivalytic and 5 hours on Evidence Investigator)
- Multiplex array differentiates between mild and serious infection
- Automated and Semi-Automated options available
Randox also currently has available a Respiratory Tract Infection Array, which can test for 22 viral and bacterial respiratory infections simultaneously. The test therefore determines the exact cause of your symptoms and differentiates between mild and serious infections, such as coronavirus. This is also available from Randox Health as a Cold, Cough and Flu test.
For further information please visit www.randox.com/coronavirus-randox
For enquiries email marketing@randox.com or to book your Randox Health Cough, Cold and Flu test please ring 0800 2545 130.
Randox is committed to saving and improving lives on a global scale, and will bring you updates on developments on our test for COVID-19 as and when they happen.
QNOSTICS
QCMD
BIOSCIENCES
Workplace Alcohol and Drug Testing Solutions from RTS
At Randox Testing Services our workplace drug & alcohol testing programs are designed with the customer in mind. We tailor our packages to ensure that every company has the testing program in place that suits the needs of their business. We find that no two companies have the same requirements. What works for one may not necessarily work for another, so our experience in helping companies craft tailored packages has afforded us knowledge that has allowed us to build long-term customer relationships.
Have a read below about how we help companies across various markets in their efforts to provide safer workplaces by reducing the impact of drugs & alcohol.
Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing
With the widespread availability of drugs and alcohol, there is an increased risk of substance abuse in the workplace leading to huge ramifications for a business and its employees. Jeopardising the safety of not only the user, but also their co-workers and in some cases the public, it affects the whole business environment and puts those present at serious risk of harm.
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people aged between 15-64 used an illicit drug in the past year. What’s more concerning is that 10% of these people are considered to be problem drug users. In the UK, it is estimated that £7.3 billion is lost each year due to the amount of lost work and productivity through alcohol abuse alone.
To counteract the negative effects substance misuse can have on a company, many organisations implement a policy that outlines their expectations concerning working whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Employers hold the responsibility to ensure employees are fully aware of the company’s rules, regulations, testing and disciplinary procedures.
Our complete testing solutions ensure companies are provided with the necessary support and information in their efforts to implement workplace testing. Our drug & alcohol testing experts can provide information on sample types, types of testing, policy and drugs we test for; all of which are designed to ensure needs and requirements are met.
Medico-Legal Drug & Alcohol Testing
Medico-legal testing for drugs and alcohol may be required by various professional bodies involved in child custody cases, care proceedings or child protection cases. Drug & alcohol testing is important to ensure child protection from the detrimental effects of parental substance misuse and to ensure they have a quality of life they deserve.
At Randox Testing Services we provide drug & alcohol testing to all professionals within the family law and medico-legal sector. Our hair drug testing service utilised accredited testing methods and is made more cost-effective through the patented testing methods we have developed.
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 expert witness reporting where applicable.
Randox Testing Services
Want to know more about the drug & alcohol testing services we offer for workplaces and professionals in the medico-legal sector? One of our experienced business development executives will be happy to discuss your requirements. Contact us using any of the below methods.
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
China’s harmful antibiotic use within seafood & chicken
Recent studies have found harmful water and food contamination throughout China due to the country’s large use of antibiotics.
In June 2006 an infant receiving treatment for a fungal infection and pneumonia in Guangzhou City was found to be infected with a kind of super bacteria resistant to seven types of antibiotics. The Epoch Times reported that Dr. Song Yanyan, who was involved in the treatment, told Chinese media Sina that nowadays many newborn babies are found to be carrying super bacteria. In antibiotic susceptibility tests, 70% of newborns were found to show resistance to one or more antibiotics, a huge increase when compared with previous figures.
Epoch times reported that; Dr Ying – lead researcher of antibiotics at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, led a research team all over China to investigate the scale of antibiotics consumption and discharge into the environment. They produced an “antibiotics pollution map” and the findings were that in 2013 alone, 162,000 tons of antibiotics were consumed in China—52% for veterinary treatment, and 48% for human treatment. The researchers mainly focused on 36 types of the most commonly detected antibiotics. The annual consumption of these antibiotics was more than 90,000 tons, of which 84% was given to livestock.
It was found that because of the large number of animals in pig and chicken farms, farmers have been adding a variety of antibiotics to the feed to reduce the chances of infectious diseases. Similarly, aquaculture farmers often add antibiotics when feeding fish, shrimp and crab. The export of these chicken, fish and seafood products from China pose health concerns for consumers because of their high antibiotic levels.
In order to help the industry, Randox Food Diagnostics developed the revolutionary multiplexing Biochip Array Technology, allowing the screening of up to 54 individual meat, seafood, feed or cereal samples for multiple drug residues, growth promoters and toxins on the Evidence Investigator analyser in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. This high throughput allows the user to save on time and consolidate costs in comparison to confirmatory laboratories.
For more information, contact us by email at info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com.
Randox Toxicology: Southeast Asiaās Drug Networks
Southeast Asia’s economy is booming, increasing every year by 5% and is expected to continue to grow due to an expanding consumer market, a young workforce and increasing regional cooperation. However, these are not the only markets experiencing the boom. The region’s illicit markets are also enjoying a surge.
Drug labs in Southeast Asia are releasing two to six billion methamphetamine tablets a year into the black market, which NPR reports is more tablets than cups of coffee sold by Starbucks. A lot of these tablets go into China and Thailand, with more finding their way to Bangladesh each year. As a result, seizures of meth tablets have gone up in the last 10 years in Bangladesh by 80,000 percent.
China not only receives large quantities of drugs to be sold on the streets, it also produces them. As China is soon set to become the world’s largest economy it now has plenty of people who can afford the products. So the drug lords and dealers are moving towards this market. This means that drug cartels don’t have to go further afield to sell their drugs.
China’s “One Belt One Road” plan has also enabled the easier trafficking of drugs. The plan is to connect the world with highways, ports, airports, and train lines to allow commerce to move to and from China easily. This connected infrastructure has made it easier for smugglers to move their products from A to B.
Randox Toxicology’s DoA ULTRA panel detects 20 targeted drugs including methamphetamine and amphetamine. Utilising our patented Biochip Array Technology, DoA ULTRA offers the most comprehensive drugs of abuse screen across multiple forensic matrices and provides the largest cross-reactivity profile of over 240 analytes from a single sample.
| Methamphetamine | S(+)-Methamphetamine | 100 |
| LOD: 10 ng/mL | PMMA HCI | 291 |
| 5-MAPB HCI | 136.1 |
If you would like to find out more information about our revolutionary Biochip Array Technology and DoA ULTRA panel, email us at info@randoxtoxicology or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
Randox Biosciences exhibit diagnostic innovations at UK-China Oncology Congress
Leading diagnostics firm Randox Laboratories has this week sent a delegation of scientists from its Biosciences Division to take part in the UK Exhibition of Oncology Excellence, between 25th and 29th June in Beijing and Guangzhou, in China.
The centrepiece of the UK-China Oncology Congress, the exhibition has been carefully curated to follow the “Science to Patient Pathway” for new therapies – from research to clinical trials, regulatory approval, manufacturing and distribution.
The Randox Biosciences team, over the course of the Congress event, will join a range of cancer-related seminars, offering an opportunity to learn about and influence Chinese government policies and priorities, and explore the latest trends and hot topics in oncology.
Julie-Ann O’Hare, Sales and Marketing Director for Randox Biosciences, commented;
“At Randox Biosciences we are actively seeking opportunities to strengthen business ties between the UK and China, and of course to showcase our innovative diagnostic capabilities to what is one of our most important and growing markets.
“We continue to expand our business presence there thanks to the ongoing pipeline of novel tests being produced from our innovative research and development programmes and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, including new facilities at the Randox Science Park in Northern Ireland.”
Exhibiting to a diverse audience of universities, hospitals, and laboratories responsible for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in oncology, Randox Biosciences have joined the exhibition to showcase their innovative diagnostic tests for bladder cancer and early detection of renal toxicity – including Chronic Kidney Disease and Acute Kidney Injury.
Julie-Ann continued;
“We continue to offer an increasing range of innovative diagnostic biomarkers to the growing and dynamic biotechnology markets.
“The focus on the importance of scientific research in the patient pathway, in enabling cancer diagnoses as soon as possible, offers us the perfect platform to introduce to China our latest pioneering oncological tests, including our test for bladder cancer.
“This test can stratify patients with haemeaturia (blood in the urine), who are at high risk of bladder cancer – reducing the number of unnecessary cystoscopies carried out on patients identified as ‘low risk’, significantly reducing healthcare costs and improving the waiting times for haematuria patients.”
For further information about the UK-China Oncology Congress, please email info@randoxbiosciences.com
Randox Strengthening Ties Between Northern Ireland and China
Off the back of its key involvement in this month’s prestigious China Summit held in Belfast, global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has this week taken a delegation of representatives to China to reach out to existing and potential business partners.
Having exported its diagnostic products to China for over 25 years, the healthcare firm cites the country as one of its most important markets, and regularly hosts conferences and training events in the capital city for its vast distributor network.
Earlier this year, following 18 months of extensive market research and infrastructural developments, Randox launched a new market expansion initiative in China to help strengthen business relationships and increase exports – a programme which Global Sales Manager Susan Hammond credits with having accelerated demand for Randox products.
Susan Hammond, who manages Randox’s expansion in the Chinese market commented;
“At Randox we actively seek to strengthen the ties between Northern Ireland and China, and the recent China Summit in Belfast goes to show that relationships between our two countries are at an all-time high.
“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to the discussions around collaborative opportunities in economic development, education, health and life sciences at the China Summit and to share our personal success story in the Chinese market.
“The summit marks a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s relationship with China, and its very existence is testament to the success of the innovative market strategies of key businesses and institutions across NI.”
As well as meeting with business partners across China this week, Randox also hosted over 250 guests at performances by world-famous concert pianist and International Tchaikovsky competition winner Barry Douglas, in the Forbidden City Concert Hall of Beijing and in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
Susan continued;
“Our sponsorship of Barry Douglas and his Camerata Ireland orchestra is important for the work we undertake in promoting Northern Ireland to Chinese audiences. We can showcase not only the science and innovation that come from our shores, but also the breadth of cultural talent.
“Hosting Chinese delegates, corporates, and academic professionals at Barry Douglas performances in China provides us with the perfect platform to help build connections and identify areas for business collaboration. It is a rare opportunity to be able to visit key business partners while simultaneously supporting our young musicians in their careers.”
Barry Douglas, Founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Ireland said;
“I am thrilled to be here in China to play for our Chinese guests – there is nothing quite like music in its ability to connect with people from all walks of life across the globe. It is a pleasure to be able to use music as a vehicle for strengthening relationships in both business and the arts, and even more so to be able to share it with the wonderfully generous team from Randox.”
For further information about Randox’s expansion in the Chinese market, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Ulster GAA team embark on Randox-sponsored tour of China
Ulster University’s GAA team departs on a historic two week tour of China this weekend as part of the university’s wider programme of engagement in key international markets, sponsored by Randox.
Following a reception with the Lord Mayor of Belfast earlier in the week, the 25-strong team will leave Belfast on Saturday morning for the two week cultural exchange that aims to develop and enhance links with a number of Chinese academic institutions.
The trip is being sponsored by Randox and facilitated by the university’s Confucius Institute.
The team is spending a week in Beijing before heading to Wuhan and Huangshi City to play several games as part of an extensive tour promoting sporting excellence at Ulster University, in particular Gaelic Games.
Professor Ian Montgomery, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“Gaelic games are of increasing interest to the Chinese people and there is a strong appetite to learn about the various sports, and replicate key tactics and the strong cultural identity which Ulster University’s GAA team has developed over many decades.”
“We’ll be playing several GAA teams, including a talented Beijing team, and sharing knowledge with the coaches on how to improve the players’ game and training regimes. When we get to Wuhan and Huangshi City, we’ll be taking Chinese language classes, learning martial arts and trying our hand at authentic Chinese cooking.”
For many of the students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across the world to an important global market. As well as promoting sporting excellence and acting as ambassadors for the University and Northern Ireland, they will be instrumental in helping the University and Randox build stronger relationships with new and existing partners.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox, said:
“We are pleased to support Ulster University’s Gaelic team as they embark on a very exciting tour of China. It is one of our most important markets, as we have been exporting to China since 1992 and we have had an established presence in the region for several years. This is a brilliant opportunity for our partnership with Ulster University to profile some of the young sporting talents of Northern Ireland and to strengthen key business relationships in an important market.”
For further information about the Randox-sponsored GAA tour, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
We Are Randox | Bicycles, BBQs and Beijing: Joel’s summer in China
Working in a global company like Randox opens many doors for our 1400-strong workforce, one of which being the opportunity to travel. For people who want to see the world, experience other cultures and meet new people, we have LOTS of opportunities to do so.
It’s no surprise therefore that we value ambitious and enthusiastic employees who enjoy the excitement of a new challenge, and a new adventure!
And that’s just what our Marketing Executive, Joel Woods, did this summer. After spending his placement year with us here at Randox, and then completing his final year of studies at Ulster University in Jordanstown, Joel was offered the opportunity to complete an internship in Beijing, the capital of China.
The experiences, new perspectives, and understanding of a different culture that he acquired during his time in China are just a few of the reasons why we love to hear from well-travelled individuals like Joel.
Here’s his story.
Given that I work in the Testing and Toxicology division here at Randox, it’s quite ironic that while I was at school I actually wanted a career in Forensic Science, rather than in Business. I even completed my lower sixth work experience with the PSNI.
I went to Ballyclare High School and studied Business Studies, ICT, Geography and Biology for A-Level. An encouraging and interesting school teacher during my GCSEs had made Business Studies more appealing, and so I decided to take it at A-Level. When studying it in my final year my mind had completely turned from forensics toward business, so I then went on to study Marketing at Ulster University.
During my time at university I completed a placement year with Randox within their marketing team. I worked primarily on Customer Relationship Management; providing support for sales reps and other marketing teams, running reports for top level managers, developing marketing campaigns and writing blogs. It was a fantastic experience getting to work on such a wide variety of marketing activities and was a great insight into the operations of a global company. It set me in really good stead for my final year of university because I had a point of reference in the real working world for everything that I was learning.
Come the end of my final year at Jordanstown I was presented with an opportunity to go to China on a two month internship based in Beijing. To have a funded internship by the British Council was an excellent opportunity to enhance my CV with international experience, and I had never been to Asia before so this was a chance I wasn’t going to let pass me by.
For the two months I was in China I worked in a small firm based in the western district of Beijing (Sanlitun). The firm was called PAPP’S TEA, a small tea manufacturer. My job title was Marketing Intern which involved updating their website, creating blogs, engaging audiences on social media, working closely with graphic designers about brand guidelines and supporting events for the launch of new products. Everything I had learnt during my placement year in Randox was put to good use!
The weather in China was permanently overcast and very rarely dropped below 30 degrees. Most of the food that I tried was incredible, but portions were always small. One of the interesting things about Chinese culture is that you never order a single meal for yourself, but rather a few dishes are ordered and everyone shares. I therefore had the unfortunate experience of sampling chicken feet…not tasty at all and they were more cartilage than meat! The language was also very difficult to understand but gradually as my time went on I began picking up words – a few greetings here and there, phrases used to order food from a menu, and how to pay for the bill at restaurants.
During my weekends I was usually free which gave a great opportunity to do all the touristy things. One of my favourite memories of China was camping on the Great Wall during my second weekend there. A group of us, mostly interns from the UK, got ourselves a tour guide and camping gear, hiked to the great wall and camped overnight. We had a barbeque, a campfire and watched the sun setting and rising. It was absolutely stunning.
My other main highlight from China was seeing Shanghai. We booked a hostel in the centre of Shanghai, from which almost everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. Walking around Shanghai felt like walking around London. The whole city was completely western, and so it didn’t feel like I was in China. Nevertheless, it was still an incredible experience visiting one of the most populated cities on the planet (26 million people).
The best moment during my time in Shanghai was using the public bicycles to see the city. Three of us chose to see the city by night and so we started our journey at midnight when the city was totally empty. It was so surreal. We got to see more of the city in one night than we ever did during the rest of the weekend!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in China and would recommend an internship with the British Council to anyone who is thinking about gaining international experience. It can only ever be a good thing to see more of the ever-advancing technological world we live in, especially if you are working in a global company like Randox.
Upon returning to Randox as a permanent member of staff I now deal with clients all around the globe, and so the experience gained from my internship has been of such great benefit. My time there has helped me understand how business is dealt from another culture and I can’t wait for my next big adventure.
We’re so delighted Joel had a positive experience during his time in Beijing and has returned to Randox full of enthusiasm and exciting ideas! Welcome back to the team Joel.
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For current vacancies in our team, visit careers.randox.com
