Health Minister Robin Swann visits Randox COVID testing laboratories
20th October 2021: Health Minister Robin Swann visits Randox COVID testing laboratories
Health Minister Robin Swann has today thanked local staff for their ongoing role in COVID-19 testing while visiting Randox Laboratories.
During his visit to the testing facility at Randox Science Park on the outskirts of Antrim, the Health Minister heard how the company significantly increased its testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic.
Following a tour of the facility, Minister Swann, said: “Randox continues to play an important ongoing role in the fight against COVID-19 as part of the National Testing Programme and has enabled thousands of people in Northern Ireland to get tested quickly.
“There is no doubt, that we are in a very fortunate position in Northern Ireland to have companies like Randox. We have seen how the company and its highly skilled and expert workforce have been able to innovate and advance its testing capabilities to greatly support the pandemic. I want to personally thank the staff at Randox for all they have done in helping to keep people safe.”
Minister Swann added: “We are continuing to see a high number of positive cases each day in Northern Ireland which is concerning. Therefore I would again remind people of the importance of getting tested should they develop symptoms. Alongside vaccination and contact tracing, COVID-19 testing remains one of the main pillars of protection against this virus. Please do the right thing.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director said:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister Swann to our COVID testing laboratories at the Randox Science Park in Antrim, to witness first-hand the incredible efforts of our hard-working staff, who have been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic and as such have played a vital role in the global fight against coronavirus.
“Thanks to their ongoing commitment to serve our communities in these difficult times, Randox remains amongst the very largest COVID-19 laboratories in the UK and Europe, and to date has processed almost 20 million tests for the UK National Testing Programme and testing for international travel.
“Randox have built on 40 years of diagnostic experience, and extensive R&D, to provide our extensive COVID-19 testing capabilities and we will continue to support the community and the needs of travellers for as long as that is required. Thereafter we know that diagnostics have a key role in future healthcare, to both prevent disease and optimise its treatment, and will refocus our efforts to that end.”
Since March 2020, Randox has invested a total of £150 million in the development of new innovations in testing technology and in the building and equipping of world-class testing laboratories, sample collection clinics, and associated logistics networks. The company has also grown its workforce by more than 850, and continues to recruit across science, manufacturing and customer support.
For further information please contact Amy Millar, Randox Public Relations Team Leader; amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
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Randox launch authentication app for Day 2 Lateral Flow tests for vaccinated international arrival
18th October 2021: Randox launch authentication app for Day 2 Lateral Flow tests for vaccinated international arrivals
Randox, the UK’s largest diagnostics company, today announces that it is launching the Randox CertiFly App, a mobile application designed to securely process and certify results for both pre departure and Day 2 lateral flow tests – the latter a requirement for vaccinated international arrivals in the UK from 24th October.
The app, which applies ID verification technology, is designed to simplify foreign travel and facilitate the efficient transfer of secure and verified information through three simple steps:
Step 1 – Download the Randox CertiFly App and scan your passport to register
Step 2 – Collect your sample using a Randox CertiFly lateral flow testing kit
Step 3 – Scan your result using the app and receive certificate in app and by email
The app, which is solely for use with Randox Certifly lateral flow tests, is free to download. The lateral flow tests, which are ordered from Randox and cost as little as £20, are then used in combination with the app to capture the individual’s ID and securely upload the test result. The identity of users will be validated by scanning passports into the system, with future versions of the app featuring facial recognition software to further increase security.
Available in just 15 minutes, test results are processed using Randox CertiFly’s AI software, before being confirmed manually by a healthcare professional. As applicable, a Day 2 or fit-to-fly certificate will then be issued to the user and stored in the app for easy access.
Each Randox CertiFly lateral flow testing kit has a unique single-use QR code that can be registered with the app. Testing kits, which can be purchased from the Randox Health website, include swab, extraction buffer tube, waste bag, tube holder, package insert and test cassette. The app is available now for iOS and Android devices.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE, Managing Director at Randox, said:
“COVID-19 has severely impacted the way that we travel but, thankfully, testing technology has been able to help the world open up again. At Randox, we are proud to have been at the heart of UK testing and we are continuously looking at ways to make improvements for our customers. Randox has been helping millions of passengers travel safely since the onset of the pandemic by providing innovative testing solutions, like the Randox CertiFly app, that fulfil testing requirements for those who need to travel, whilst keeping costs as low as possible.”
Alex Rusak, Randox VP Business Development, said:
“With Day 2 lateral flow test results a requirement for vaccinated international arrivals in the UK from 24th October, we are pleased to launch our first lateral flow test certification app. The features of the app maximise security and allow the efficient flow of accurate and secure information to provide customers with a verified results certificate, without the need for time-consuming and costly video consultations. With the ability to process more than 100,000 certificates in 24h, the Randox CertiFly App rapidly provides validated test results, with the ultimate goal of making sure that travel is accessible, affordable, and importantly, safe.”
Fintan O’Rourke, Head Of Global partnerships at CertiFly, added:
“We are encouraged to see testing policy adapt to make international travelling easier and we believe that it’s crucial for technology to adapt alongside this to keep the country as safe as possible. Technology plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of COVID-19 testing and that’s why CertiFly has developed an app with Randox to reduce the risks associated with fraudulent testing. We have built in the same verification technology that banks use to eliminate identity fraud and a two-step validation process for test results, with AI analysis followed by verification from a healthcare professional. As restrictions evolve, is it important to maintain rigorous testing standards in support of the UK’s fight against COVID-19, and we are proud to be part of this.”
The Randox Certifly App is available to download for iOS and Android devices following purchase of a lateral flow test at covid.randox.com
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Randox strengthen partnership with Sheffield United by agreeing to become naming right partner of the widely-acclaimed Sheffield United Academy
08th October 2021 – Randox strengthen partnership with Sheffield United by agreeing to become naming right partner of the widely-acclaimed Sheffield United Academy
Sheffield United have today announced a further strengthening of their principal partnership with Randox. The healthcare giants have agreed to become naming right partners of the widely-acclaimed Sheffield United Academy.
Located at Shirecliffe, it is the base of the men’s, women’s and academy teams. The facility, since its opening its doors in the early 2000s, has seen the likes of Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, David Brooks, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Aaron Ramsdale all progress through the academy ranks.
Established in 1982 in Northern Ireland, Randox is the largest healthcare diagnostics company from the UK and Ireland. In 2019 Randox manufactured over four billion tests and operated in over 145 countries. The company employs more than 2,500 staff, including more than 450 research scientists and engineers, with key facilities located in Co. Antrim and Co. Donegal.
Randox Managing Director Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE said: “We are very excited for the opportunity to extend our partnership by aligning Randox with the Sheffield United Academy. With almost 40 years of experience in the manufacture of world-leading medical diagnostics and comprehensive health check and sports science services, Randox is well positioned to assist in the development of the health, wellbeing and performance of these elite athletes. We look forward to working with the Academy and to lending our expertise to make further developments in cutting-edge sports science.”
United’s head of commercial, Paul Reeves, said: “This is a significant further investment from Randox and a long-term commitment to our next generation of players, both male and female. The academy plays an integral part within the club and it goes without question the rising importance of developing players of all ages to continue to compete on a global scale. We would like to thank Dr FitzGerald and his colleagues for their valued contribution.”
Paul added; “The newly-named Randox Health Academy has some exciting prospects on the horizon with the likes of Daniel Jebbison, Femi Seriki and Iliman Ndiaye all making their Premier League debuts at the end of the 20/21 season.”
Visit randoxhealth.com to find out more about their ground-breaking R&D, advanced health checks, and rapid COVID travel tests.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.
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World Heart Day 2021
World Heart Day 2021
World Heart Day – Raising awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases
World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer, causing over 18.6 million deaths per year, according to the World Heart Federation. 85% of these deaths are due to coronary heart diseases (e.g. heart attacks) and cerebrovascular diseases (e.g. strokes) and mostly affect low-and middle-income countries.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders relating to the heart and blood vessels and they include:
- coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
- cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
- rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
- congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth
- deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
How can Randox help with these current global challenges
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, is easier to treat when detected early. Here at Randox, we utilise innovative diagnostic tests for early risk assessment capable of diagnosing disease at the earliest possible stages, because we understand that “prevention is better than cure”.
Randox Laboratories is a world leader in innovative diagnostics with 40 years’ experience and a leading provider of diagnostic reagents for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. Randox offer an extensive menu of cardiac biomarkers within the cardiology reagents panel including:
Risk Assessment
- CK-MB – useful in patients with chest pain; Creatine Kinase is an enzyme produced in many different types of cells, of which high levels indicate muscle trauma or damage.
- Myoglobin – a small protein which leaks out of muscle cells after injury, is also considered a biomarker for the detection of Myocardinal Infraction.
- Routine lipid tests to determine the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels – HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Independent risk assessment tests such as sdLDL Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) to determine any genetic factors which may increase their risk of CVD. Please note, this is necessary even for patients who have good cholesterol levels
- Secondary tests, such as High Sensitivity CRP, in addition to risk assessment markers and lipid evaluation – secondary tests are important in predicting future cardiac events of individuals with no previous history of CVD and those deemed healthy because of primary tests; approximately half of all heart attacks occur in patients classified as low risk. In addition, they can also be used to evaluate the risk of a recurrent cardiac event
- Homocysteine – elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various disease states including CVD. Extremely high levels are found in patients with homocystinuria, of which many suffer from early arteriosclerosis.
More information
If you are a clinician or lab interested in our Cardiology & Lipids Panel, we have a wealth of resources available:
Download our Reagents Brochure
Download our Cardiology & Lipid Testing Brochure
If you would like to get in touch with a Sales representative please email us reagents@randox.com
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
Randox Signs Principal Partnership with Sheffield United FC
26th May 2021 – Randox Signs Principal Partnership with Sheffield United FC
Global innovative healthcare company and the UK’s largest COVID-19 PCR testing provider Randox is today pleased to announce that it has signed a three-year principle partnership agreement with Sheffield United. The partnership will commence in the 2021 /2022 season and will include both men’s and women’s first team. From next season both teams will wear the Randox logo on their jerseys.
Founded in 1982 in County Antrim by leading medical scientist, Dr. Peter FitzGerald CBE, Randox has been a pioneer in improving health and enhancing lives, worldwide. To achieve their goals the company is committed to an extensive research programme, including investing more than £300m in the development of its innovative biochip array programme to enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis. The company currently employs more than 2000 people of over 40 different nationalities.
Randox is a world leader in healthcare diagnostics; today more than 5% of the world’s population – in excess of 370 million people across 145 countries – receives medical diagnosis through use of Randox products each year. Over the past year, Randox has been at the forefront of the UK’s fight against COVID-19, and has significantly invested in its testing capacity meaning that it can now process over 500,000 tests per day, making it amongst the very largest COVID-19 laboratories in Europe. To date Randox having processed over 13 million COVID-19 PCR tests in the UK and now have comprehensive Covid-19 testing, logistics and customer services available to support overseas holidays and those undertaking international travel.
Randox has a proud history of supporting sports, and has been the Official Partner of the, the Grand National since 2017.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald CBE, Randox Chief Executive Officer, said;
“We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to align Randox with Sheffield United Football Club. Not only is Sheffield the birthplace of football, but it is also one of the fastest growing cities in developing sports science and medical technology which we are very keen to see how we can look to assist through our services. We are extremely proud to be the principal partner of the Blades and to be a part of the club’s progress in the years to come.”
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.
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Neonatal Bilirubin External Quality Assessment
The RIQAS Neonatal Bilirubin EQA programme has been designed to assess the performance of total and direct bilirubin assays with levels tailored to neonatal bilirubin testing.
- Accredited to ISO17043:2023 standard via RIQAS flexible scope
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- Monthly reporting
- Human based serum
- Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.net
- Rapid turnaround of reports allows for any necessary corrective actions to be taken with minimal disruption to laboratory output
- Cycle Starts – July 2025
| Cat No | Kit Size | Frequency | Parameters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ9191 | 2 x (6x3ml) | Monthly (1 x 12 month cycle) | 2 | |
Parameter
- Direct Bilirubin
- Total Bilirubin
Please note, product availability may vary country to country.
The Silent Diabetes Pandemic: A Randox Reagents Blog
The Silent Pandemic
A striking statistic is that an estimated 4.2 million people die annually from Diabetes complications and it is anticipated it will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached the status of ‘global pandemic’, a phrase we have become all too familiar with due to the current global Covid-19 pandemic, but one we now know not take for granted.
Diabetes is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease and can cause a myriad of health complications which affect the feet, eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular health.
Early detection and treatment of diabetes is key, particularly as many people with type 2 diabetes have no signs or symptoms but do have associated risk factors.
Randox is committed to raising awareness of preventative healthcare related to Diabetes through advancing diabetes testing capabilities, including diabetes diagnosis & monitoring, and monitoring of associated complications including; ketoacidosis, renal dysfunction, and metabolic status.
The Randox Diabetes testing panel consists of ten assays including niche and superior performance assays that are compatible with a wide range of clinical chemistry analyzers.
Contact Us
Find out more about the Randox diabetes reagents panel or alternatively you can contact us
reagents@randox.com | www.randox.com/diabetes-reagents
Product availability may vary from country to country. Some products may be for research use only. For more information on product application & availability, please contact your local Randox Representative
Diabetes Reagents Panel
Diagnosis & Monitoring
Fructosamine (Glycated Protein) (Enzymatic Method)
Ketoacidosis
Renal Dysfunction
Creatinine (Enzymatic & JAFFE Methods)
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The Importance of Third-Party Controls #LABWEEK2021
In the clinical laboratory, Quality Control (QC) refers to the process of detecting analytical errors to ensure both the reliability and accuracy of patient test results. Poor performance can result in misdiagnosis, delayed/inappropriate treatment, increased costs and may even be potentially life threatening for the patient. Third party controls offer a better solution to ensure optimum performance and accuracy.
When the laboratory professional runs the QC material on their instrument, they can compare the obtained result with the expected result. If these values are comparable, then the laboratory professional can be confident that their instrument is reporting accurately. Essentially, QC is a ‘practice run’ to ensure the testing system is working correctly.
Benefits Of Using Third-Party Controls
Third party controls have been designed to deliver an independent, unbiased assessment of performance with any instrument or method helping you gain accreditation. Below are some of the key benefits of third party controls:
- Values assigned using a large number of independent laboratories ensuring statistically valid targets.
- Highly consolidated controls allow for space, time, and ultimately, cost savings.
- Boosted shelf life ensures continuity of supply and reduced costs
- Reduced preparation times by removing the need for multiple instrument controls
Importance Of Third-Party Controls In The Midst Of COVID-19
Quality Control is a hugely important part of laboratory quality. Around 70% of clinical decisions are made based on laboratory results, so it is plain to see how significant Quality Control practices can be in relation to global health care. Having faith in the performance of the Quality Control used within the lab, as well as benefits gained from highly consolidated controls, allow for space, time, and ultimately, cost savings. These benefits would prove highly beneficial for any laboratory operating in the fast-paced environment posed by the pandemic.
How Randox Can Help
Randox Acusera true third party quality controls offer complete test menu consolidation for laboratory Internal Quality Control. Providing accurate and reliable sample material and delivering results you can trust.
Find out more: https://www.randox.com/laboratory-quality-control-acusera/
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Acusera page to learn more.
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Banned substance furazolidone (AOZ) detected in shrimp at French border
14 April 2021: Banned substance furazolidone (AOZ) detected in shrimp at French border
As per an alert through RASFF – the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed for the EU, shrimp imported from India has been rejected at the French border in March 2021 for containing a banned substance, known as furazolidone (AOZ). The shrimp product has since been destroyed and did not make it into the market for distribution.
Nitrofuran antibiotics, the parent compound of AOZ, were banned for use in animal food production in the EU in 1995 and 2009 in the US for its reported carcinogenic and mutagenic characteristics. However due to the drugs low cost and effectiveness in controlling disease it is still in use despite the ban.
Randox Food Diagnostics
Randox Food Diagnostics have developed a highly accurate and reliable immunoassay array which detects Nitrofuran residues including AOZ, AMOZ, AHD and SEM.
Available on the Evidence Investigator, our Antimicrobial Array III utilises our patented Biochip Array Technology which provides screening of up to 54 meat and seafood samples. The Evidence Investigator provides results for multiple drug residues and toxins in just 2.5 hours, saving the user both time and money compared to other screening and confirmatory methods.
Randox Food Diagnostics also provide a vast variety of ELISA kits to test for antibiotics in meat and seafood tissue, offering excellent cross-reactivity and unrivalled limits of detection. With results providing great correlation with confirmatory methods, we ensure that better science means safer food.
Want to know more?
For more information on tissue screening methods from Randox Food Diagnostics please visit the links below.
www.randoxfood.com/meat-and-seafood-analysis/
Alternatively contact us via email: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Randox Food Diagnostics website.