Randox supports Northern Ireland travellers to the Algarve with essential COVID-19 PCR ātest-to-returnā service
21st May 2021 – Randox supports Northern Ireland travellers to the Algarve with essential COVID-19 PCR ‘test-to-return’ service
The NI Executive has today announced that, from 24th May, travellers from Portugal to Northern Ireland must arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test. This varies from travellers to England, where a lateral flow test is also a possibility. Randox, the UK’s largest COVID-19 PCR testing provider, have recently announced that travellers to the Algarve will be able to purchase a COVID-19 “test-to-return” kit. In a first for the industry, NI holidaymakers will then be able to have their self-collected samples promptly flown from their holiday destination to Randox’s laboratories in Antrim for gold standard PCR testing. Results are emailed to the traveller ready in time for their flight home.
In response to high demand from British holidaymakers to visit Portugal, Randox has partnered with the largest laboratory chain in the Algarve to offer holidaymakers to the region this new quick and easy solution. Travellers simply purchase and take their ‘test-to-return’ kit to Portugal and, at their convenience, self-collect their sample 3 days before the return flight. Travellers drop their sample at one of the listed partner laboratory sites and samples are then flown to Randox’s testing facilities in Antrim. Customers receive their results the next day. The partner laboratory has many convenient sites across the Algarve, including at Lagos, Portimao, Lagoa, Silves, Albufera, Loule, Faro, Olaho and Quartiera.
The PCR test-to-return service will be available to travellers returning on flights from the Algarve from the 7th June and will cost £60 per testing kit. As a package travellers from NI can also purchase from Randox PCR tests for pre-departure from the UK and the required Day 2 test on return.
Sophie Boyd, Randox Operations Manager, said;
“As the UK gradually opens up to international travel, we are delighted to be able to offer those visiting the Algarve the ability to have a fast and reliable PCR ‘test-to-return’ service, which means travellers have one less thing to worry about and can concentrate on enjoying their holiday. This is particularly relevant for travellers from Northern Ireland. Through our partner network we also have support for the traveller in the Algarve, should they need it.
“Randox is now able to process 500,000 tests a day for international travel – more than any other laboratory in Europe – and to date our laboratories have processed over 13 million tests. We are working hard to support the international fight against the pandemic by offering testing services that allow people to live their lives as normally as possible.
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to support the return to international travel.
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to support the return to international travel.
For further information on our COVID testing services please contact the Randox COVID Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or 0800 2545 201.
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Randox launches new Ā£60 Covid19 ātest-to-returnā service for travellers to the Algarve
19 May 2021: Randox launches new £60 Covid19 ‘test-to-return’ service for travellers to the Algarve
Randox, the UK’s largest Covid-19 PCR testing provider, announces that from today travellers to the Algarve will be able to purchase a COVID-19 “test-to-return” kit. In a first for the industry, UK holidaymakers will then be able to have their self-collected samples promptly flown from their holiday destination to Randox’s laboratories in the UK for gold standard PCR testing. Results are emailed to the traveller ready in time for their flight home.
In response to high demand from British holidaymakers to visit Portugal, Randox has partnered with the largest laboratory chain in the Algarve to offer holidaymakers to the region this new quick and easy solution.
Travellers simply purchase and take their ‘test-to-return’ kit to Portugal and, at their convenience, self-collect their sample 3 days before the return flight. Travellers drop their sample at one of the listed partner laboratory sites and samples are then flown to Randox’s testing facilities in the UK. Customers receive their results the next day. The partner laboratory has many convenient sites across the Algarve, including at Lagos, Portimao, Lagoa, Silves, Albufera, Loule, Faro, Olaho and Quartiera.
The PCR test-to-return service will be available to travellers returning on flights from the Algarve from the 7th June and will cost £60 per testing kit. This latest offering from Randox removes the stress of holidaymakers trying to find local providers with testing capacity, and adds to the company’s existing traveller focussed services, which include: Pre-Departure (From the UK); Test to Release (Day 5); Day 2 Testing (Green Countries); and Day 2 and Day 8 Testing (Amber countries).
Sophie Boyd, Randox Operations Manager, said;
“As the UK gradually opens up to international travel, we are delighted to be able to offer those visiting the Algarve the ability to have a fast and reliable PCR ‘test-to-return’ service, which means travellers have one less thing to worry about and can concentrate on enjoying their holiday. Through our partner network we also have support for the traveller in the Algarve, should they need it.
“Randox is now able to process 500,000 tests a day for international travel – more than any other laboratory in Europe – and to date our laboratories have processed over 13 million tests. We are working hard to support the international fight against the pandemic by offering testing services that allow people to live their lives as normally as possible.”
Randox, with almost 40 years of international diagnostics experience, has been at the forefront of Covid-19 testing since the outset of the pandemic. With proven testing capability and well-established logistics and customer support services, Randox are strongly placed to support the return to international travel.
To book a Test to Return test please click here.
To book a Test to Return travel pack please click here.
For further information on our Covid testing services please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or 0800 2545 201.
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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15th May 2021: 13 million tests on the National Testing Programme
15TH MAY 2021: THE 13 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 15th May 2021, Randox processed its 13 millionth sample within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 13 million samples processed by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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The Importance of Testing as Staff Return to the Office
29 April 2021
The ongoing pandemic continues to impact daily life. COVID-19 has changed how we socialise, work – whether from home or from the office – and furthermore our daily routines. Even with the easing of restrictions, we will all have to live with a ‘new normal’ for quite some time.
COVID-19 has altered the way which we consume, and drugs and alcohol are no exception. The closure of pubs and restaurants have meant that supermarket and off-licenses have seen alcohol sales soar due to drinking from home being the main way to consume alcohol. Drug consumption has been affected, with supply chains being impacted due to lockdowns & limitations on travel distances.
Some studies have begun to emerge; which highlight how consumption trends have changed since COVID-19 begun.
Below are some of the key findings:
Returning to Work?
The reason for highlighting the above figures is to show how workplace testing for drugs & alcohol shifted dramatically. Whilst for many companies lockdown meant adjusting to working from home, other business sectors continued to operate as normal, including Randox Testing Services. If you are now thinking of returning your staff to the office, Randox Testing Services (RTS) remains open and fully operational and available to carry out testing.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, RTS have continued to provide drug & alcohol testing services. At all times, we have ensured our staff are equipped to provide sensible advice and flexible solutions to drug & alcohol testing.
We have provided each Collection Officer with full PPE to ensure they meet requirements for personal and professional safety. Full social distancing guidelines are always followed whilst conducting testing. We continue to advise and navigate companies through this period as more businesses return to the office and more testing is required.
Importance of testing
The stats mentioned at the top of this article highlight the changing nature of how people have consumed alcohol and drugs over the last 12 months. With increases being seen in both quantity of consumption and frequency, it is important that companies are aware of the potential dangers that may arise if a member of staff arrives to the office intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
In addition to the alcohol stats, annual research is also carried out to highlight drug consumption patterns. According to research by Public Health England and the devolved nations’ Health Departments, the most recent surveys covering England, Wales and Scotland reported the highest prevalence of drug use in the past 10 years. From the most recent surveys, the prevalence of any drug use in the last year was 9.4% in England and Wales, 12% in Scotland, and 5.9% in Northern Ireland.
In September 2020, a report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction said Scotland had the highest recorded drug death rate in Europe, far ahead of Sweden in second place. More than 1,200 people in Scotland died of drug misuse in 2019.
In April 2021, a report from Alliance Health Alcohol stated that more the 80 people in the UK die every day because of alcohol-related causes.
The consumption of drugs & alcohol in these uncertain times can cause untold potential dangers for employers. With staff working from home for over a year, many may have turned to alcohol more than what they intended.
Contact us today and speak with our experts who will provide more information about how testing works and the ways in which RTS can help your company if you are returning to the office.
E-mail: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
For those who’ve beaten addiction in their own lives Rehab 4 Addiction is a free addiction helpline. Click here.
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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/
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Contact us or visit our Acusera page to learn more.
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Randox launches COVID-19 Travel Centre in Letterkenny
22 April 2021: Randox launches COVID-19 Travel Centre in Letterkenny
An €89 COVID-19 Testing Service launches this week in a new Randox Health Travel Centre in Letterkenny.
The testing service from Randox, a laboratory partner in the UK’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, utilises robust and reliable method PCR testing, currently recognised and approved by every country worldwide for its accuracy and sensitivity in the detection of COVID-19.
The launch of the Travel Centre, which offers rapid next day delivery of results, can be used for pre-departure screening, on-arrival testing to reduce quarantine timeframes, or simply for peace of mind.
Sophie Boyd, Project Manager for the Randox COVID-19 Testing Service, explained;
“In addition to our Travel Centres in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Cork and Galway, we are pleased to expand our testing service to Letterkenny, to serve the Donegal area with our accurate and cost-effective COVID-19 test.
“Whilst restrictions and guidance during the pandemic continue to evolve, testing will remain a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify outbreaks, isolate cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality.”
Randox recently reduced announced their support for those undertaking international travel by reducing the cost of their PCR travel tests.
The cost of an in-clinic appointment in a Randox Health Travel Centre has been reduced from €99 to €89.
Sophie continued;
“In recognition of the needs of both the travel industry and the general public at this unprecedented time, Randox has reduced the all-inclusive cost of our PCR testing.
“We are committed to providing competitive, effective and efficient testing to support holidaymakers and those undertaking international travel and the opening of the Randox Health Travel Centre in Letterkenny is another positive step towards the normalization of travel and other social activities.”
The Randox €89 Express COVID-19 Testing Service is open to all asymptomatic individuals and operates from the Radisson Blu Hotel at Letterkenny Retail Park.
Randox Health PCR Testing is also available at Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, and in Leopardstown Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Cork and Galway.
Visit booking.randox.ie to book your appointment. Results are returned the next day.
For further information on Covid testing at Ireland please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or 0800 2545 201.
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 the Randox Health Travel Centre booking page
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Randox Covid Test Centre Opens at Belfast City Airport
Randox has today opened a new Covid-19 testing facility with Belfast City Airport.
The test centre, purpose-built by leading Belfast building firm H&J Martin, offers quick and affordable PCR and antigen (lateral flow) tests, with its opening coinciding with the resumption of international flights from Belfast City Airport.
Airport Operations Manager, Judith Davis, explained:
“Flights have resumed today from Belfast City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with our airline partner KLM, which is another positive step as airlines across the world rebuild and restart their networks.
“Currently the Dutch Government requires all passengers entering the Netherlands to have taken and returned a negative result from both a PCR and an antigen (lateral flow) test. Providing this service on-site is the ultimate convenience for our passengers, which is something we pride ourselves on and continually strive to enhance.”
PCR tests by Randox at Belfast City Airport are available at the reduced price of £85, with antigen tests available for £45. Judith details further the benefits this offers the people of Northern Ireland;
“These tests, which must be pre-booked, aren’t just reserved for passengers flying from Belfast City Airport but are also available for non-flying members of the general public.
“The fact that results from the antigen tests are returned within one hour, and a digital ‘safe to fly’ certificate is issued directly to the passenger’s mobile device, is also another huge bonus and adds a further layer of convenience for our customers who need to travel.”
Speaking of the partnership with Belfast City Airport, and the importance of this test facility at the UK and Ireland’s most convenient airport, Project Manager at Randox, Sophie Boyd, said:
“Randox are committed to supporting those wishing to undertake international travel, including holidays, and the travel industry. In doing so we believe we will be improving wellbeing and supporting employment.
“As flights resume and we open the Randox Health Travel Centre at Belfast City Airport we will provide competitive, effective and efficient testing to support the travelling public.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Airport and wish them every success in re-establishing their international travel links.”
(l-r John McConnell of H&J Martin, Judith Davis, Airport Operations Manager, and Sophie Boyd, Project Manager at Randox)
This Covid-19 testing facility is the latest health and safety measure to be implemented at Belfast City Airport, which was the first airport in Northern Ireland to achieve the ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation for its extensive, thorough, and best-in-class passenger safety procedures.
“The wellbeing of our passengers and staff remains of paramount importance to us and those travelling to the airport can be reassured that stringent measures are in place for their safety,” Judith concluded.
Covid-19 testing at the Airport is available by appointment only and slots can be booked now at https://booking.randox.com/
For further information on Covid testing at Belfast City Airport please contact the Randox Covid Customer Support team on covidcustomersupport@randox.com or 0800 2545 201.
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 the Randox Health Travel Centre booking page
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9th April 2021: 12 million tests on the National Testing Programme
09TH APRIL 2021: THE 12 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 09th April 2021, Randox processed its 12 millionth sample within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 12 million samples processed by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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World Health Day 2021
7th April 2021
Building a fairer, healthier world
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7th April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organisation (WHO) who sees it as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health. Each year is related to a particular theme and this year’s focus is “building a fairer, healthier world”.
In view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic where restrictions remain in place across most parts of the world, this time has highlighted that some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others. COVID-19 has hit all countries hard, but its impact has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable, who are more exposed to the disease, less likely to have access to quality health care services and more likely to experience adverse consequences as a result of measures implemented to contain the pandemic, placing additional stress on healthcare systems across the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and even halted particular health services with most countries (90%) reporting that many routine and elective services have been suspended, while critical care – such as cancer screening and treatment and HIV therapy has seen high-risk interruptions (WHO, 2020).
“the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” (WHO, 2021).
Randox has adapted to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic by developing pioneering tests to diagnose COVID-19, offering a range of COVID-19 testing solutions using Randox’s patented Biochip Technology capable of conducting multiple tests simultaneously on a range of molecular testing platforms, with results available from the Vivalytic, Evidence Investigator and Randox Discovery.
With a game-changing global partnership formed between Randox Laboratories and Bosch Healthcare Solutions combining science and technology, successfully launching the Vivalytic – the all in one solution for molecular diagnostics, the Vivalytic has been designed against the challenges posed by climate change and to contribute towards sustainability. The Vivalytic cartridges are CO2 neutral – this means that emissions that are in our direct sphere of influence are neutralised – making a further contribution to climate protection.
Furthermore, Randox’s vision is to improve healthcare worldwide and to ensure physicians and the public have access to the latest advancements in clinical diagnostics to aid diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients. Randox offer a comprehensive biochip test menu to support and combat challenges facing global health on an everyday basis from testing for Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) to predicting Alzheimers Disease. View Randox’s full Biochip Technology Immunoassay test menu here.
Please contact marketing@randox.com for further information on any of the mentioned above.
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Belfast City Airport Announces Covid Testing Centre with Randox
Belfast City Airport Announces Covid Testing Centre with Randox
29 March 2021
Belfast City Airport Announces Covid Testing Centre with Randox
Belfast City Airport has announced an onsite covid testing centre in partnership with leading global diagnostics firm, Randox, in preparation for the return of its international flights in the coming months.
The centre will offer both PCR tests and antigen (lateral flow) tests and will give passengers access to quick and safe testing.
Judith Davis, Airport Operations Manager at Belfast City Airport, said:
“The PCR and antigen tests are a current requirement for passengers heading to the Netherlands, and with our KLM flights due to recommence over the next month, it is imperative that we have the testing facilities in place to enable those travelling for essential reasons to be able to do so in a convenient manner.
“The testing facilities will also help with forward planning for those who are connecting through major hub airports, such as Manchester and London Heathrow, or travelling to sunshine destinations with our new airline partner, Ryanair, allowing them to take the test before they leave Northern Ireland.”
Belfast City Airport was recently the first airport in Northern Ireland to achieve the ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation for its extensive and thorough health and safety measures, such as sanitising stations throughout the terminal and requiring anyone entering to wear a face covering.
“The safety of our passengers and staff is at the forefront of our operations and those travelling to the Airport can be reassured that stringent measures are in place” Judith concluded.
David Adamson, Regional Manager at Randox Laboratories, said:
“Along the roadmap out of lockdown, testing will remain a key part of the response to COVID-19 – not only to identify cases and prevent further spread, but also to assist with a return to social and economic normality. The Randox Health Travel Centre at Belfast City Airport, providing accurate and cost-effective antigen and gold standard PCR testing, is another positive step towards the normalization of travel.
“We are pleased to be working with the airport to support their enormous efforts to restore public confidence in international travel and to get people back in the air again if and when they are required to do so.”
Work for the test centre is already underway, with H&J Martin Asset Management Services completing the fit out to include a resting area for passengers who have taken their test, and is expected to be completed over the coming weeks.
For further information please contact Amy Millar in the Randox Public Relations team; amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
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