We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
11 February 2021
We Are Randox | How Laura became a COVID-19 Laboratory Manager
Randox is a key partner laboratory in the UK Government’s COVID-19 Testing Programme.
For an idea of what it’s like to be part of the COVID-19 testing programme at Randox, we spoke to Laboratory Manager Laura Cummings.
Laura spoke to us about what a typical day in our laboratories looks like, the career path she took to her current role, and how it feels to be making a difference in the global fight against COVID-19.
Name: Laura Cummings
Job Title: Laboratory Manager
Department: COVID-19 Laboratories
Can you describe a typical working day in the Randox COVID labs?
As the UK and Ireland’s largest COVID testing facility, Randox is critical to the national response to the pandemic. We run up to 120,000 daily tests for the UK Government’s National Testing Programme so the timely release of accurate and reliable results is key. We have a big focus on quality and are always looking for ways to improve our policies and processes. We have, for example, introduced a range of innovative robotic systems which automate the unpacking and racking of samples before they get tested by our scientists. All this takes very active management.
What are the main duties of your role?
Our staff work 24|7 and my role as a Laboratory Manager is to make sure that they have everything they need to do their job. I ensure that the lab runs smoothly, provide solutions for any issues that may arise, and monitor the performance of the testing process.
What has been your educational route to this post?
I studied Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast and then worked in England for a few years, in an organic chemistry lab. I was really fortunate to be able to move back home, and find a job not just in my field of science, but in a company that has made such an impact in the fight against coronavirus. I’m very grateful that the team at Randox have recognised my skills and achievements and given me valuable opportunities for career progression, including my recent promotion to Manager of one of the COVID labs.
How does your work as a COVID Laboratory Manager make the world a better place?
I’m proud to be directly involved in COVID testing, which plays such a vital role in the effort to contain and reduce the spread of the virus, and to be making a difference for the sake of our family, friends and communities. We recently reached a key milestone in reporting 9 million COVID-19 tests to the National Testing Progamme – and by the time you read this we will be closing in on 10 million.
What do you really like about your job?
Randox has employed more than 850 new staff into the COVID labs, and to work with and learn from such a diverse and multi-disciplined team has been really rewarding. Everyone has risen to the challenge this pandemic has created and I am proud of how we have all pulled together as a team in a time of great need.
What is your perception of future career prospects in the diagnostics industry?
I think the future of the diagnostics industry is very bright and those thinking of a career in this area should definitely get involved. In setting up the Randox COVID labs we have done something which was never seen before in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and service, and across society there is an improved understanding of the importance of testing. I believe that this, coupled with further advancements in technology, will be a catalyst for more personalised healthcare individually tailored to each patient.
We are delighted to have Laura with us at Randox as part of our COVID-19 testing programme.
For current vacancies at Randox please visit randox.getgotjobs.co.uk
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 further information please email recruitment@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
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Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants: successful detection despite virus mutation
02 February 2021
Test performance not affected by mutation found in new UK, South African and Brazilian variants.
The new SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been identified recently in the UK (known as 501Y.V1, VOC202012/01 or B.1.1.7 lineage), South Africa (known as 501Y.V2 or B.1.351 lineage) and Brazil (B.1.1.248 lineage), contain multiple mutations in the segment of the virus’ genome that codes for the spike protein.
Of particular interest is a double deletion at position 69-70 of the spike protein gene (69-70del), observed in the B1.1.7 variant, which has been found to affect the performance of some diagnostic PCR assays that use an S gene target (S gene dropout).
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 using the multiplex RT-qPCR assay from Randox Laboratories Ltd. is not affected by the identified mutations. This kit is a fast and highly sensitive multiplex diagnostic solution containing the necessary components to provide the detection of two genes (ORf I ab, E gene) to reduce the impact of genetic variation in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The multiplex primer mix in this assay allows the amplification of specific gene sequences found within the genome of the pathogen, covering all variants. Therefore, the mutations in the B.I.I.7, B.I.351 and B.I.I.248 lineage variants do not affect the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by the PCR test.
Randox Laboratories Ltd. monitors SARS-CoV-2 variants in NCBI and GISAID databases and performs bioinformatics analysis regularly. Based on in silico analysis the performance of the test is not impacted by the mutations.
The Randox multiplex RT-qPCR diagnostic kit supports clinical and public health laboratories to quickly diagnose COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, assisting the screening and isolation of individuals that require quarantine and immediate intervention.
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The importance of drug and alcohol testing in uncertain times
The importance of drug and alcohol testing in uncertain times
01 February 2021
The ongoing pandemic has had a dramatic impact on daily life. COVID-19 has changed how we socialise, work and go about our daily routines. If infections continue to rise, we will all have to live with ongoing restrictions in some form or another for quite some time.
COVID-19 has altered the way which we consume, and drugs & 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 consumer alcohol. Drug consumption has been affected, with supply chains being impacted due to lockdowns & limit on travel distances.
New studies have begun to emerge which highlight how consumption trends in relation to alcohol specifically have changed since COVID-19 begun.
Below are some of the key findings:
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists analysed Public Health England data to reveal that over 8.4 million people are now drinking at a higher risk level – rising from 4.8 million in February; a 75% increase.
- Data from the Commission on Alcohol Harms and the Alcohol Health Alliance revealed that alcohol sales rose by 67% before lockdown began.
- An interim report from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) in early June revealed that COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdown have changed people’s drinking habit.
- 47% of Britons who drink stated that they had been drinking earlier in the day since lockdown started – a figure that was higher than for most other nations included in the survey.
- In addition, over 50% of Britons revealed that they had increased the number of days on which they drink, with a third of British respondents also reporting an increase in binge drinking.
- Alcohol Change commissioned a study that looked at drinking consumptions during lockdown in England.
- One in five drinkers (21%) said they have been drinking more frequently since the lockdown. This equates to around 8.6 million UK adults who may be drinking more frequently.
- 15% of those surveyed also said they have been drinking more per session since lockdown.
Business As Usual
The reason for highlighting the above figures is to show that, whilst for many lockdown meant adjusting to working from home, others business sectors continued to operate as normal. As such, workplace testing for drugs & alcohol shifted dramatically. Many companies who had a testing policy in place that included random testing suddenly stopped due to staff being based at home. However, other key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics all continued to function. With these businesses continuing, Randox Testing Services (RTS) remains open and fully operational and available to carry out testing.
Michelle Fenn, Business Development Manager for RTS, commented on the changing testing trends that occurred;
“RTS continue to operate and provide full-service provision during the on-going pandemic. During the first lockdown we noticed a change in testing, as more companies operated on a work from home basis. However, for some this isn’t possible and have had to maintain operations. Due to circumstances, we have seen companies increase pre-employment testing as new staff are brought on to cope with changing workplace demands. Other testing programmes have been altered such as random testing, but we continue to provide full services and are meeting & often exceeding requirements by our customers.”
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 and 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 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 work 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.
The consumption of drugs & alcohol in these uncertain times can cause untold potential dangers for employers. Whilst many companies will continue to function with staff working remotely, for some this isn’t possible.
Safety-critical industries such as construction, manufacturing and logistics will have staff present who need to carry on with daily tasks. It is important to ensure that staff are always safe, this includes provision of testing for drugs & alcohol.
Risk of injury
Employers put in place multiple mechanisms to ensure accidents at work do not occur. Despite these efforts, it’s not always possible to remove the danger. In the UK, workplace injury amounted to £5.2 billion in costs/damages in 2017/18.
28.2 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2018/19. Furthermore, the construction, retail/wholesale, manufacturing, accommodation and agriculture had statistically higher rate of workplace injury per 100,000 workers according to the Labour Force Survey 2018/19.
These statistics highlight the dangers of accidents occurring in the workplace. With the potential for serious injury or worst-case scenario a fatal incident, it is of paramount importance to ensure employees are safe in the knowledge that accidents will not occur due to substance misuse or employees being under the influence.
Fully managed testing service
Randox Testing Services specialise in drug and alcohol testing for workplaces. We provide a quality service that covers all employer needs with the safety of employees at the centre of this focus.
Our experience in the industry and the knowledge of our parent company Randox Laboratories has allowed us to pivot our offering to provide fully compliant and safe COVID-19 testing for workplaces. In these uncertain times, COVID-19 can cause potentially devastating consequences if not correctly managed and addressed.
A new study by researchers at University College London revealed that 86% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 did not have symptoms, highlighting the importance of frequent screening to reduce spread of the virus.
Our COVID-19 test uses Real-Time PCR to accurately detect for the virus. With our knowledge & expertise in testing for workplace companies, we are proud to offer this service; with our test currently used as part of the Government’s National Testing Programme.
The service includes a range of different options, each designed to meet the needs of any business and their requirements. From a fully managed service where our trained and full PPE equipped Collection Officers will conduct testing on behalf of your company, to our mobile testing unit which can move to multiple sites and conduct large volume testing with results in less than three hours, we are confident our services can meet your needs. By using any of our testing services for COVID-19, you can provide peace of mind to employees by conducing regular testing or get your employees back to work as part of a return to work programme.
About Randox Testing Services
We specialise in testing. Whether that be for drugs & alcohol or COVID-19, we are confident that no matter what your testing needs, we will be able to fully understand your requirements and successfully help your company to reduce the impact of drugs & alcohol or COVID-19.
Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Therefore, it is important to ensure they are not exposed to any dangers such as someone potentially intoxicated from drug & alcohol consumption. RTS can help eradicate this danger, whilst helping your employees successfully understand how to mitigate the impacts of substance misuse, through managed testing programme and a range of training & education services to inform and educate staff.
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.
E-mail: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
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Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
27 January 2021: Randox launches new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport
Global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Health has announced a new COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow Airport.
The service from Randox, which is the largest COVID-19 testing provider in the UK and Ireland, and a partner in the UK Government’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme, uses gold standard PCR technology to generate results in 1 – 3 hours.
The laboratory is capable of processing up to 1000 samples per day, for both fit to fly and test to release, which allows individuals in England returning home from international travel to stop self-isolating if they get a negative test result after 5 days.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Founder and Managing Director commented;
“We continue to expand our portfolio of bespoke testing products and services, and our new testing facility at Heathrow Airport brings us one step closer to a timely return to a more normal society.
“It’s great to be able to provide our fit to fly and test to release services to the airport and help support their enormous efforts to restore public confidence in international travel and get people back in the air again.”
The Randox testing facility at Heathrow Airport runs in partnership with Doctap who provide a team of certified Sample Collection Officers to perform the swabbing on site.
A Laboratory Technician subsequently expedites the sample and reports the results, meaning that a fit to fly or test to release certificate that would normally take up to 48 hours now takes as little as 1 hour, and no longer than 3 hours to deliver a certificate back to a customer.
To book a test please visit Doctap.co.uk/randox or check out our London PCR Travel Test Sites here.
For further information on the Mobile Testing Laboratory please email mobiletesting@randox.com
Randox Health offers a range of COVID-19 testing services for fit to fly, test to release, workplace testing or simply for peace of mind.
Order a home sample collection kit, book an appointment at a Randox Health Travel Centre (available in the UK and Ireland) or visit a Randox Mobile Laboratory (located at Heathrow and Liverpool Airports).
COVID-19 antibody testing is available in Randox Health Clinics.
Want to know more about Randox?
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23rd January 2021: 9 million tests on the National Testing Programme
23RD JANUARY 2021: THE 9 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 23rd January 2021, Randox reported its 9 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 9 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
12 January 2021: COVID-19 Testing Partnership with Belfast International Airport
Global diagnostics firm Randox is working in collaboration with Belfast International Airport, to provide quick and affordable tests for passengers.
A new walk in testing facility has been launched at the airport, providing rapid PCR tests for those who require a negative test before travelling on any essential journeys.
The newly formed service will provide passengers with a cost-effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport said:
“Many destinations now require passengers, who have to travel for essential reasons, to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival. It is essential that we are able to introduce these measures as testing will help protect travellers and staff, and provide an increased level of confidence for those travelling when current lockdown restrictions ease.
“In the long run it should help assist in the recovery of the aviation and travel sector, however it is only a start and we need more to be done in terms of both the vaccine and testing.”
“Swabs are administered by trained sample collection officers which decreases the likelihood of an inconclusive result. Tests are then conducted by Randox scientists at a state-of-the-art testing laboratory within easy reach of the airport, ensuring the price is kept to a minimum and the results can be turned around quickly.
“We already have a close working relationship with Randox and we are delighted to partner with them on this important development for the travel industry.”
The new COVID-19 facility on site at Belfast International Airport provides a convenient location for passengers right across Northern Ireland, with free onsite parking available. Passengers can receive their certified results next day, which if negative, allow them to travel to their required destination.
Sophie Boyd, Project Manager for the Randox Express COVID-19 Testing Service, said:
“We are proud to be working with Belfast International Airport to make COVID-19 testing accessible, affordable and reliable for all travellers who need to make essential trips.
“We have worked hard to ensure the PCR test is as easy as possible for passengers. People can simply visit the airport website to book a test at a date and time to suit. They can then arrive for their test and receive their results the next day via email.
“It’s great to be able to provide this service to the airport and help support them in getting people back in the air when they are able to do so.”
This new testing provision will strengthen the health measures already in place at the airport in line with the international campaign “Protecting each other” developed and promoted by VINCI Airports for all the airports in its network worldwide.
Based on hygiene recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this campaign helped improve the cleaning and disinfection protocols, physical distancing, staff protection and passenger communications since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 testing from Randox is available to book now and passengers will be able to attend a Randox Testing facility at the airport, or at a Randox Health Clinic in either Crumlin or Holywood. The price is £99.
To book a test with Randox please visit booking.randox.com
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Our COVID-19 Products and Services
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7th January 2021: 8 million tests on the National Testing Programme
7TH JANUARY 2021: THE 8 MILLION MILESTONE
We are pleased to let you know that on 7th January 2021, Randox reported its 8 millionth test result to the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme.
That’s an incredible 8 million samples processed, tested and reported by our dedicated and talented staff.
Our staff are our best asset and have risen to the challenge this pandemic has created.
They have worked hard and flexibly, been creative and innovative, and pulled together as a team to make an impact in the fight against COVID-19.
We are very proud of their efforts and teamwork.
Let us once again say thank you to each and every member of Team Randox, for the efforts they have made.
What we do at Randox remains vital to the national and global management of COVID-19 and our work is making a real and positive difference.
We continue to work hard and improve, for the sake of our family, friends and communities.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Extraction | Viral RNA Extraction Kit
Extraction | Reagent Kit
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Viral RNA Extraction Kit
Designed to enable Automated Purification
- Extracts viral total nucleic acid (RNA) from nasal/throat swabs following brief lysis steps
- 200µl of sample from the nasal/throat swab required for analysis
- Universal kit which can be used for the efficient and automated purification of nucleic acid material
- Kit includes Lysis buffer, Proteinase K and Elution buffer material suitable for the extraction
- Yields highly concentrated nucleic acids that are ready to use in downstream applications such as qualitative or quantitative PCR
- Automated nucleic acid extraction platform available from Randox
The Randox Viral RNA Purification kit is designed for the optimal automated extraction of total nucleic acid (RNA) from nasal/throat samples.
Viral nucleic acid extraction is a critical step in infectious disease testing. Nucleic acid-based detection of viral pathogens requires the extraction of RNA allowing simultaneous detection of any viral infection.
Randox also offer a range of COVID-19 testing solutions including Molecular and Point of Care platforms along with RT-qPCR assays, Quality Controls and EQA schemes.
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Randox unveils SARS-CoV-2 antibody test to determine previous COVID-19 infection in just 1.5 hours
21st December 2020
Randox unveils SARS-CoV-2 antibody test to determine previous COVID-19 infection in just 1.5 hours
Randox Laboratories is proud to announce the launch of its new SARS-CoV-2 IgG test, utilising patented Randox Biochip Technology to simultaneously detect IgG antibodies that are reactive to both of the leading COVID-19 diagnostic antigens – Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Nucleocapsid protein (NP).
Maximum test sensitivity is ensured through simultaneous detection of both RBD-only and NP-only responders, making it superior to current commercially available COVID-19 IgG tests that are based on RBD or NP alone, from which false negative results can occur.
The Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array provides clinicians with an opportunity to discriminate vaccinated individuals from those naturally infected by COVID-19.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Clinical Marketing Manager commented;
“When there is little or no access to molecular testing, serology tests provide a means to quickly triage suspected cases of COVID-19, enabling appropriate case management, and guiding public health measures, such as quarantine or self-isolation.
“The new Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array, provides a unique insight into disease severity, is an established method of indirect disease diagnosis, and facilitates epidemiological surveillance as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.”
The Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array has been developed for the Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated benchtop immunoassay analyser delivering accurate results in just 1.5 hours.
Features of the new Randox SARS-CoV-2 IgG (RBD & NP) Array
- Utilises established diagnostic antigen candidates – RBD and NP
- IgG measurement confirms adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2
- Clinical specificity of 99.5%
- Clinical sensitivity of 100% ≥ 14 days post SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmation
- Dual sample matrix: human serum/plasma.
Contact marketing@randox.com for further information on our latest SARS-CoV-2 array or click to find out more!
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Randox approved for COVID-19 test to release scheme
RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
21 December 2020: RANDOX approved for COVID-19 test to release
Randox has been added to the Department of Health and Social Care’s list of private providers of coronavirus testing.
This includes the lists for both general testing and test to release, a scheme which is applicable to those in England who need to self-isolate on their return from international travel.
If after 5 days you take a test and receive a negative result, you can stop self-isolating.
To purchase your COVID-19 test kit for test to release, visit; https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit-2/
Please Note: The earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you left the country not on the travel corridor list. Individuals who do not opt into the Test to Release scheme will need to self-isolate until 10 full days have passed since they were last in a country not on the travel corridors list.
To opt into the scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
You must complete this form within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK and will require your booking reference number and name of the test provider.
To view the list of test and release testing providers, visit; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
It is important to keep up to date with government guidelines by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus to find out more.
For further information please contact covidcustomersupport@randox.com
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