Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulates Randox
Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulates Randox in House of Commons 22 Sep 2020
On Tuesday 22nd September 2020, in the House of Commons, Prime Minster Boris Johnson congratulated Randox for our vital role at national level in helping to deliver the Government’s testing programme.
The statement from the Prime Minister came in response to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, who asked the Prime Minister if he would commend Randox for the work we have done. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said;
Randox has committed 99% of its Covid testing capacity to that programme and on 19th September they successfully reported almost 10,000 samples beyond the recommended daily rate.
The Prime Minister responded by saying;
I do indeed congratulate Randox and all the other businesses involved and we are massively expanding testing the whole time.
Many thanks again for your ongoing support.
Our staff are our best asset and we salute your hard work and commitment.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Matt Hancock pays tribute to Randox staff in House of Commons
Matt Hancock thanks Randox staff in House of Commons 21 September 2020
On Monday 21st September 2020, in the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, personally thanked Randox staff for the role we play within the National Testing Programme.
He said;
Randox deliver a very significant number of tests every single day – a growing number – in fact, they are currently outperforming the allocation we have asked them to deliver and I pay tribute to every single person who works at Randox for the work that they have done and the part that they have played in keeping people safe.
Because everyone who gets a Randox test result, like every other test result, gets more information with which they can keep themselves safe and we have more information with which we can try to keep the whole of society safe.
Our work has greatly expanded the capacity for testing in the UK and we will continue to ramp up our capabilities, to both save lives and promote a timely return to a more normal society.
We thank our staff for their ongoing support, and for their commitment to the work that we do, which is making a real and positive difference.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox response to Sunday Times Article 20 September 2020
STATEMENT FROM RANDOX: 20 September 2020
Key Points:
- Randox has committed 99% of its Covid-19 testing capacity to the national testing programme.
- Randox are fully committed to the national testing programme and robustly refute accusations within today’s Sunday Times.
- On 19th September Randox successfully reported to the national programme almost 10,000 samples beyond its committed daily rate.
- The majority of samples which are voided at Randox are down to logistical reasons outside Randox’s control. Samples voided at Randox’s laboratories are comparable to other laboratories across the programme. Every voided sample is properly accounted for.
- Randox does not prioritise private samples over comparable samples within the testing programme.
- Randox staff have performed extraordinarily well and are our strongest asset.
- All Randox investment in rapidly increasing capacity to the national testing programme has been through its own private resources.
Randox are fully committed to supporting the national Covid-19 testing programme and fully recognise the importance of this work to the economic and social well-being of the nation. We have made significant private investment to increase capacity and drive process improvements. We work very closely with all partners within the programme to ensure the most effective possible testing.
Randox robustly refutes accusations in today’s Sunday Times (Sunday 20th September 2020) that private samples are prioritised over comparable samples within the national testing programme.
This is a gross mis-representation of the facts on the ground with regard to its processes.
We reiterate that Randox does not prioritise private samples over comparable samples from the national testing programme.
Once processed into Randox’s laboratories the vast majority of all samples are reported on within 24 hours. It is inaccurate and unreliable to claim that Randox has completed fewer than one in 10 tests on time. In fact Randox is successfully meeting and exceeding the capacity requirements agreed with Government and fulfilling its contractual obligations. Moreover Randox is successfully reporting above our commitment to Government for the national testing programme.
On average the Randox void rate is comparable across the programme. It is important to note that whilst all laboratories conduct the voiding of samples, the reason for the voiding most frequently lies outside the laboratory – normally user or logistic type issues. It is extremely inaccurate and misleading to claim that Randox, or indeed any laboratory, voids samples without explanation.
Every sample is receipted in accordance with stipulated, formal procedures and processed accordingly. This includes cross-referencing every sample barcode electronically with the national registration database. Every sample is appropriately accounted for and samples will only be voided if, due to the quality of the sample, the results could not be guaranteed as reliable. Every sample is fully assessed and if voided is allocated a formal reason for void, and all void statistics are reported daily to Government for further analysis.
It is important to note that Randox is not responsible for the sample logistics of the national programme and, as requested by the national programme, often receives samples in excess of daily capacity to report on within the following days. This is manageable given the time that samples remain valid.
Randox is a private sector diagnostics company, has been in operation since 1982 and operates in 145 countries across the globe. As such Randox have experience of a wide range of public and private sector responsibilities. Randox takes great care in meeting all of its contractual obligations and fully recognises the critical importance of meeting those obligations with regard to the national testing programme.
Randox does not prioritise commercial work ahead of other work streams.
As stated to the Sunday Times, staffing levels are not an issue and holidays have not impacted on throughput – Randox is currently successfully above our commitment to government.
We reiterate that Owen Paterson MP has played no role in securing any Randox contract with DHSC.
Randox staff have been extraordinary in their commitment and dedication in meeting unparalleled need at a time of national crisis, often in the face of ill-informed and misplaced criticism. We salute our staff.
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
17 September 2020
Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
Vacancies available in support of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme
There’s no doubt that coronavirus is having a devastating effect across the globe.
But here in Northern Ireland there’s a company making a real impact in the fight against COVID-19. And you can be part of it.
Randox Laboratories, in County Antrim, has partnered with the government on its programme for coronavirus testing across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
The programme, which in its first few weeks was focused primarily on staff working within the NHS, and then on key workers, is now available to anyone living across the UK who has symptoms of coronavirus.
Randox are providing high volume laboratory testing of potential COVID-19 samples in its laboratories at the Randox Science Park in Antrim.
It’s an enormous task, but one that Randox is well-equipped to handle. In 2019, Randox manufactured over 3 billion tests and exported to 145 countries. Its new headquarters, the result of a £161 million investment, houses state-of-the-art laboratories and the latest innovations in health diagnostic technology.
The company stepped up to support the government’s testing programme without hesitation.
Across the COVID-19 testing process, a multi-disciplinary team work collaboratively and assiduously to provide optimal support to the national response to COVID-19.
It begins with the production of Randox’s Biochip, a patented testing technology which can run multiple diagnostic tests simultaneously.
Upon identifying the latest strain of coronavirus as a significant global threat, and by drawing on almost 40 years of experience as a world-leading diagnostics company, Randox developed a new Biochip for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in a greatly accelerated time frame of just two weeks. The new Randox Biochip processes two coronavirus tests simultaneously – one specific and one confirmatory – as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The firm’s team of talented scientists continue to develop these COVID-19 Biochips on an unparalleled scale, in preparation for testing of samples from across the UK.
Meanwhile, specialist engineers design and build the coronavirus testing platforms used to conduct the tests when they arrive at the laboratory.
Randox recently announced it was hiring 160 mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineers to work on the fast-tracked development of newly designed molecular analysers used to detect the presence of COVID-19.
And the company is also recruiting for positions in Manufacturing and Science, and in particular scientists who have experience in a diagnostic laboratory, in support of Randox’s role within the government testing programme for COVID-19.
These scientists will be exposed to molecular testing techniques including DNA extraction, PCR techniques and Biochip technology, in order to process samples that arrive at the laboratory for testing.
Everyone at Randox has a vital role to play in the practical application of COVID-19 testing. For Scientists, Engineers and those with experience in Manufacturing, Randox’s recruitment drive is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the fight against COVID-19. Successful applicants will contribute directly both to saving lives and assisting the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out more about the positions available for Randox’s COVID-19 testing project, visit https://randox.getgotjobs.co.uk/
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Randox response to Sunday Times Article 13 September 2020
STATEMENT FROM RANDOX: 13 September 2020
Randox analyse samples and provide Covid-19 test results through the national portal as efficiently as possible, and those tested will receive their results by text and email. The vast majority of those tested will receive negative or positive results.
Otherwise, a small minority of samples may be voided for reasons such as leaking or damaged tubes, or have time expired. Those being tested are made aware that samples only remain valid for a limited period once collected, and those periods of validity are fully understood across the planning and logistic process. Randox have no responsibility for the logistics of sample delivery to laboratories.
Should samples enter the laboratory outside that period the results could not be relied upon; the sample could give a false result and would be voided. In all void circumstances individuals are advised by the national program to seek a retest. Randox, and the Government planners, take every precaution possible to minimise voids, understanding that each sample is of critical importance.
A test can only be voided once it is processed and reviewed within our laboratory system, including cross referencing each barcode electronically with the national registration database.
Randox Laboratories are committed to supporting the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and play an important role in national network of Pillar 2 (outside the NHS) laboratories testing those who may be currently infected with Covid-19. Such testing is critical to the timely identification and containment of Covid-19 outbreaks and to reduce further spread. It is acknowledged that the success of the testing program is essential to the social and economic well-being of the nation.
To support our operations Randox liaise very closely with Government planners responsible for the national collection and distribution of samples, and have built an additional 30,000 square feet of laboratory space and employed many more staff in order to increase capacity. At the time of writing further increases in capacity are being implemented and planned. Decisions on sample distribution across the Pillar 2 laboratory network are made at a national level.
Randox remain committed to effective and timely Covid-19 testing at scale – this is work of national importance.
Press enquiries should be emailed to randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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Vivalytic | The All in One Molecular Solution
Vivalytic | All In One Molecular Solution
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Making a Point to Care
Molecular Diagnostics at the Point of Care
- Fully automated, sample to answer point of care diagnostics
- Full molecular workflow consolidated into one small benchtop platform
- Unique test menu covering a diverse range of respiratory, genitourinary and hospital acquired infections including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- High-Plex & Low-Plex Capabilities. Powered by Randox Biochip Technology enabling multiple results from one patient sample
- Wireless connectivity, no peripherals required making Vivalytic a unique space-saving & hygienic solution
- Easy 4 step process from sample entry to results. No laboratory training required
Consolidate the Full Molecular Workflow
Supporting Team GB through the Paris Olympics
The Vivalytic has supported Team GB by providing comprehensive testing for a wide range of respiratory infections from a single sample. This allows for targeted management of athletes’ health, ensuring precise treatment and quick recovery.
Regular and rapid testing with the Vivalytic helped maintain athletes in peak physical and mental condition by ensuring infection was detected and treated at the earliest opportunity. Check out the video to the right to learn more about how Vivalytic helped prepare and support Team GB.
“It’s important we know the pathogen driving the disease process to be able to target management appropriately“
“AWARD-WINNING DESIGN DELIVERS
AN UNCOMPLICATED USER EXPERIENCE”
Vivalytic Workflow
Intuitive engineering of Vivalytic ensures the analyser is user friendly. The process of patient sample to result comprises a very simple 4 step workflow.
To begin the test, the user scans or enters sample information. The cartridge code is then scanned into the embedded Vivalytic software. The user then adds sample into the dedicated cartridge slot, closes the lid and inserts the cartridge into the Vivalytic.
The touchscreen display will countdown the time remaining to test completion. Results will be displayed on the screen. Multiple Vivalytics can be wirelessly connected allowing the user to control multiple tests at one time all reporting to a master Vivalytic platform.
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Randox selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19
02 September 2020
Randox selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19
Randox Laboratories selected to screen travellers to the UAE for Covid-19, with six sample collection centres across the United Kingdom and Ireland
Randox Laboratories has been selected by Pure Health, the largest laboratory network in the UAE, to test airline passengers flying into the United Arab Emirates, in accordance with the UAE’s requirement for travellers to prove they are not infected with Covid-19. Pure Health has been appointed by the UAE’s government to launch this pioneering project to promote safe travel.
“We are delighted to support Pure Health in their efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic and facilitate safe travels for passengers flying into the UAE,” said David Adamson, Randox Laboratories, Business Development Manager.
“As one of the largest diagnostic facilities in UK, we are ideally placed to successfully deliver this ambitious initiative, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us.”
Randox Laboratories has already set up six collection centres across United Kingdom and Ireland. The programme is already up and running in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Antrim and Dublin.
“The UAE has trusted Pure Health with safeguarding it against any incoming Covid-19 threats, worldwide, this responsibility requires us to ensure we only partner with verified and accredited facilities around the world, thus why we have partnered with Randox Laboratories, to ensure that the screening process is of the highest quality and to ensure an excellent customer service for the travellers.” said Maria El Houari, International Passenger Screening Project Manager at Pure Health.
The UAE issued regulations that require all travellers flying into the UAE to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Travellers without such a certificate are refused entry into the flight.
The system is similar to the ESTA process in the United States. The traveller visits screening.purehealth.ae, chooses a testing location, selects a time slot, and completes the test at the agreed time and place. Test results are then transmitted to the UAE authorities, who use the data to cross-check arriving travellers against the border control database.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
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We Are Randox | Staff Newsletter January – July 2020 Edition
Staff Newsletter January - July 2020 Edition
We are delighted to be able to share with you the January – July 2020 edition of our We Are Randox staff newsletter.
Click here to view our news from 2020 so far – including of course our vital work in testing for COVID-19, but also a range of staff announcements including engagements, births and retirements.
** Please note that this newsletter works most efficiently in your Google Chrome browser**
Dr Peter FitzGerald: “Nothing will ever be the same again.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald: Nothing will ever be the same again.
An Interview with Ulster Business Editor John Mulgrew in The Belfast Telegraph, in which Dr FitzGerald speaks to John about developing and helping roll out millions of tests for Covid-19, a forever changed society, the high likelihood of a similar pandemic returning and when a vaccine for the virus could be found.
Dr Peter FitzGerald’s expertise and opinion has probably never been taken as seriously as it has in the last few months.
“Nothing will be the same again,” he tells Ulster Business. And, of course, he’s right.
His firm Randox – based in Antrim – has been on the front line of testing for Covid-19 right across the UK and beyond. And as a result, he’s hired hundreds of new staff and built a £30m testing lab to deal with additional deluge of work resulting from a global pandemic unlike anyone here has ever seen.
“I think there is a reasonable chance there will be more pandemics, with globalisation and increased population,” he told Ulster Business. “I have no idea how much it will come back again in second wave.
“We know we have the capacity as a company to respond, and respond well. I suspect the country is going to be better prepared… it’s hard to predict.”
The medical testing giant’s first involvement with the current coronavirus strain began back in January, before it became an increasingly concerning dinner conversation in homes across Northern Ireland.
“In late January, research called and were looking at doing a test,” Peter said. “We downloaded the genetic sequence of the virus and spent the next two weeks developing a test. We can do it very quickly, as we already had coronaviruses on chip.
“It was sent to Public Health England, which took a while to prove it. We then got a contract to test for the NHS… we were doing what we thought was for the national good.”
The initial deal didn’t include all of the UK, but Randox is now also testing Northern Ireland.
“We do the testing and we have different analysers that do the testing as well, which we sell to labs across the world.”
The virus has led to a new complete lab being built (in which Peter is pictured in) to deal with the additional testing. “We decided to accelerate the manufacturing in our Randox Science Park in Antrim,” he says.
As a result, it has hired around 200 staff in the space of six to eight weeks to deal with the surge.
“Because we had closely related strains of the virus, it was wasn’t so difficult to modify our tests to allow for slightly different variations… once we got the contract we soon realised that we didn’t have enough lab space to deal with the ramp up.
“We then decided to be 33,000 sq ft of new lab space, and it was needed in three weeks. We got that done – work was 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. It’s now operating well. That has been very important in the process.”
Randox had a workforce of around 1,450 worldwide before the coronavirus crisis began, but has since taken on around 280 additional staff for a range of roles, partly in ramping up demand for the additional testing.
“A lot were being taken on a temporary basis but many will be permanent. We are not sure of the final numbers, but well over 100.” Those roles include scientists, manufacturers, and engineers.
“Nothing will be the same again,” Peter says. “What it has done is heightened the importance of testing. People sometimes don’t know what we do here at Randox… but people now realise.
“In the end, it’s a good thing. We are advocates of testing. It identities disease before symptoms occur and can save lives in many occasions. It saves lives and saves costs. It fits in with what we have been trying to do for years… as far as we are concerned, it’s the silver lining.
“We have customers worldwide and other products kept going. We moved around 100 scientists into Covid-related things and then they have gone back to normal jobs as we bring in new people.
“Some of our R&D projects have changed, new systems and new analysers allow for efficient and accurate testing.”
Peter says that just a small element of the business has seen a decrease amid the crisis, while other areas around Covid-19 have grown. “Only a small element of core business decreased. But our Covid and other genetic products have increased… overall sales will be up and by end of year normal business up as well.”
As a result of the latest expansion and growth across the business, generally speaking, Peter says the workforce looks set to climb to 1,650, with around 500-600 based at its main headquarters, just outside Antrim.
Peter’s also keen to reiterate the importance of Northern Ireland and its people to Randox. “This is our home base. It’s where we do our primary R&D and manufacturing. We also have a facility in Donegal.”
And, could all of this happen again soon, with a further outbreak or a similarly devastating strain or pandemic?
“(We are) more prepared and our technology is getting more accepted through bio chips. Early detection is a very important next stage. You don’t want people who have a cough or fever to think they have Covid all the time. That is where testing comes in and that differentiates.”
Peter says the next stop forward in a bid to address similar future incidents it also understanding how our immune systems work – better.
“The other major step forward in many ways is understanding the immune system better. How to better respond to infection. This will be very important.
“Some people are susceptible, and this could be genetic. (It’s about) working on certain genes in those who may have a bad attack. It will prepare humans better, the body’s defence, dealing with it as well.
“I have a deficiency in a particular gene which means I’m more susceptible to respiratory (conditions) but the spin-off of the gene means I’m less susceptible to certain cancers. This is the issue – it is so complex. One could be a strength and one moment, a weakness.”
And as for the formulation of a proven vaccine, Peter says: “I would say it would be well into next year.”
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com
Photo Credit Elaine Hill
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Jaffe Creatinine Assay
Reagent | Creatinine (Jaffe)
A Marker of GFR Function
Benefits of the Randox Jaffe Creatinine Assay
Excellent precision
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay displayed a within run precision of < 4.0% CV.
Exceptional correlation
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay displayed a correlation coefficient of at least r=0.99 when compared to commercially available methods.
Liquid ready-to-use
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use.
Calibrator and controls available
Calibrator and controls available offering a complete testing package.
Applications available
Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox Jaffe creatinine assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR510 | 1 x 200ml (S)(L) | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR3814 | R1 6 x 51ml (L) R2 3 x 28ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8022 | R1 6 x 68ml (L) R2 6 x 20ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8316 | R1 4 x 20ml (L) R2 4 x 7ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| (L) Indicates liquid option (S) Indicates standard included in kit |
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Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
More useful information
Creatinine is the end-product of muscle catabolism of creatine. In humans, creatinine production is relatively stable, but mainly depends on muscles mass. Consequently, any physiological changes in muscle mass will cause a variation in the creatinine pool independently of GFR changes. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomerulus at a constant rate with 10% to 40% secreted by the tubules 1.
According to the National Institutes of health, the overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approximately 14% 2. Creatinine is the most commonly utilised assay in the assessment of renal function 3. The National Kidney Disease Education Program recommends calculating GFR from SCr. Creatinine measurements are useful in the monitoring of disease progression, with the diagnosis of renal failure when SCr levels are greater than the upper normal interval 4.
Creatinine measurements are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney disease in patients commencing renal replacement therapy, affecting 40% of diabetics (type 1 and type 2) 5. The RENAAL (Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan) study risk score for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) emphasizes the importance of the identification of elevated SCr, alongside other renal markers, in the prediction of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) development in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nephropathy 6.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in COVID-19 patients 7. The analysis of creatinine in COVID-19 patients on hospital admission and after 2 to 4 days highlighted impaired renal function and is the leading cause of death in these patients 8. The National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE), have set out four guidelines for acute kidney injury in hospitalised suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and highlights the importance of creatinine testing 9.
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References
[2] Gounden V, Bhatt H, Jialal I. Renal Function Tests. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507821/ (accessed 24 July 2020).
[6] Dabla PK. Renal function in diabetic nephropathy. World Journal of Diabetes 2010; 1(2): 48-56
[7] Mahmoudi H, Alikhani MY, Taheri NM, Behzadi A. Assessment of changes in blood urea and creatinine levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). v 2020: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-25164/v1 (accessed 16 July 2020)
[9] National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE). COVID-19 rapid guideline: acute kidney injury in hospital. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng175/chapter/4-Assessing-for-AKI-in-patients-with-suspected-or-confirmed- COVID-19 (accessed 16 July 2020).