FAQs for Media
Frequently Asked Media Questions
Randox have almost 40 years of experience as a primary manufacturer in the IVD (in vitro diagnostics) industry. Last year we manufactured over 3 billion tests and exported to 145 countries. Randox are an ISO 13485 accredited manufacturer of in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, are a provider of a global laboratory accreditation scheme (RIQAS) accredited to ISO 17043, and run a number of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. As an exporter to 145 countries and a manufacturer to other diagnostic companies we undergo multiple external audits each year, in order to remain engaged with our global markets.
At the time of the emergence of the COVID-19 threat, Randox had already developed seven CE marked assays for a range of viruses, including a number of other coronaviruses.
Upon identifying the latest strain of coronavirus as a significant global threat, Randox was able to harness our R&D capability, and some 40 years’ in diagnostics, including viral tests, to develop an effective COVID-19 assay with the same rigorous validation processes that we applied to all our other assays.
The Randox COVID-19 test underwent evaluation within, and was accepted by, Public Health England.
In its evaluation of the Randox COVID-19 test, Public Health England’s report noted that the assay correctly identified all positive and negative samples without exception.
As one of the UK’s major life sciences companies, providing diagnostic capabilities both within the UK and globally for almost 40 years, Randox has maintained regular contact with senior officials directly responsible for Life Sciences in the UK, particularly in the fields of diagnostic capability and innovation. We had developed our COVID-19 testing capability by mid-February 2020, and notified officials as such.
Over a number of weeks, we worked collaboratively with government to determine how best we might be able to support the national testing programme.
Our contribution to this programme, which was announced on 27th March, was the culmination of significant engagement, from the identification of the threat, until that date.
The UK Government showed significant confidence in Randox’s capability and conducted full engagement and planning subject to PHE acceptance of the Randox test. When PHE acceptance was granted, the Randox part in the national plan had been prepared and was quickly initiated.
Randox are providing high volume testing within our laboratories.
It should be noted that Randox is only one partner within a multi-partner, national testing programme being run and coordinated by the Department of Health and Social Care.
In order for the testing programme to work efficiently, all partners work to ensure effective processes at each stage of the testing journey – from testing kit distribution and sample collection to transportation and delivery, and finally, the testing of the sample.
For our part, we are focused diligently on processing all tests in a timely manner after receipt of sample at our laboratory.
It is our priority to ensure that we support the national effort to fight COVID-19, by testing at scale, as we know that this is the most effective way to save lives and promote a timely return to a more normal society.
PHE managed the validation process for each of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We understand that the national plan for COVID-19 testing is exactly that, a national plan, inclusive of Northern Ireland. The planning for the national distribution of test kits is being managed by the various statutory agencies however Randox made the case that tests should be made available locally.
Following that engagement, Randox tests were made directly available within Northern Ireland, and sent, for example, to the drive-through test centre at the SSE arena.
Randox will continue to support Northern Ireland within the UK national plan.
The Randox COVID-19 test is a molecular-based test which looks for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) within the body. PCR (Polyamerase Chain Reaction) techniques are used to detect viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) contained inside the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Randox COVID-19 assay conducts two tests – one specific and one confirmatory – as recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
The majority of results are reported within 24 hours of receipt of sample at our laboratories.
The Health Secretary, Matthew Hancock, acknowledged that it was the lack of a significant domestic diagnostic industry that had impeded the Government’s initial efforts on testing, which helps explain the variation between the UK and other countries.
Read an Opinion Piece from our Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, on the Telegraph Online, by clicking here.
In support of our role within the national testing programme we have invested £85m since March 2020 in the building and equipping of over 80,000 sq ft of molecular laboratory space and the development of new innovations in testing technology in our COVID-19 testing facilities at the Randox Science Park in Northern Ireland.
We have hired more than 850 new staff, and are recruiting for an additional 400 across science, accessioning, customer support and manufacturing.
Find out more here.
On 9th April 2021, Randox processed its 12 millionth sample within the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme, representing approximately 21% of all PCR tests executed in the UK.
As we continue to ramp up our testing capabilities, and work alongside the government to offer this testing to an increasing list of individuals, we also recognize a demand for testing from the general public – for COVID-safe travel and business.
The Randox COVID-19 test is available to purchase as part of our ‘Get Back to Business’ COVID-19 testing service, for staff screening.
On 13th April 2021 Randox announced its support for British holidaymakers and the travel industry by reducing the cost of its PCR travel test to £60. In order to achieve the £60 price, purchasers will need to apply a discount code which can be obtained from airlines when booking travel. Major airlines including British Airways, Jet2, Easyjet and Ryanair have signed up to provide discount codes for their passengers.⠀
Yes, Randox can conduct antibody testing.
Find out more here.
For COVID-19 press enquiries please email randox@newcenturymedia.co.uk
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What We Do: Cutting-Edge Healthcare Diagnostics
About Randox
You may already be familiar with Randox! Not only do we sponsor the world’s greatest race, the Randox Grand National, we also have a range of sporting partnerships including Sheffield United Football Club, Olimpia Milano basketball team and more. Or perhaps you recognise the name as being one of the partners in the UK Government’s testing programme for COVID-19.
Disruptive Innovation in Diagnostics and Healthcare
Randox is dedicated to improving healthcare using innovative diagnostic technologies, for a range of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and stroke.
Whilst the science is complex, the applications are not. Diagnostic testing takes place every day behind the scenes of GP surgeries, laboratories and hospitals.
Around 70% of all medical decisions are based on laboratory results, and so, not surprisingly, we believe that earlier, more accurate and more accessible diagnostics are the key to improving global health and saving lives.
The Future of Healthcare
We are significantly increasing our UK High Street presence, using the unique national coronavirus testing infrastructure and capacity we invested in during the pandemic to deliver a new range of preventative health checks. Expansion plans will see up to 20 new Randox Health clinics operating in the UK and Northern Ireland by the end of the year. The clinics will provide easy access for millions to a range of diagnostic tests for vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, inherited/genetic conditions and key health concerns including heart, liver and kidney conditions.
Key to the unique range of diagnostic testing available at our growing network of clinics is the testing technologies, facilities and comprehensive, nationwide distribution network rapidly developed by Randox Laboratories to play a key role in meeting the sudden national demand for Covid-19 PCR tests. At the height of the pandemic emergency, Randox were the only laboratory in the UK and Northern Ireland to process over 100,000 PCR tests per day, saving thousands of lives.
Now, with millions of people having become accustomed to regular testing through the pandemic, Randox is combining that familiarity with its own unique Covid-19 experience and infrastructure to deliver real, affordable and preventative healthcare through early diagnostic testing on the High Street.
“Randox believes that in harnessing the achievements of during the pandemic we can help the shift away from the traditional model of sickness management to a new era of truly preventative healthcare. This will benefit individuals and society by improving patient outcomes and considerably reducing the burden on our vital and hard-pressed clinical services” (Randox founder and Managing Director – Dr Peter FitzGerald).
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the vision of Randox?
The Randox ethos of improving healthcare, which drove our Managing Director Dr Peter FitzGerald to start the company in the 1980s, continues today. Up to 25% of our turnover is reinvested in research and development to enable our scientists to work on the development of pioneering tests for a range of common illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
We have also spent more than £220 million developing our patented Randox Biochip. This state-of-the-art biochip technology has revolutionised the diagnostics industry because it allows multiple tests to be carried out from a single, undivided patient sample on a single testing platform.
When and why was Randox established?
Our Managing Director Dr FitzGerald established Randox in 1982 in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, to address the need for accurate and readily available diagnostic tests to improve patient diagnosis. At that time, doctors only conducted a handful of tests per patient, but now, more than 30 years later, Randox has developed and improved hundreds of tests, with hundreds more in development.
What products and service do Randox offer?
Randox has a broad range of products and services that offer a comprehensive insight into patient diagnosis to facilitate more effective disease management and treatment.
Our clinical product offering includes diagnostic reagents, quality control, and clinical chemistry analysers.
Our patented Randox Biochip Technology and associated Immunoassay analysers also have applications for forensic toxicology, food diagnostics, and workplace drug testing.
Our Randox Health clinics offer a range of health checks across general health, sexual health, respiratory health and more.
Who and where are Randox customers?
Randox’s focus has traditionally been on healthcare providers, so we have placed our products and services in hospitals, clinics, research and molecular laboratories, food testing, forensic toxicology, life sciences and veterinary laboratories.
With the establishment of our consumer brand, Randox Health, we also offer our innovative tests directly to the consumer in our Randox Health clinics, currently located in London, Liverpool, Holywood and Crumlin.
We have ambitious plans to roll out a number of new clinics across the United Kingdom and internationally, over the coming months and years.
What is the size of the company?
Our company has grown from a small team of two scientists, to 1500 employees of 44 nationalities, including 430 research scientists and engineers.
Where are Randox headquartered and what is the geographical reach?
Our headquarters are in Crumlin, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland – close to Belfast International Airport. However, we are a global company and currently have offices and distribution outlets in 145 countries, with manufacturing and R&D capabilities in 4 jurisdictions across 3 continents.
We are currently relocating our headquarters to the Randox Science Park in Antrim; a £161 million project which will accelerate the development of new products into a wide range of clinical needs, including various cancers, stroke, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
We are very proud of our global penetration – today, approximately 5% of the world’s population receives medical diagnoses using products from Randox. That equates to about 370 million people. We also supply 15% of the world’s cholesterol tests, so if you’ve ever had your cholesterol checked, then there’s a high chance it could have been performed using a Randox product!
What are the biggest issues within the health sector?
Our key observation across the globe is that within healthcare the pressure on resources means there is a focus on the “management of sickness,” rather than preventative care.
We know that a focus on early diagnosis and preventative care will improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Making that paradigm shift is a major challenge.
That’s why Randox Health was established – to allow the consumer direct access to our innovative technologies so that they can take control of their health and make appropriate lifestyle changes BEFORE disease manifests and symptoms occur.
What is Randox doing in the fight against COVID-19?
To find out more about our test and testing services for COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 FAQ page by clicking here.
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Contact us or visit our dedication to quality webpage.
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