Randox Health COVID-19 PCR tests reduced to Ā£43 for international travel
07 June 2021: Randox Health COVID-19 PCR tests reduced to £43 for international travel
Randox Health, the UK’s largest Covid-19 PCR testing provider, today is pleased to announce a major reduction in the price of its gold-standard PCR tests for international travel to a market leading £43. The standard price for the PCR test has also been reduced to a highly competitive £48, with the international travel price accessed through discount codes provided by airlines and travel agencies. The company has significantly expanded its testing capacity, customer support and logistic capabilities over the past year, allowing for greater efficiencies and the most competitive service in the UK, allowing travel with confidence.
The company has to date partnered with 19 major airlines including British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Cathay Pacific and Jet2, and travel providers, such as TUI, to provide discount codes. Randox also has discount code agreements with 17 travel agents, including with the DNATA Travel Group. Randox also provides a unique sample return service based on drop-boxes, which allows customers to guarantee their samples arrive at the laboratories on or before the next day. Randox and DX drop-boxes currently provide over 100 drop-off convenient locations across the UK.
David Ferguson, Sales Director, said: “We recognise the importance of international travel to both the economy and to individuals and are committed to ensuring that essential travel, and holidaying when and where possible, is affordable. Our significant investment and capacity expansion programme has allowed us to make this further price reduction, demonstrating our commitment to helping people live their lives as easily and normally as possible.
“Randox have a capacity of over 500,000 tests per day, making it the largest laboratory in Europe, and to date has processed over 13 million tests. For this reason, travellers can rest assured that they will receive their results in time and their travel will go to plan. Randox has played an important role in the international fight against the pandemic and we will continue to invest in our capacity and services.”
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 allow international travellers to travel with confidence.
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: randoxpr@randox.com
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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.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Randox Health.
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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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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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Randox Covid-19 PCR Tests Reduced to Ā£60 for Overseas Travel
Tuesday 13th April 2021
Randox Covid-19 PCR Tests Reduced to £60 for Overseas Travel
Randox, the UK’s largest Covid-19 PCR testing provider, today announced their support for UK holidaymakers seeking trips overseas by reducing the cost of PCR tests to support travel to £60 per test. Currently PCR tests can cost from £100 each, and often much more.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of the Department for Transport’s plans to open-up overseas travel, potentially from as early as 17th May, but dependent on PCR testing pre-departure and on return. Specific PCR testing requirements will be based on the grading of destination countries within a green, amber and red traffic light system.
Last week UK transport secretary Grant Shapps sought to lower the cost of coronavirus testing to help encourage foreign holidays this summer – and Randox have led the response.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director said;
“In recognition of the needs of both the travel industry and the British public at this unprecedented time, Randox will reduce the all-inclusive cost of PCR testing for those in the UK undertaking international travel to £60 per test. We can see the pressures faced by the both the travel industry and the general public and are committed to effective and economical testing to support holidaymakers and those undertaking international travel.
The £60 PCR test is based on a testing kit ordered, on-line, for home sample collection with the sample returned to the laboratory for testing. The cost is inclusive of VAT and logistics. In order to achieve the £60 price, which is limited to those undertaking international travel, purchasers will need to apply a discount code which can initially be obtained from airlines when booking travel.
Those passengers wishing to order a Randox PCR COVID-19 home test should visit: https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit/
Randox have been active in Covid-19 testing since early 2020, and currently have the largest Covid-19 testing network within the UK.
Background Notes
The Department of Transport report, produced by the Global Travel Taskforce and released on 9th April, shows how international travel could resume from 17 May 2021 at the earliest, in an accessible and affordable way. This includes the removal of the permission to travel form – meaning passengers would no longer need to prove they have a valid reason to leave the country.
The UK is a global leader in genome sequencing, which in positive cases allows the identification of variants of concern.
The risks posed by these variants remain significant, and restrictions for inbound passengers, such as 10-day managed quarantine, home quarantine, and stringent testing will remain in place – but will apply to people differently depending on whether the destination visited is categorised as ‘green’, ‘amber’ or ‘red’.
Green: arrivals will need to take a pre-departure test as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day 2 of their arrival back into the UK – but will not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive a positive result) or take any additional tests, halving the cost of tests on their return from holiday
Amber: arrivals will need to quarantine for a period of 10 days and take a pre-departure test, and a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 with the option for Test to Release on day 5 to end self-isolation early
Red: arrivals will be subject to restrictions currently in place for ‘red list’ countries which include a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, pre-departure testing and PCR testing on day 2 and 8
Testing remains an essential part of protecting public health as restrictions begin to ease – with all arrivals who are not exempt required to book a pre-departure, day 2 and day 8 test before travelling.
For further information on our £60 PCR test 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
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COVID-19 | qPCR Assay
COVID-19 | qPCR Assay
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Detecting SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Accurate PCR Detection of SARS-CoV-2
- Validated for use on either the Applied Biosystems™ QuantStudio™ 5 (0.2 mL 96 well block) or Applied Biosystems™ 7500
- High throughput: 96 samples including controls from extraction to analysis from automated nucleic acid isolation
- CE marked assay detecting all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
- Multiplex PCR assay accurately detecting both SARS-CoV-2 (ORF1ab) and Sarbecovirus (E-gene)
- Rapid turnaround time & PCR run time of 70 minutes
- High sensitivity and specificity with 98% agreement. Low LOD: 250 copies/mL
Randox Laboratories have recently developed a COVID-19 qPCR assay, which can be used for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CovV-2 (ORF1ab) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ((SARS)/SARS-like) viruses (E-gene). PCR based assays are recommended to include two tests. One to detect a universal SARS-like gene and a secondary confirmatory test for gene sequences exclusive to SARS-CoV-2.
In a multiplex format, the Randox qPCR assay allows for differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-like corona infections from other seasonal respiratory illnesses caused by viruses to prevent rapid spread of infection through the isolation of positive cases.
Our assay is compatible with sample matrices including nasal / throat swabs. This test is intended for use in the clinical setting as an aid in the screening and isolation of individuals that require quarantine and immediate intervention.
Internal control provided to monitor assay/sample integrity through the extraction and PCR process.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our COVID-19 Monitoring & Management page
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COVID-19 Testing: PCR (Diagnostic) vs Antibody
18 June 2020
COVID-19 Testing: PCR (Diagnostic) vs Antibody
The advice from the World Health Organisation in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic has been simple; Test. Test. Test.
But what are the different types of COVID-19 tests and what are they used for?
Diagnostic (PCR) Testing
This type of testing detects SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) within the body and will tell you if you currently have COVID-19. PCR tests cannot tell you if you have had past infection.
Sample collection for a PCR test can vary, though it is usually in the form of a swab, which will gather an individual’s nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) secretions.
PCR tests for COVID-19 all use methods that detect a specific part of the viral genome – for example Viral RNA or Antigen.
A sample is prepared by extracting the chosen section of the genome, and then PCR (Polyamerase Chain Reaction) techniques are used to amplify (replicate) the genome section, ready for detection.
Viral RNA Tests
This type of test detects the RNA (Ribonucleic acid) contained within the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It is this type of test, for RNA, that is recommended by The World Health Organisation for COVID-19 diagnosis.
Antigen Tests
Antigens are molecular structures on the surface of viruses that are recognized by the immune system and are capable of triggering an immune response.
Antigen tests detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by looking for the antigen on the surface of the virus.
Randox COVID-19 Test
The Randox COVID-19 test, as recommended by the World Health Organisation, detects the RNA contained within the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
After sample extraction and amplification, the virus is detected on our patented Randox Biochip Technology platform.
The Randox Biochip, which can run multiple tests simultaneously, performs two tests for COVID-19 – one specific and one confirmatory – as recommended by the WHO. This delivers extra assurance of the correct diagnosis and avoids the need to repeat the test.
Antibody (Serology) Tests
Antibody (also known as serology) tests, are usually performed on a patient blood sample, and look for antibodies (a type of protein) that may have been developed by the patient’s immune system to fight off disease.
If present, antibodies may provide a degree of immunity for the patient against COVID-19 in the future.
However, there is still much unknown about the body’s antibody response to COVID-19, including;
- Whether all patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 will generate antibodies (recent studies and news reports indicate that this isn’t the case. Click here for an example.)
- Whether those who have had more severe symptoms as a result of COVID-19 will produce more antibodies than those who had mild symptoms, or were asymptomatic.
- If antibodies from other coronaviruses previously experienced by the patient may be enough to fight off the virus, therefore eliminating the need for COVID-19 specific antibodies.
- How long any COVID-19 specific antibody response will last for.
- How much future immunity is provided by COVID-19 antibodies. Will it prevent the patient from being infected, or will future infection just be less severe?
If antibodies for the SARS-CoV-2 virus are present this can give an indication that the patient has been previously infected with COVID-19. Antibody tests do not confirm the real-time presence of the virus in your system.
For example, a negative antibody result does not necessarily mean the body has not been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It could in fact, be currently infected, but has not yet generated antibodies. A diagnostic test will confirm current presence of the virus.
Therefore, it is recommended that antibody tests are used in tandem with a diagnostic test to determine a complete overview of the patient’s COVID-19 status.
Randox Health currently offers both diagnostic testing and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
A combination of diagnostic and antibody testing is available for individual purchase, or as part of our ‘Back to Business’ COVID-19 testing service, for staff screening.
Visit Randox Health to find out more.
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