Randox Covid tests ‘averted thousands of virus hospitalisations and deaths’
Randox Covid tests ‘prevented thousands of Covid hospitalizations and deaths’
- A report commissioned by Randox found that the PCR smears prevented 14,100 admissions
- The tests also led to 3,000 fewer Covid deaths in the UK during the pandemic
One of the largest Covid test manufacturers claims its swabs have prevented thousands of deaths during the pandemic, analysis suggests.
A report, commissioned by diagnostics company Randox, concluded that 14,000 fewer patients with the virus had been hospitalized because of the PCR swabs.
The company, which won more than £600 million in government contracts without a competitive bidding process, was also credited with preventing 3,000 Covid deaths.
The findings, compiled by consulting firm OCO Global, concluded that tests by the Northern Ireland-based company also delivered £8.3 billion in benefits to the economy.
Randox claims this was due to reducing transmission, getting key personnel back to work faster, and facilitating international travel.
A report, commissioned by the diagnostics company, found that the PCR smears meant there were 14,100 admissions in the UK during the pandemic
Former Tory MP Owen Paterson (right) stepped down in November 2021 after an investigation found he broke lobbying rules while working for Randox and other companies
The report states that between March 2020 and June 2022, Randox processed more than 17 million PCR tests as part of its UK testing program — about 12 percent of all tests in the country.
Within the first nine months of the virus reaching British shores, Randox’s capacity increased from 300 tests a day to 120,000.
Rapid scale-up in response to the Covid crisis and innovation in software, automation and robotics have made this possible, the report states.
The company also delivered an additional 7.7 million PCR tests and 1.8 million lateral flow swabs to corporate customers and international travelers.
It is estimated that approximately 4.4 million international round trips occurred as a result of Randox testing.
Earlier in the pandemic, those arriving in the UK had to show proof of a negative test within two days of travelling, as well as pay for a PCR test when back in Britain.
OCO Global’s findings were based on Randox data and interviews.
A spokesman for Randox said: ‘We believe this report provides clear evidence of the achievements, results and value of the work Randox has proudly carried out during one of the largest peacetime emergencies to hit the world and the UK.’
Former Tory MP Owen Paterson stepped down in November 2021 after an investigation found he broke lobbying rules while working for Randox and other companies.
Mr Paterson received nearly £100,000 a year from Randox, in addition to his salary as Member of Parliament for North Shropshire.
An investigation by the parliamentary watchdog found that he had broken the rules of the House of Commons by lobbying on behalf of the company.
Mr Paterson has insisted that he acted in the interests of public health and safety at all times, while Randox has repeatedly said the former MP had no role in the company winning the government contract.