One of the biggest Covid test makers claims its swabs prevented thousands of deaths during the pandemic, an analysis suggests.
A report commissioned by diagnostics company Randox concluded that 14,000 fewer patients with the virus were hospitalized as a result of the PCR swabs.
The company, which won more than £600m in government contracts without a tender, has also been credited with preventing 3,000 Covid deaths.
The findings, compiled by consultant OCO Global, concluded that testing by the Northern Ireland-based firm also benefited the economy by £8.3bn.
Randox claims this is because transfers have been reduced, key staff return to work faster and international travel has been made easier.
A report commissioned by the diagnostics company revealed that PCR swabs led to 14,100 admissions in the UK during the pandemic
Former Tory MP Owen Paterson (right) resigned in November 2021 after an investigation found he broke lobbying rules while working for Randox and other companies.
The report states that Randox processed more than 17 million PCR tests through its UK testing program between March 2020 and June 2022 – around 12 percent of all tests in the country.
Within the first nine months after the virus hit British shores, Randox’s capacity increased from 300 tests a day to 120,000.
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Rapid scale-up in response to the Covid crisis and innovations in software, automation and robotics made this possible, the report says.
The company also shipped an additional 7.7 million PCR tests and 1.8 million lateral flow swabs to corporate customers and international travelers.
It is estimated that around 4.4 million international round trips have been made as a result of Randox tests.
At the start of the pandemic, those arriving in the UK had to show a negative test taken within two days of travel and also pay for a PCR test on their return to the UK.
OCO Global’s findings were based on Randox data and interviews.
A spokesperson for Randox said: “We believe this report provides clear evidence of the achievements, results and the value of the work Randox was proud to do during one of the biggest peacetime emergencies to hit the world and the UK .”
Former Tory MP Owen Paterson resigned in November 2021 after an investigation found he broke lobbying rules while working for Randox and other companies.
Mr Paterson received almost £100,000 a year from Randox, on top of his salary as MP for North Shropshire.
A parliamentary watchdog investigation found he broke House of Commons rules by campaigning for the company.
Mr Paterson insisted 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.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
