PCR Testing row

Some PCR testing firms removed from the Government website list of suppliers are “reappearing” under other names, according to a report.

Which? says the private testing market isn’t fit for purpose – with serious implications not just for travellers but public health more generally. Testing firms have struggled to provide tests on time over the past year, so it is hard to have confidence they will be able to cope with this spike in demand at short notice.

Several suppliers have been accused of “profiteering” through buying PCR tests at cost price before selling them to travellers with mark-ups of up to £100, reports The i newspaper.

Natalie Kenny, from testing firm BioGrad Diagnostics, told the newspaper that some suppliers were buying tests from her company for £50 and then advertising them at hugely inflated prices to consumers.

Kenny added that she had reported several of these companies to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UK Government has admitted that test providers on its online list “may not have full accreditation.”

“Any provider may be removed from gov.uk on a precautionary basis, pending investigation, if they are believed to be putting public safety at risk or not to be meeting the minimum standards.

“We do not endorse, recommend or approve any private test provider.”

In Edgware a vacant shop in The Broadwalk shopping centre has been leased to pcrtest.co.uk Claret Diagnostics Ltd who charge £120 for a same day turnaround and £100 for the next day.

Randox are advertising a home testing kit at £43 with a click and collect service at £34.99.

www.pcrtest.co.uk

https://covid.randoxhealth.com/home

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