Randox, one of the biggest providers of Covid PCR test kits, said it will expand and improve its capacity in the wake of criticism about overflowing sample drop boxes.
Travellers had shared pictures on social media at the weekend, showing returned Randox test kits piled up at drop boxes in Sutton and Hampstead.
A spokesperson for Randox said all of the sample kits pictured will be processed.
The spokesperson advised clients facing a similar situation: “If a drop box is full, customers should not leave samples on top of or around the drop box.
“Instead, customers should check the Randox website for details of their next closest drop box location or options for an alternative returns method.”
The spokesperson continued: “Randox is constantly expanding and improving its Covid-19 testing capacity and associated logistics network, which is already the largest in the UK, to meet the rapidly growing demand resulting from the loosening of travel restrictions.
More: Covid testing regime could be ‘overwhelmed’ when foreign travel curbs are lifted
“Randox continues to increase the number of drop boxes across the UK, which already totals over 200, and is increasing the frequency of box collections which are already occurring multiple times per day.
“Randox is providing premium testing services in dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances and is committed to continuously improving its logistics network, to ensure that all international travellers receive their results in time.”
Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweeted in reaction to the shared photographs: “These pointless rip-off day two PCR tests for people returning from amber and green list countries, most of which have a fraction of our Covid-19 rates, are becoming a bad joke.”
These pointless rip-off day two PCR tests for people returning from amber & green list countries most of which have a fraction of our #COVID19 rates are becoming a bad joke. #SaveOurSummer#speakupfortravelhttps://t.co/iewGHnCyGu
— Ben Bradshaw (@BenPBradshaw) August 9, 2021
At least one PCR test is required for all arrivals from international destinations within two days of landing in the UK.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, also tweeted about the pictures, saying: “Months ago our investigation found evidence the private testing system could not cope with large numbers of people travelling. Government can’t claim these problems were unforeseeable. We warned them – there was months to act. And here we are.
Months ago our investigation found evidence the private testing system could not cope with large numbers of people travelling.
Government can’t claim these problems were unforeseeable. We warned them – there was months to act.”
And here we are.https://t.co/m2SYM9U75b
— Rory Boland (@roryboland) August 9, 2021
Picture shows PCR travel test by Randox. Shutterstock/ilze kalve