Building on Covid-19 Capacity for Genomic Testing

An organisation that created a UK marketplace for Covid-19 PCR testing is launching a new service for genomic testing and profiling of other diseases.

Mike Hudson, CEO of TestRAMP said: “We want to put the experience of working with the UK’s top genetic and genomic laboratories to good use. Covid testing grew the capacity and expertise of PCR and genomic sequencing labs – now they are well placed to offer molecular testing for other serious diseases.

“For testing at-home and in traditional healthcare settings, we believe harnessing the capacity of these labs will give faster, wider access to testing and relieve pressure on the NHS. We’re creating a marketplace so that healthcare providers can see which labs offer particular genomic tests, how much they cost and how quickly they are deliverable.

“We’ll also be helping labs to co-operate with each other, including to manage supply and demand.”

During the pandemic, TestRAMP operated as a not-for-profit generating £2.3 million for good causes including Alzheimer’s Society, ZSL and Pilgrims Hospices. Mr Hudson said this work “would continue” both through TestRAMP and through their recently formed charitable TestAID Foundation.

“We say that we are 100% commercial and 100% philanthropic. That means we charge clients fees, but we operate as a not-for-profit and donate most of our revenue to charity. Our raison d’etre is to make diagnostic testing work better and to support  charities at the same time.”

Regarding Covid PCR testing, Mr Hudson said: “Hopefully the worst of the pandemic is behind us in the UK, and the need for Covid PCR testing is much reduced, although we do of course continue to support Covid labs where needed.”

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