We are launching PCR COVID-19 private testing as part of the expansion of the CLS clinical laboratory facilities in the west of Ireland. The service is available to both private industry and public health in Ireland. The new clinical laboratories at CLS adhere to the highest industry standards and have been awarded ISO 9001:2015.
CLS’ COVID-19 private testing service is designed to support proactive screening for COVID-19 and is relevant to all sectors including those that require employees onsite at present. Swabbing for clients takes place on a weekly basis onsite, with tests analysed at CLS laboratories and results available in 24 hours. Any positive tests are reviewed by the CLS clinical consultants and shared with the GP of the person swabbed, with the patient’s GP alerted immediately as well as the local HSE Public Health Department. Participants can also be provided with certification for travel purposes within a three-day timeframe of test taking place.
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is widely recognised as the global ‘gold standard’ for detecting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) and has been approved by public health authorities in Ireland. CLS are amongst a limited number of Irish laboratories to supply this type of test.
Commenting on the announcement, Evelyn O’Toole, founder and Chief Executive Officer of CLS, said: “Since March, we have been evaluating a range of technologies and carrying out extensive testing so that we can move forward with systems and methods that are efficient, highly reliable and robust. By combining best in class technology and systems we have achieved 100 per cent detection level accuracy for our PCR COVID-19 testing service here in Galway. With 26 years of expertise, high quality and reliability are the most important features for all the services we provide, and this was very important for us in entering the COVID-19 market. In addition to our onsite analysts and scientists we have a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to provide PCR swabbing at client sites on a weekly basis.”
“Test analysis is carried out at our accredited laboratories and results are shared with client participants within 24 hours,” she said. “The CLS team is focused on providing a world class testing service and we look forward to working with our clients to provide proactive access to screening for COVID-19 to safeguard employee wellbeing and to allow continuity of business.”
In addition to COVID-19 PCR testing, CLS offers bio safety testing for workspaces as part of its Workplace Hygiene Programme which includes surface swabs and analysis for presence of COVID-19. The validation team at CLS also offer anti-viral assessments on products and technologies to validate their efficiency and performance.
CLS laboratories are accredited and approved by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) for ISO 17025 (108T); ISO 9001:2015; US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA); and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved.