Cellmark's COVID-19 Testing Service

Our work during the pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, Cellmark used its extensive experience of PCR testing to set up a service approved by the Department of Health and Social Care and accredited by UKAS to ISO17025 to support the government, private businesses, and members of the public with rapid COVID-19 testing.

By capitalising on our extensive bioscience expertise, our world-class laboratory facilities and our strong customer service philosophy we were able to quickly introduce an RT-qPCR testing service which we used to test over 100,000 samples collected from across the UK.

We were especially pleased to have supported local GP surgeries and care homes by delivering a rapid testing service to help front line health workers in extraordinarily difficult times. During this time Cellmark also provided Fit to Fly results for thousands of travellers, helping them reach their destination on time.

We would like to express our gratitude to all who put their trust in our services.

A note on PRC testing

Cellmark provided a RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) test to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in oral and nasal swabs. This is the gold-standard laboratory test for COVID-19 and was the requirement for entry into many overseas countries. The PCR test is also sometimes called an antigen test because it is detecting the virus itself, rather than the body’s antibodies produced in response to the virus. This is why it is considered the ‘gold standard’ test for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

If you have a similar project you would like assistance with please visit our Genomic Solutions website, or email us at genomics@cellmark.co.uk.