BioGrad Diagnostics expand with new Bootle premises and cuts PCR international travel test cost to £60

BioGrad Diagnostics has announced further growth, investing more than £2m in a second site in Liverpool City Region, based in Bootle. In addition, the firm is almost halving its costs to support travel to £60 per test.

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An In Clinic Pre-Travel RT-PCR test and certificate now costs £60, down from £99, with results provided within 24 hours. A Postal Pre-Travel RT-PCR test and certificate is now £50 + £8.99 return postage, also providing results within 24 hours of arrival at its laboratories, a drop from £125. A day 2 and day 8 postal test has been reduced from £198 to £100 + £8.99 return postage for those travelling to countries on the Amber list, and day 2 postal tests are now £50 following travel to green list countries.

“Over the last 14 months, we have done our bit in helping keep the country moving by providing fast, accurate testing, while trying to remain affordable in order to meet the increased needs of the public and keep people safe in the fight against Covid-19.

“We are processing tens of thousands of tests per week, defining the Gold Standard in Covid-19 testing, and ensuring that we have gained and maintain an excellent reputation in the sector. Opening in Bootle is further evidence of our growing success and our commitment to the City Region and the Northern Powerhouse agenda. We are always looking to collaborate with other organisations across the north, and we are already on the lookout for further premises in the City Region.”

“We have never been about making a profit – it has always been about reinvesting into the business, restocking the laboratory with new equipment and funding our bursaries. We are now in a fortunate position where we can offer discounted prices to the public and get them back on holiday.”

BioGrad is the UK’s leading laboratory-based learning provider for scientists who want professional scientist career development. The Diagnostics arm was formed during the first UK lockdown in 2020 when BioGrad realised it had the scientists, equipment and laboratory space available to help keep schools and businesses open with the provision of regular, fast and accurate Covid-19 testing.

Earlier this year, UKAS, the UK’s National Accreditation Body, which is responsible for determining the technical competence and integrity of organisations offering testing, calibration and certification services, approved BioGrad as a provider of day 2 and day 8 testing for international travel.

Profits from the Diagnostics arm are being invested back into the business to fund further development and growth. Its bursary scheme, which supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds with their course fees, has already benefited greatly from this.