Ashbourne company behind Covid-19 test ’game-changer’

An Ashbourne-based company, RocDoc Health Check, has released what it described as “game changing product” in the Covid-19 testing arena - CE marked, HPRA approved molecular tests manufactured by Irish partnering company, HiberGene, a leader in testing technology.

David Rock, CEO of RocDoc said: "After genuine concerns from our GPs and healthcare professionals within RocDoc regarding the winter pressures that will be with us shortly, we needed a way to be able to identify our usual winter flu patients from our Covid patients. Otherwise there is the potential for the healthcare system nationally to become overwhelmed."

RocDoc has set up its first drive-through private Covid testing site on the Meath / Dublin border with other testing sites to follow nationally. These drive-through tests can be booked by both individuals and organisations alike on www.covidcheck.ie.

"The advantage of using this type of testing style is that individuals do not need to leave their vehicles, David Rock says.

"Once a swab has been taken they are collected in batches and taken to RocDoc’s on-site laboratory in Ashbourne for processing. Results are provided by way of notification emails to the individuals with a link to log into their secure personal portal to view results."

Standard tests (LAMP) provides results the same day at a cost of €149 per test. Express tests (LAMP) provides results within a few hours at a cost of €199 per test. Antibody testing will also be available at a charge of €90 and this is conducted at our Ashbourne practice.

RocDoc will also be providing PCR tests at a cost of €179 per test. Both the Antibody and PCR tests are processed externally.

The drive-through service will be complemented by a mobile category two laboratory and testing facility. This mobile facility can be deployed to large organisations who wish to have more than 200 personnel tested with results available within the same day.

Seamus Gorman, CEO of HiberGene commented: "This is a great example of two Irish companies working together to provide fast and accurate testing to both individuals and also businesses in response to the Covid crisis."

RocDoc Health Check is a new company set up through its sister company, RocDoc, a modern GP practice based in Ashbourne, which offees extended hours and additional services such as a skin clinic, private x-ray, private ultrasound along with a minor emergency department.

HiberGene Diagnostics develops, manufactures and markets molecular diagnostic tests for human infectious diseases.

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