Recommended PCR suppliers

jdwest

Has anybody else had a bad experience with buying PCR tests from the supplier Randox (recommended by some airlines)?

onashoestring

There have been a few threads on here - but people tend to only post when they have had a problem not when things go smoothly 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6280519/randox-avoid

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6283472/randox-pcr-tests

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6280607/randox-didn-t-deliver

silvercar

A few threads, though any company doing this number of tests is going to have a few errors along the way.

that said Nationwide Pathology are only £40 and use Royal Mail drop boxes.

jdwest

I attempted to pay for 2 tests from Randox £86 but when processing the order it froze.  I proceeded to do the order again which was successful. This resulted in Randox taking 2 payments of £86.  I immediately rang to cancel 1 of the orders explaining what had happened and they refused to cancel 1 order and refund me £86.  I had literally rang them 10 minutes after the mistake had been made and was told I’d entered into a contract and was not entitled to a refund.  The customer service I received was disgraceful.

isplumm

well I used expert-medicals.co.uk - £28 for a day 2 PCR test - everything went well - so would recommend them

onashoestring

isplumm said:

well I used expert-medicals.co.uk - £28 for a day 2 PCR test - everything went well - so would recommend them

https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/09/expert-medicals-removed-from-day-2-and-day-8-testing-list/

jdwest

I wished I had read the reviews on Randox.  I thought it was our consumer right to be able to cancel or return orders purchased on line.  Any reputable company would do so.  

silvercar

jdwest said:

I wished I had read the reviews on Randox.  I thought it was our consumer right to be able to cancel or return orders purchased on line.  Any reputable company would do so.  

Not possible, too many people would buy the tests, use the code and then cancel for a refund.

eskbanker

jdwest said:

I wished I had read the reviews on Randox.  I thought it was our consumer right to be able to cancel or return orders purchased on line.  Any reputable company would do so.  

Clause 4.3 of the Randox Ts & Cs claims exemption from such cancellation rights:

4.3.1. The test kits are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons, as per Article 28(3)(a) of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (“2013 Regs”)
4.3.2. It is a government requirement to meet UKAS accreditation to ensure full chain of custody of samples is traceable. Each test Kit is personalised with a unique reference number for the purposes of the testing process and further personalised with unique booking reference numbers due to government requirements for passenger locator forms The kit is therefore exempt from refunds as per Article 28(3)(b).
4.3.3. Depending on the shelf life of the subject kit, the test kits are liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly and therefore they are exempt from returns under Article 28(1)(c) of the 2013 Regs
[...]

Whether these terms are legally valid is another story though, so you could roll the dice and challenge them in court if you feel confident of constructing a case - the current 2020 iteration of the relevant article of the regulations is at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/regulation/28/made