Randox launches whole pathogen Blood Borne Virus Controls at AACC
Randox launches whole pathogen Blood Borne Virus Controls at AACC
Whole pathogen Blood Borne Virus (BBV) controls have been brought to market by global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
The molecular controls, available under the brand name Qnostics, are versatile in monitoring the presence of BBVs, including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
For use with molecular methods, the controls are manufactured using whole pathogens and therefore mimic the patient sample, providing the best sample matrix for laboratories.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Quality Control Manager, explained;
“We’re delighted to be able to bring to market these whole pathogen Blood Borne Virus Controls, which are designed to help molecular laboratories effectively manage assay performance.
“Using whole pathogens in the development of the controls ensures we meet the demands of today’s molecular diagnostics laboratories by monitoring the entire testing process.”
The Molecular BBV controls from Randox, which are liquid frozen for user convenience and ease of use, will aid microbiology and virology laboratories to monitor assay drift and ultimately will help to ensure accurate test system performance. Each control is designed to be medium positive and are suitable for use with a variety of molecular workflows.
Lynsey added;
“These versatile Blood Borne Virus controls can be used in the daily monitoring of assay performance, but are equally applicable for use in the validation/verification of new assays, and may also be used for troubleshooting after poor EQA performance.”
Randox Blood Borne Virus Molecular Controls are manufactured to ISO 13485 standards and calibrated against an independent Internal Reference Material. Also included within the Qnostics BBV range are Molecular Q panels. Each molecular Q panel includes a negative, low, medium and high positive sample designed to cover more of the assays measuring range.
Key Features and Benefits of Randox Blood Borne Virus Qnostics Controls:
- Third party controls as recommended by ISO 15189:2012
- Specifically designed to meet the demands of today’s molecular diagnostics laboratory and laboratories carrying out Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT)
- Suitable for use across a wide range of molecular assays to monitor the entire molecular workflow from extraction to amplification and detection
- Flexible and suitable for use with the majority of commercial and in-house molecular methods
- Traceable to the current relevant WHO International Standards and characterised by digital PCR
- Liquid frozen for user convenience and ease of use, with no additional preparation required
- Calibrated against an independent Internal Reference Material (IRM)
- Quality products manufactured to ISO 13485: 2016 standards
- Manufactured using whole pathogens and therefore mimic the patient sample providing the best possible sample matrix for laboratories
- New controls available include Hepatitis B (HBV) Medium Q Control, Hepatitis C (HCV) Medium Q Control and HIV Medium Q Control
- US-IVD labelled for clinical use
For further information please visit https://www.randox.com/molecular-infectious-disease-controls/blood-borne-virus-testing/, visit us at stand 1101 at this year’s AACC or email market@randox.com
Randox Food Diagnostics to attend Apimondia 2019 in Montreal
Randox Food Diagnostics will be attending Apimondia 2019 in Montreal, Canada from the 8th – 12th September.
Apimondia is the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Association. Its major objective is to facilitate the exchange of information and discussions within the honey industry by organising seminars where beekeepers, scientists, honey-traders, agents for development, technicians and legislators meet to listen, discuss and learn from one another.
In order to help the honey industry Randox Food Diagnostics have developed Biochip Array Technology. Biochip allows for the detection of multiple antibiotics / antimicrobials / pesticides from a single honey sample.
Antibiotics such as oxytetracycline are essential for the control of bacterial diseases of agricultural plants. Most applications are by spray treatments in orchards therefore bees collecting nectar from treated plants causes antibiotic residues to transfer to the honey.
It has previously been idenitified that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be found in the guts of insects feeding on a variety of plants, which are not exposed to significant levels of antibiotics in other forms. K Ignasiak 2016 Insects are responsible for the pollination of most flowering plants. Importantly, insects have an economic role, as domesticated pollinators bees alone contribute between $1.6 and $5.7 billion to US agriculture alone. This exposure to antibiotic residues can cause adverse health effects in humans via honey consumption and in the long term create antibiotic resistance within the entire food chain.
Randox offer a vast number of arrays for the detection of antimicrobials in honey including: sulphonamides, trimethoprim, dapsone, Quinolones, streptomycin, tetracyclines, erythromycin, nitroimidazoles and many more. Our Biochip platform enables the user to run up to 54 honey samples on the Evidence Investigator analyser in under 2 hours 30 minutes, allowing the user to consolidate costs and time.
See our full range of arrays for the detection of antibiotics on Biochip Array Technology:
Stop by booth B1 at Apimondia to find out about the Randox Food Diagnostics range of products for the screening of antibiotics in honey.
For further information please email info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
Randox staff raise over Ā£14,000 for mental health charity partners AWARE and Mind Your Mood
Global healthcare company Randox Laboratories has today announced that staff have raised over £14,000 for mental health charity partners AWARE NI and Mind Your Mood, during 2018 and 2019.
AWARE NI is the depression charity for Northern Ireland with an established network of 24 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country. They also deliver mental health and wellbeing programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. Mind Your Mood is an initiative designed and managed by students at Ulster University to help break down the stigma of mental health and encourage students to access support.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director and Founder of Randox Laboratories, commented:
“There is no doubt that mental health issues are a major concern within our society and the vigour with which staff at Randox have fundraised for AWARE NI and Mind Your Mood, two causes close to everybody’s hearts, is to be commended.
“Randox staff across all areas – from Science to Engineering and Business to Manufacturing – have raised a substantial sum for our two charity partners and we hope that this figure will aid awareness of mental health and contribute to the help given to those suffering in Northern Ireland.”
The partnership, which was announced in July 2018, kicked off with the annual Randox Fest staff BBQ in August where 400 staff members had the opportunity to participate in a football tournament, tug-of-war and rounders. Talented musicians amongst Team Randox even took to the stage to bring live music to the festivities.
Throughout the year, Randox staff continued to enthusiastically support AWARE and Mind Your Mood. In October 2018, Randox hosted a company-wide Mental Health Month which saw various divisions take part in a fundraising coffee morning in Randox Health’s clinic in Holywood, a Wear Yellow Day across all of Randox’s NI sites, a daring abseil from the dome of Victoria Square Belfast and a fundraising bake sale for staff members.
The Randox Gaelic Football team also fundraised for the charities with their participation in an Interfirm Tournament in November 2018, while the annual Randox Christmas Raffle in December 2018 was once again popular as staff members vied for top prizes of a 55” Sony smart TV, an extra day of annual leave and tickets to the world-renowned Randox Health Grand National. Children of Randox staff also enjoyed a visit from another famous and festive figure in a red suit at this yearly family event in the staff calendar.
Clare Galbraith, Corporate Fundraising Officer for AWARE, commented:
“We have thoroughly enjoying working with Randox over the past year and are incredibly grateful to Randox staff for their hard work and perseverance in achieving this tremendous amount of fundraising.
“The vital work of AWARE is funded primarily by donations and without the generosity of people like those at Randox, we would not be able to provide the services we do to those living with depression and bipolar disorder in Northern Ireland.”
The new year in 2019 saw Randox staff taking part in a charity golf day at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Belfast City Marathon and another abseil, this time from the top of Cave Hill’s most iconic landmark, Belfast Castle. Two brave staff members have also volunteered to scale the heights in a 10,000ft skydive in Garvagh which will take place later in the year.
Randox fundraising for AWARE NI and Mind Your Mood came to an end with AWARE NI’s Dragon Boat race on the River Lagan at the end of June 2019. Two Randox boats competed against 12 others in a race against the clock, with one Team Randox boat reaching the semi-final of the event.
Eddie Friel, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Ulster University said:
“Ulster University and Randox have a long-standing partnership built around research, knowledge, sharing, collaboration and student opportunity. This generous sum raised by Randox staff will go a long way in helping to support the mental health activity taking place at our four campuses through the Mind Your Mood initiative.”
Over £14,000 was raised, £10,826 of which was for AWARE NI-related activities and £3,270 for Mind Your Mood.
For further information please email randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
Scotland set to introduce new āzero toleranceā policy for DUID
Scotland is set to introduce a new “zero tolerance” policy to those caught driving under the influence of drugs.
Ministers in Scotland want to make it easier for police officers to target people driving with illegal drugs in their bloodstream. The policy will supersede the current need to prove that someone was driving in an impaired manner as a result of drug consumption. The law in Scotland currently states that it is illegal to drive if impaired by drugs, be it prescription or illegal drugs.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said;
“The introduction of drug driving limits will strengthen the power of Scotland’s police and prosecutors to tackle the minority of drivers who irresponsibly put themselves and other road-users at risk. Drug driving is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to prevent the avoidable deaths and damage caused by those who drive under the influence of drugs. Together with our stringent drink-driving limits, these new laws will ensure that Scotland have the UK’s most robust laws against impaired and unsafe driving.”
Under the new plan, eight of the most commonly abuse illegal drugs – including heroin, ketamine and ecstasy – will have limits set very close to zero to rule out claims of accidental exposure. A further eight drugs, which can have medicinal purposes – such as diazepam and methadone – will have higher limits based on their ability to impair drivers. These proposals would mean just having drugs in your system that breach the limits, this is sufficient evidence to prosecute.
Utilising our Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence MultiSTAT From Randox Toxicology has screening panels which cover a broad range of classical, prescription and common DUID drugs of abuse.
For more information about our products for driving under the influence screening, email info@randoxtoxicology.com or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
Experience Country Life at Randox Antrim Show
A host of family-friendly country fun will descend on the majestic setting of Shane’s Castle on Saturday 27th July as Randox Antrim Show comes to town.
The event offers an enjoyable day out in the country as the best horses, cattle, sheep, fruit, vegetables, craftwork and baked goods are brought to one location for a public showcase. It also involves children’s entertainment, dog agility displays, a petting zoo, live music, sheep shearing, and stalls, to name just a few of the things made possible by the support of many sponsors, including that from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
In the ‘Festival of Food’ marquee local produce will be promoted by celebrity chef Paula McIntryre and local chef Jonny Clarke from The Holestone, Parkgate, who will be hosting cookery demonstrations throughout the day. They’ll be joined by local food producers keen for the public to sample their wares.
The show is indebted to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme for providing sponsorship in this area, which has also enabled, in conjunction with the McKeever Hotel Group, a schools’ competition to promote local produce. The top three entrants in the primary and secondary sections receive complimentary access to the event to discover who won.
Randox Antrim Show is an event where children and pets are welcome. The popular Children’s Pet Show accepts £1 entries from U16s on the day, just ahead of the 1.30pm judging in the cattle ring with the ‘Pet Show’ sign. Note, large animals may be refused entry for health and safety reasons. A free Children’s Treasure Hunt for U12s has also recently been introduced.
The entertainment marquee is home to live music and the jiving competition that annually crowns the Show’s ‘King & Queen of the Castle.’ The show’s entertainment is made possible by support from the Enkalon Foundation. For the winning jiving couple there is a cash prize of £200 on offer, £100 for second and £50 for third place. Entries are taken on the day of the show.
In the Horticulture and Home Industries section, as well as a new ‘Jim McKay Trophy’ for best exhibitor in the vegetable section, there is a new Young Farmers’ Clubs Craft class to make a ‘Kitchen Memo Board’. The section includes a range of new classes including some in Photography.
As one of Northern Ireland’s leading regional one-day agricultural shows, Antrim is delighted to be hosting four Northern Ireland championships in its cattle section: The Thompson’s NISA Dairy Cow Championship; the Aberdeen Angus Ulster Championship; the Dexter Group’s Premier Show; and the Northern Ireland Limousin Championship.
Visit the show’s website for the full schedule and ultimate close date for entries, however, entries for the horticulture section are still accepted up until Friday 26 July by contacting that section direct on 075 2609 9966. Only show jumping classes (and in exceptional circumstances other equine classes) can be entered on the day of the Show. For enquiries email secretary@antrimshow.com.
Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 27 July at Shanes Castle, from 9am until 5pm. Admission at the gate is £10 per Adult, £5 per Youth (12-17 years), YFC member is £5 by showing card, and Under 12s go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is free. Discounted Adult tickets are available only in advance until 25 July on the show website.
For further information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
We Are Randox | Biosciences Placement Student Kathryn Wilson
For our 2018/19 placement students, their year with Randox is almost at an end.
To mark their time with us and wish them the best of luck with their future studies, we took the opportunity to speak with one of our placement students in the sales team, to give us an insight of her experience during a Randox placement year.
Meet Kathryn Wilson, Business Placement Sales Executive for Randox Biosciences.
Hi Kathryn, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 21-year-old student studying Bsc Equine and Veterinary Bioscience at Aberystwyth University in Wales. In September 2018 I began working in the Biosciences division of Randox Laboratories, specifically working on the release of new molecular technologies for clinical diagnostics. As part of a newly formed sales team, my focus is on the diagnostics market in Ireland.
Why did you want to forge a career in sales?
Whilst studying my bio-veterinary degree my only focus had been on science, so I was keen to broaden my horizons and explore opportunities in a business role for a company involved in the life-sciences industry. Initially, I was tentative of a role in sales, but I knew it would be a good way to develop a broad knowledge of business and the industry, and develop new skills.
Why did you decide to take your placement year with Randox?
Randox was a perfect fit for me, as a global scientific company based in Northern Ireland. I was looking for a placement that would allow me to spend time at home before returning to Wales for university.
I was intrigued by their range of products and diverse market presence in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, research and healthcare. It seemed like a good company to gain an insight into new research in a variety of career sectors.
Describe a typical day as a Business Placement Sales Executive.
My role has evolved as we have moved through the different stages of product development throughout the year. Initially, when I first joined the team, we were in the planning stage. This involved mapping potential contacts and key sites in Ireland, and developing a sales strategy.
As this is a new venture for Randox the role also involved educating the market on our technology and creating awareness in all potential points of sale. This educational aspect of my job involved regular trips and meetings across Ireland, and frequent UK team meetings to discuss market feedback and problem solve. It’s important that we have been able to adapt our sales strategy for the specific healthcare areas -from public to private and point-of-care to large laboratories. Coming into the final month of my placement we are now prepared for product release with confirmed validation studies and initial placements, and significant interest across Ireland.
What are some examples of the tasks and responsibilities of your role?
There has been a range of ongoing tasks throughout the year to facilitate a busy and growing division. I was given the responsibility of forecasting, logging orders and organising meetings, and have been involved in internal decision-making processes alongside management. I have also helped to manage the university contracts in Ireland for our lab equipment, reagents and outsourcing some testing for specific studies.
Before I finish my placement I’m researching the market for upcoming arrays for launch next year, and planning a final trip in Ireland.
What was the most exciting part of your placement with Randox Biosciences?
The opportunity to travel around Ireland and London has been excellent. To date I have participated in over 10 conferences on behalf of Randox. Highlights for me have been corporate hospitality with potential customers at the Randox Health Grand National, and presenting at the first Infectious Disease Forum for Randox, in front of representatives from microbiology sites across Ireland.
I was also trusted to conduct a trip on my own around Donegal and Sligo, coupled with a visit to our Donegal R&D site, Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, to learn about future veterinary arrays in development.
It has been a privilege to be able to work with such a diverse range of people – from the scientists developing the products, to the sales team specialising in markets across the globe. There are so many different career paths here at Randox.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your time at Randox Biosciences?
I have been challenged to quickly adapt to the business environment and gain an in-depth understanding of the wide range of products. I have been pushed outside my comfort zone to discuss with customers, present to the team and take responsibility of the day-to-day tasks.
Knowing the new molecular diagnostics range, infectious disease panels, and competitors in the market well enough to be confident in front of potential customers on my own, has also been a challenge. Hard work at Randox is acknowledged however, and I was awarded runner-up Business Student of the Year.
What is the best thing about Randox and would you recommend this placement to other students?
The best thing about a placement with Randox is that you will be given as many opportunities as you are willing to take. They are very supportive and will push you as much as any other member of the team.
As a non-business student this year has given me a wealth of insight into the workings of a global company, as well as furthering my scientific knowledge and interests in many aspects of the industry.
I would recommend a Randox placement for students who are keen to gain as much experience as possible in a global company focused on new and exciting health research.
What are your goals for the future?
My experience at Randox has given me an excellent insight into the world of business in the biosciences industry, and has prepared me well to build a career in this exciting industry. I think that the experience gained through Randox will be applicable to many life sciences sectors which I would like to explore further.
Although I am not sure what the future may hold, in the shorter term I am looking forward to returning to finish my final year at Aberystwyth.
For more information about Randox Biosciences and what career opportunities we offer please contact info@randoxbiosciences.com
Workplace Alcohol and Drug Testing Solutions from RTS
At Randox Testing Services our workplace drug & alcohol testing programs are designed with the customer in mind. We tailor our packages to ensure that every company has the testing program in place that suits the needs of their business. We find that no two companies have the same requirements. What works for one may not necessarily work for another, so our experience in helping companies craft tailored packages has afforded us knowledge that has allowed us to build long-term customer relationships.
Have a read below about how we help companies across various markets in their efforts to provide safer workplaces by reducing the impact of drugs & alcohol.
Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing
With the widespread availability of drugs and alcohol, there is an increased risk of substance abuse in the workplace leading to huge ramifications for a business and its employees. Jeopardising the safety of not only the user, but also their co-workers and in some cases the public, it affects the whole business environment and puts those present at serious risk of harm.
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people aged between 15-64 used an illicit drug in the past year. What’s more concerning is that 10% of these people are considered to be problem drug users. In the UK, it is estimated that £7.3 billion is lost each year due to the amount of lost work and productivity through alcohol abuse alone.
To counteract the negative effects substance misuse can have on a company, many organisations implement a policy that outlines their expectations concerning working whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Employers hold the responsibility to ensure employees are fully aware of the company’s rules, regulations, testing and disciplinary procedures.
Our complete testing solutions ensure companies are provided with the necessary support and information in their efforts to implement workplace testing. Our drug & alcohol testing experts can provide information on sample types, types of testing, policy and drugs we test for; all of which are designed to ensure needs and requirements are met.
Medico-Legal Drug & Alcohol Testing
Medico-legal testing for drugs and alcohol may be required by various professional bodies involved in child custody cases, care proceedings or child protection cases. Drug & alcohol testing is important to ensure child protection from the detrimental effects of parental substance misuse and to ensure they have a quality of life they deserve.
At Randox Testing Services we provide drug & alcohol testing to all professionals within the family law and medico-legal sector. Our hair drug testing service utilised accredited testing methods and is made more cost-effective through the patented testing methods we have developed.
Our drug and alcohol testing solutions are flexible and can be tailored to our customer needs with a choice of testing methods. We offer a comprehensive drugs of abuse test menu and our service also includes expert witness reporting where applicable.
Randox Testing Services
Want to know more about the drug & alcohol testing services we offer for workplaces and professionals in the medico-legal sector? One of our experienced business development executives will be happy to discuss your requirements. Contact us using any of the below methods.
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
We Are Randox | Staff Newsletter April-June 2019 Edition (Q2)
Staff Newsletter April - June 2019 Edition
We are delighted to be able to share with you the Q2 2019 edition of our We Are Randox staff newsletter!
Click here for a range of company and staff news from April to June 2019 – including photographs from the Randox Health Grand National 2019 and all our staff fundraising for AWARE NI and Mind Your Mood.
** Please note that image links work most efficiently in your Google Chrome browser**
Could you have a Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
2nd July 2019
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection
Improve Your Understanding
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – we all know what it is, right?
It occurs when a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori infects your stomach. This most commonly happens during your childhood. It’s a common cause of peptic ulcers. Did you know that H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the world’s population?
The majority of people don’t realize they have H. pylori infection, because they’ve never been sick from it. The exact way that H.pylori infects someone is still unknown at this time but the symptoms of H. pylori infection may include:
- An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
- Abdominal pain that’s worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
Should you get checked?
There are a number of complications that are associated with this infection.
These include ulcers, inflamed stomach lining and stomach cancer.
- Ulcers: Damage can be caused to the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine causing an ulcer, around 10% of people with H. pylori will develop an ulcer.
- Inflammation of the stomach lining: The infection can irritate your stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis).
- Stomach cancer: H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
If you present with any of the symptoms of H. pylori you should get tested straight away. However, even if you have not shown any symptoms at all you can still have the infection. It can be very beneficial to get tested for H. pylori, symptoms or not, as it could cause future complications for your health.
Specialised Testing
Our division Randox Health offers specialised tests, one of our specialised tests is a H. pylori breath test. This test can help you have peace of mind or identify if you have the Helicobacter Pylori Infection. All Randox Health packages give you a comprehensive look into your health, not only now but how it could look in the future. You can read more about our packages here or contact a member of our team for more information!
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We Are Randox | Randox sets sail in AWARE NI’S Dragon Boat race
It was all hands on deck on Saturday 29th June 2019 as Team Randox competed in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan for our charity partner AWARE NI.
The race took place at Cutter’s Wharf on Stranmillis Embankment in Belfast and featured fourteen different boats from ten NI businesses all vying to claim the top spot.
Other businesses taking part included Suki Tea, Anytime Fitness, Mivan, First Stop Solutions, Nanthealth, ABL Insurance, Rapid 7, Smiley Monroe and BNP Parabis.
Randox’s two boats fared well against their eager competitors. Randox Boat 1 won one of their two races against ABL Insurance Boat 1 while Randox Boat 2 impressively won both of their timed races against ABL Insurance Boat 2.
Randox Boat 2 even sailed in to the top four boats taking part, and the semi-final of the day’s events. However, the team narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a close defeat by Mivan Boat 2.
Timed heats:
Randox 1 v ABL Insurance 1
Randox 2 v ABL Insurance 2
Semi-Final:
Randox 2 v Mivan 2
Congratulations to the team from Rapid 7 who were the overall winner on the day and of course a massive well done to all the Randox staff members who took part. A fantastic day was enjoyed by all with over £10,000 being raised collectively by all the teams taking part.
AWARE NI is one of Randox’s charity partners and is the depression and bipolar charity for Northern Ireland. We have been proud to partner with them throughout 2018 and 2019, raising awareness and funds for this vital work through a range of different events.
For further information about our work with our two charity partners, AWARE NI and Ulster University’s Mind Your Mood, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
