Ulster GAA team embark on Randox-sponsored tour of China
Ulster GAA team embark on Randox-sponsored tour of China
Ulster University’s GAA team departs on a historic two week tour of China this weekend as part of the university’s wider programme of engagement in key international markets, sponsored by Randox.
Following a reception with the Lord Mayor of Belfast earlier in the week, the 25-strong team will leave Belfast on Saturday morning for the two week cultural exchange that aims to develop and enhance links with a number of Chinese academic institutions.
The trip is being sponsored by Randox and facilitated by the university’s Confucius Institute.
The team is spending a week in Beijing before heading to Wuhan and Huangshi City to play several games as part of an extensive tour promoting sporting excellence at Ulster University, in particular Gaelic Games.
Professor Ian Montgomery, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“Gaelic games are of increasing interest to the Chinese people and there is a strong appetite to learn about the various sports, and replicate key tactics and the strong cultural identity which Ulster University’s GAA team has developed over many decades.”
“We’ll be playing several GAA teams, including a talented Beijing team, and sharing knowledge with the coaches on how to improve the players’ game and training regimes. When we get to Wuhan and Huangshi City, we’ll be taking Chinese language classes, learning martial arts and trying our hand at authentic Chinese cooking.”
For many of the students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across the world to an important global market. As well as promoting sporting excellence and acting as ambassadors for the University and Northern Ireland, they will be instrumental in helping the University and Randox build stronger relationships with new and existing partners.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox, said:
“We are pleased to support Ulster University’s Gaelic team as they embark on a very exciting tour of China. It is one of our most important markets, as we have been exporting to China since 1992 and we have had an established presence in the region for several years. This is a brilliant opportunity for our partnership with Ulster University to profile some of the young sporting talents of Northern Ireland and to strengthen key business relationships in an important market.”
For further information about the Randox-sponsored GAA tour, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox responds to antibiotic resistance warning from NI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride
Today, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride has stated that antibiotic resistance is now the greatest risk to human health and medicines worldwide. Dr. McBride said; “Currently 700,000 people die worldwide each year from drug resistant infections and this figure is forecasted to reach 10 million deaths by 2050, if the problem is ignored.”
It is rather alarming therefore that 70% of GPs admit that they prescribe antibiotics when they are unsure if they are treating a viral or bacterial infection. By prescribing antibiotics for viral infections, which can’t be combatted with antibiotics, patients are being exposed to antibiotics which are of no benefit.
John Lamont, Lead Scientist at Randox Laboratories, said that “Current diagnostic testing for respiratory infections takes at least 36 hours to confirm the nature of an infection, and they cannot name and categorise infections as bacterial or viral is the way our new respiratory test can.”
At Randox, our pioneering R&D teams have developed a revolutionary swab test for respiratory infections which indicates the cause of the infection and whether a patient needs antibiotics or not. This helps to limit the amount of patients who are prescribed antibiotics, reducing antibiotic resistance.
The Randox test, which can rapidly detect and identify the cause of 21 respiratory infections in just 5 hours, can also subsequently determine the appropriate antibiotic drug treatment for patients.
This test, if adopted by GP surgeries, could allow medical practitioners to make the correct treatment choice on the same day as examination and before patients have already begun a precautionary course of inefficient antibiotics. It would also have additional efficiency savings for the NHS, by eliminating the need for lengthy microbiology lab tests and unnecessarily prescribing drugs which are not needed. This new rapid and accurate test will give the GP confidence in their diagnosis of respiratory infections and will allow for quicker treatment if necessary, which benefits patient outcomes.
The test is also available as a Randox Health Cough, Cold & Flu offering, and can be carried out by booking an appointment with Randox Health at our clinics in Crumlin, Holywood or London, or by arranging the mobile clinic to visit you at your home or place of work.
So what action can we take to limit the looming antibiotic resistance crisis?
- Ask your GP if tests will be performed to make sure you even need antibiotics and that the correct antibiotic is prescribed.
- Take the antibiotics as prescribed. Make sure you complete the prescribed course, even when you start feeling better. This makes sure that all bacteria from your current infection are eradicated, leaving none behind that could potentially develop resistance to your antibiotic.
- Only take antibiotics prescribed for you; do not share or use leftover antibiotics. Taking the wrong medication will delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply, and potentially develop a resistance to the antibiotic you are using incorrectly.
Find out more about the Cough, Cold & Flu Respiratory test here.
Book an appointment with one of our clinics, or arrange the mobile clinic, by phoning 0800 2545 130 or by clicking here.
For further information please contact the Randox PR team by email: randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Welcome to the Evidence Series
Introduction
For over 30 years, we have been researching and manufacturing market-leading diagnostics products globally. With a mission statement of ‘dedicated to improving health worldwide’ the patient needs are a central focus of everything we do. It is this experience and commitment to improving healthcare that has allowed us to continually improve our product offering and make advancements globally to reach as many people as possible and provide greater diagnostic facilities.
From this experience and commitment to research, we believe we have developed a technology that has changed diagnostic testing forever.
Biochip Array Technology
In 2002, we invented a world first, which changed the landscape of diagnostic testing forever. Biochip Array Technology is a precision multiplex testing platform allowing for the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes from a single sample.
Biochip Array Technology uniquely offers immunoassay diagnostic testing for simultaneous multi-analyte biomarker detection. After addition of a single patient sample to the biochip, analytes present in the sample bind to the specific biochip bound ligands. The degree of binding is determined using a chemiluminescent light source and quantified using a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera and imaging system.
An individual biochip has up to 49 Discrete Test Regions with each detecting a different biomarker. That means up to 44 tests can be carried out simultaneously, with the additional DTRs being reserved for visual quality control and visual reference; a feature unique to Biochip Array Technology.
The Evidence Series
Having developed this patented technology following £250 million investment in research and development, we needed a platform that allowed Biochip Array Technology capabilities to be showcased. Step forward the Evidence Series. The series includes the Evidence, the Evidence Evolution, the Evidence Investigator and the Evidence MultiSTAT. Each analyser has been designed and built with boundary pushing engineering, to ensure financial, labour and time savings for the end user.
Have a read below of the brief overview of each analyser in the Evidence Series
Evidence Evolution
The world’s first fully automated random-access biochip testing platform, the Evidence Evolution is the world’s most advanced immunoanalyser. With the capability to process up to 2,640 tests per hour, the Evidence Evolution offers complete system integration, as well as the most comprehensive test menu on the market.
Evidence
As the world’s first Biochip Array Technology system, the Evidence immunoanalyser has revolutionised laboratory screening worldwide. With the capability to process 3,960 tests per hour and a sample capacity of 360, the Evidence is ideal for use in a high throughput laboratory.
Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop immunoanalyser that offers efficient and comprehensive testing across a range of applications including clinical diagnostics, molecular, toxicology and food diagnostics. The Evidence Investigator boasts a throughput of up to 2,376 tests per hour, offering efficiency without compromising on accuracy.
Evidence MultiSTAT
The Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated immunoanalyser that enables on-site simultaneous detection of up to 44 analytes from a single sample of oral fluid, urine or blood. With a three-step process and results generated in less than 20 minutes, the Evidence MultiSTAT is an ideal solution for those with no knowledge of laboratory procedures and offers a throughput of up to 132 tests per hour.
About the Randox Evidence Series
The Evidence Series is set to revolutionise diagnostic testing forever. Offering unrivalled capabilities across all analysers, we truly believe that the Evidence Series range of immunoassay analysers can meet your diagnostic testing capabilities. For more information on any of the Evidence Series analysers, please visit http://www.randox.com/evidence-series/ or contact us evidenceseries@randox.com.
We Are Randox | Bicycles, BBQs and Beijing: Joel’s summer in China
Working in a global company like Randox opens many doors for our 1400-strong workforce, one of which being the opportunity to travel. For people who want to see the world, experience other cultures and meet new people, we have LOTS of opportunities to do so.
It’s no surprise therefore that we value ambitious and enthusiastic employees who enjoy the excitement of a new challenge, and a new adventure!
And that’s just what our Marketing Executive, Joel Woods, did this summer. After spending his placement year with us here at Randox, and then completing his final year of studies at Ulster University in Jordanstown, Joel was offered the opportunity to complete an internship in Beijing, the capital of China.
The experiences, new perspectives, and understanding of a different culture that he acquired during his time in China are just a few of the reasons why we love to hear from well-travelled individuals like Joel.
Here’s his story.
Given that I work in the Testing and Toxicology division here at Randox, it’s quite ironic that while I was at school I actually wanted a career in Forensic Science, rather than in Business. I even completed my lower sixth work experience with the PSNI.
I went to Ballyclare High School and studied Business Studies, ICT, Geography and Biology for A-Level. An encouraging and interesting school teacher during my GCSEs had made Business Studies more appealing, and so I decided to take it at A-Level. When studying it in my final year my mind had completely turned from forensics toward business, so I then went on to study Marketing at Ulster University.
During my time at university I completed a placement year with Randox within their marketing team. I worked primarily on Customer Relationship Management; providing support for sales reps and other marketing teams, running reports for top level managers, developing marketing campaigns and writing blogs. It was a fantastic experience getting to work on such a wide variety of marketing activities and was a great insight into the operations of a global company. It set me in really good stead for my final year of university because I had a point of reference in the real working world for everything that I was learning.
Come the end of my final year at Jordanstown I was presented with an opportunity to go to China on a two month internship based in Beijing. To have a funded internship by the British Council was an excellent opportunity to enhance my CV with international experience, and I had never been to Asia before so this was a chance I wasn’t going to let pass me by.
For the two months I was in China I worked in a small firm based in the western district of Beijing (Sanlitun). The firm was called PAPP’S TEA, a small tea manufacturer. My job title was Marketing Intern which involved updating their website, creating blogs, engaging audiences on social media, working closely with graphic designers about brand guidelines and supporting events for the launch of new products. Everything I had learnt during my placement year in Randox was put to good use!
The weather in China was permanently overcast and very rarely dropped below 30 degrees. Most of the food that I tried was incredible, but portions were always small. One of the interesting things about Chinese culture is that you never order a single meal for yourself, but rather a few dishes are ordered and everyone shares. I therefore had the unfortunate experience of sampling chicken feet…not tasty at all and they were more cartilage than meat! The language was also very difficult to understand but gradually as my time went on I began picking up words – a few greetings here and there, phrases used to order food from a menu, and how to pay for the bill at restaurants.
During my weekends I was usually free which gave a great opportunity to do all the touristy things. One of my favourite memories of China was camping on the Great Wall during my second weekend there. A group of us, mostly interns from the UK, got ourselves a tour guide and camping gear, hiked to the great wall and camped overnight. We had a barbeque, a campfire and watched the sun setting and rising. It was absolutely stunning.
My other main highlight from China was seeing Shanghai. We booked a hostel in the centre of Shanghai, from which almost everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. Walking around Shanghai felt like walking around London. The whole city was completely western, and so it didn’t feel like I was in China. Nevertheless, it was still an incredible experience visiting one of the most populated cities on the planet (26 million people).
The best moment during my time in Shanghai was using the public bicycles to see the city. Three of us chose to see the city by night and so we started our journey at midnight when the city was totally empty. It was so surreal. We got to see more of the city in one night than we ever did during the rest of the weekend!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in China and would recommend an internship with the British Council to anyone who is thinking about gaining international experience. It can only ever be a good thing to see more of the ever-advancing technological world we live in, especially if you are working in a global company like Randox.
Upon returning to Randox as a permanent member of staff I now deal with clients all around the globe, and so the experience gained from my internship has been of such great benefit. My time there has helped me understand how business is dealt from another culture and I can’t wait for my next big adventure.
We’re so delighted Joel had a positive experience during his time in Beijing and has returned to Randox full of enthusiasm and exciting ideas! Welcome back to the team Joel.
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For current vacancies in our team, visit careers.randox.com
Randox proud to announce sponsorship of Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association conference in Donegal
Diagnostic engineering company, Randox Teoranta, has been officially announced as the main sponsor of the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (ETTA) conference. Randox Teoranta, based in Donegal’s coastal town Dungloe, is the global diagnostic company’s hub for world-leading engineering and life sciences in the west of Ireland.
Randox Teoranta’s sponsorship of the renowned ETTA awards comes as it aims to attract Ireland’s top engineers and scientists to join the team which is based in its next-generation life science, engineering, research and manufacturing centre in Donegal.
The company is recognised globally for its commitment to improving healthcare and technology, and in the past year alone scientists and engineers at Randox Teoranta have developed a revolutionary test for Alzheimer’s disease, designed drug testing software to be used by police officers in criminal investigations, and engineered new technologies with the ability to detect disease and save lives. The team is currently working on cutting-edge research for key health issues including kidney disease, thyroid disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
ETTA is a voluntarily administered association which represents teachers of Engineering Technology and Metalwork. Its focus is to promote technology as an exciting career choice for young people, providing a National Engineering Awards programme for second level students. It works in conjunction with Engineers Ireland, third level colleges and the Department of Education to ensure the highest standards of Engineering Technology education.
In attendance on the launch evening in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology were Christina Mc Fadden, Breid Gallagher and Daniel Melly representing Randox Teoranta; Denis Mc Fadden and Jim Morrison from LYIT; and Dr. Martin Gormley, Director of Schools in Donegal ETB. There was also an excellent turnout from branch members on the night.
Chairperson of the Donegal Branch of the ETTA, Sean Mc Fadden said,
“We would like to acknowledge Randox Teoranta and express our sincere thanks on becoming the main sponsors for the ETTA National Conference 2017, bringing their wealth of knowledge, resources and expertise in the field of engineering to the table. Randox has been bringing high-end engineering employment to Donegal since it opened and are always enthusiastic to develop links with the Education sector here. The expansion of Randox Teoranta is an exciting prospect for many of our students with world-class engineering and technology now right on their doorstep.”
Christina Mc Fadden, Engineering Manager at Randox Teoranta said:
“We’re delighted to support these awards which honour the very best engineering students in Ireland. Randox’s success owes a great deal to our team of engineers who hold a prestigious MacRobert Award and are constantly driving new innovations that transform patients’ lives around the world. Since opening our R&D and manufacturing centre in Dungloe in 2010, we’ve provided unrivalled opportunities to mechanical, software and electrical engineers. We are committed to encouraging more people to see engineering as a viable career option, and then to ensure our very talented students are able to pursue outstanding careers here on this island.”
The ETTA Conference and Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November 2017.
For further information about the Randox Teoranta sponsorship of the ETTA Awards, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Showcasing the best in business!
Randox Laboratories was delighted to sponsor this year’s 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards, which was held at the Diamond in Ulster University, Coleraine.
The prestigious ceremony, organised by the Causeway Chamber, recognised and honoured the best of the Borough’s businesses on a local and national level.
350 guests attended the event including Mayor Cllr Joan Baird OBE, Provost Dr Karise Hutchinson, Chief Executive David Jackson, local businesses, award sponsors and 59 finalists who eagerly waited to see if their name would be called out.
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox commented:
“When you have an opportunity to bring together the best local businesses, not only does it demonstrate the strength of the region but it also enables businesses to help each other and get even better. As this year’s sponsor, we were very impressed with the nominees of each category and choosing the winners was no mean feat. As a company which has benefitted enormously from competitions and awards, we look forward to following their journeys and wish them all the best in the future.”
Anthony Newman, President of Causeway Chamber said:
“The chamber is recognised for helping businesses grow by providing networking opportunities; gaining access to government and key decision makers; creating a range of support initiatives and contributing to local economic activity. We work in partnership with local, national and international organisations and stakeholders. We have formed ties with Ulster University and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, this is evidenced by our collaboration to create a shared vision for this beautiful area.”
The event was hosted by local businesswoman and former TV presenter Sarah Travers who commented on the wide range of companies in the competition:
“The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is unique in its ability to offer a variety of locations for business development. The Chamber has truly embraced the diversity of the local business talents and rewarded each sector individually.”
Annette Deighan, Chamber Operations Manager added that the awards enable the area to showcase its many talents on a national stage:
“Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards would not have been possible without our businesses and continued support of all our sponsors. It is an honour to host these awards, to recognise the achievements and success in our Borough. It shows as a Borough we are continuing to excel and compete at a regional and national level.”
This year there was 18 awards comprising of many categories sponsored by individual companies. The judges were overwhelmed with the level of entries received which is a testament to the success of these bi-annual awards and the achievements of all sectors in the Borough. It highlighted that the Causeway Borough is continuing to grow, compete and provide services at a local and global level. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the evening.
Green Business Award sponsored by firmus energy
ATG Group
Best Young person in Business Award sponsored by Northern Regional College
Gareth Boyd, 2020 Architects
Training & Development Award sponsored by Ulster University
Dixons Contractors
Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Public Health Agency
Focus on Family
Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility sponsored by Riada Resourcing
Roadside Garages Ltd
Innovation Award sponsored by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
ATG Group
Best Start up Business Award sponsored by Causeway Enterprise Agency
Adams McGillan
Small Business of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland
I Care Opticians
Social Enterprise of the Year sponsored by McDonald’s
Ashes to Gold
The Creative Industries Award sponsored by Ulster Bank
2020 Architects
Good Food Award sponsored by Electric Ireland
Anglers Rest
Best Tourism Attraction/Service Provider of the Year sponsored by Tourism Ireland
The Crannagh Activity Centre
Business Growth Award sponsored by Danske Bank
Christies Direct
Best New Product/Service of the Year sponsored by Armstrong Medical Ltd
Euro Autospares Ltd
Accommodation Provider of the Year sponsored by First Trust Bank
The Lodge Hotel
AgriBusiness of the Year sponsored by ATG Group
Ballyeamon Eggs Ltd
Retailer of the Year sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
JKC Specialist Cars
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
Winifred Mellet, The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney
For further information about the Randox sponsorship of Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Next-generation ‘anti-cancer weapons’ to be developed in innovative partnership between Randox and Transgene
Randox Laboratories has today announced an innovative European partnership with French biotech company Transgene, which aims to develop a game-changing therapy for cancer treatments.
It involves cutting-edge technology and ‘anti-cancer weapons’ in the form of oncolytic viruses which directly target and destroy the cancer cells, and also deliver antibodies in the tumour microenvironment to further attack the rest of the tumour. This has clear advantages over traditional treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy which as well as targeting cancer cells, can affect healthy cells.
In addition, if successful, this therapy will address the efficacy challenges faced by either Oncolytic viruses or Check-point inhibitors’ neutralization used independently, as their combination is expected to trigger a sustained anti-tumoural immune response from the patient.
The partnership will bring together Randox’s unique collection of therapeutic single domain antibodies (sdABs), which are on the front line in the fight against cancer, and Transgene’s next-generation viral platform Invir.IO™.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director and Founder of Randox Laboratories, said:
“This collaboration will enable ground-breaking innovation and research to be carried out in a critical area of human health. The work we will be doing in the field of cancer treatment has an enormous potential benefit for patients through the delivery of more effective treatments. We are looking forward to working with Transgene to generate oncolytic viruses that will be able to deliver single and multiple payloads directly into the tumour, enhancing their efficacy. This partnership will allow us to better leverage our SdAb capabilities and immuno-oncology expertise, and add to our strategic collaborations across the world.”
Eric Quéméneur, PhD, Executive VP and VP Research & Development of Transgene, said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with Randox. Its library of SdAbs against major targets in immuno-oncology provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the high potential of our Invir.IO™ platform. We look forward to working with Randox and to generating novel product candidates which combine the merits of oncolytic virotherapy and local delivery of therapeutic payloads. We believe such targeted expression of therapeutic agents including immune checkpoint inhibitors will better potentiate the tumour microenvironment and paves the way for the development of a broad range of innovative cancer treatments.”
For further information about Randox’s collaboration with Transgene, please visit our Randox Biosciences website. Click here.
If you have any additional questions please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9442 2413 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Presence at China’s Largest Laboratory Equipment Exhibition Signals Continuation of Growth in Chinese Market
Global health diagnostics provider Randox has maintained its status as a significant competitor in the Asian market by participating in the NCML Exhibition in Hangzhou. The NCLM is the largest laboratory equipment exhibition in China dedicated to the advancement of diagnostic equipment and is an annual staple of the country’s top medical equipment firms. Also attracting some of China’s top clinical science talents, the exhibit was held in the capital of China’s Zhejiang province on 20th September.
In-vitro diagnostic (IVD) equipment, which enables diagnosis and monitoring of samples taken from the body, was the sole focus of the exhibition but an essential aspect of the IVD process is Quality Control. The Quality Control Market is a lucrative one and continues to grow – estimated to be worth $1.04 billion by 2022.
Over many years, Randox has developed the largest global EQA (External Quality Assurance) scheme available on the market, RIQAS, which offers laboratories around the world assurance that the results they are releasing are accurate and reliable. With just under 40, 000 participants in 132 countries and 32 flexible programmes, it is little wonder that the global health technology giant is predicting huge growth in Chinese territories.
Randox has been involved in trade in China for over 20 years and has been making significant strides in the Asian market recently through a strategic Chinese market expansion launch in December 2016. This expansion has included the securing of distributors across four of the largest provinces in China and partnerships with hospitals in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan.
Preceding the NCML Exhibition, in February 2017, Randox launched a major recruitment drive to hire Mandarin-speaking graduates in Northern Ireland who could join the sales, marketing and scientific teams in China. The company, which employs over 1,400 workers worldwide, was supported by Ulster University and its Confucius Institution in this recruitment campaign.
Ying Zhu, Sales Manager for Randox Laboratories in China, commented on the success Randox has seen in China over the last ten months;
“China is one of our key markets and we were delighted to showcase our capabilities at China’s largest IVD equipment exhibition recently. Randox in China has been growing from strength to strength in the last year, building on a solid foundation laid in 20 years of trade with the country. We continue to increase our presence in the Asian market thanks to increased output from our innovative R&D programmes, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, including new facilities at the Randox Science Park, our new headquarters in Antrim. These infrastructural developments have resulted in an increasing range of products which we can now offer to growing and dynamic markets such as China. This increasing range of products coupled with a growing market presence has significantly increased our business penetration and subsequent support to customers.”
Margaret Fick, RIQAS Scientist added;
“At our most recent training conference in China, we were very pleased to host several of our newly acquired hospital partners who presented to our audience how many laboratories have benefitted from our Randox Quality Control products. The testimonials from high profile individuals who have experienced the quality, efficiency and reliability of our products is accelerating our growth across China. Our inclusion at the NCLM Exhibition marks another cornerstone in Randox’s expansion in China.”
For further information about NCLM, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Food Diagnostics harnessing science of antibiotic screening to ensure safer honey
Global leader in food screening technology, Randox Food Diagnostics have developed a range of pioneering honey quality tests which are being adopted by apiculturists across the world to ensure the safety and quality of their produce.
The array of tests, developed by the Antrim-based firm, are being showcased this week at the world’s largest apiculture meeting, the Apimondia International Conference, being held in Istanbul, Turkey from September 29th to October 4th.
The company hopes to highlight to consumers and producers about the importance of food safety, and in particular the dangers of antibacterial residue in food. Scientists have warned that antibiotics used in food production, are passing through the food chain to consumers and therefore contributing to the rise in infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, commented;
“As a company committed to supporting the fight against antibiotic resistance we must continue to drive awareness amongst producers and consumers alike.
“We are working closely with industry to promote a responsible approach to antibiotic use in food production and we hope that by working with some of the biggest names in the apiculture market, other honey producers will see the benefits of being able to offer their customers complete consumer confidence in a high quality, and importantly, safe product.”
At Apimondia 2017 Randox Food Diagnostics will showcase a range of major technological advancements including the firm’s Antimicrobial Array 1 Ultra, Antimicrobial Array II Plus and Antimicrobial Array V. Thanks to Randox’s patented Biochip Array Technology, these testing panels can simultaneously screen for multiple antibiotics that are sprayed on beehives to ensure the safety of the colony, from only one sample of the produce.
Randox Food’s Antimicrobial Arrays join the company’s already extensive menu of honey screening tests, including its test for Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a test for an organic compound produced by dehydration of sugars, which can be indicative of overheating, poor storage conditions or aged honey. The test was recently validated by leading South American honey producer Geomiel, which credited Randox Food for delivering an immediate improvement in the quality of its honey products.
David Ferguson, Global Business Manager for Randox Food Diagnostics, commented;
“We welcome the fact that so many of the world’s leading producers, including Geomiel, have embraced our vision of continuously improving testing standards.
“We have invested a lot in simplifying the process of conducting multiple tests, and consolidating this onto one unique biochip is a cost-effective way for the honey industry to maintain and improve standards. Apimondia 2017 attendees will be offered a complete testing bundle – including our popular analysers, the Randox Evidence Investigator and RX misano, to enable them to test for antibiotics and assess quality in one easy-to-manage system.
“Another unique feature of what we offer here at Randox Food Diagnostics is our ever-expanding test menu. The RX misano for example has a customisable test menu which allows clients to upload new parameters using USB, ensuring access to the most up-to-date tests on the market.
“We will be inviting Apimondia guests to learn more about the upcoming launch of our new pesticide tests, which will provide multiple results for the world’s most prevalent pesticides, such as Amitraz, Acetamiprid, Carbofuran, Carbaryl, and Paraquar. We remain committed to supporting food producers by providing them with the newest and highest quality tests.”
For further information about Randox Food Diagnostics honey testing, please visit: http://www.randoxfood.com/Matrices/Honey
For any further questions please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
Heart attack test H-FABP 12 times faster than current methods
As the supplier of a pioneering diagnostic able to assist with differentiating between coronary pain and non-cardiac chest pain, Randox Laboratories has this week welcomed news about the importance of introducing new innovations which can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Prioritising people presenting with a heart attack over those with non-cardiac chest pain is one of the biggest challenges A&E doctors face – there are around 200,000 heart attacks each year in the UK, but around 1 million people come to A&E with chest pains. According to a team from King’s College London, as reported by the BBC, a faster, more accurate diagnosis of whether chest pain is caused by a heart attack would save the health service millions of pounds each year by sending well patients home and freeing up beds. Yet current testing methods do not efficiently differentiate between high-risk patients and the estimated 80% of patients who are not having a heart attack.
Randox’s revolutionary test for Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H-FABP) however, when combined with current testing, is able to rule out a heart attack for patients who present at A&E with chest pain which is caused by other conditions such as respiratory issues, meaning they may not need emergency admission.
When measured at the time a patient presents to A&E with chest pain, H-FABP enables doctors to triage patients suffering with a heart attack more efficiently than before.
Dr. Gary Smyth, Medical Director at Randox Laboratories, hopes that more efficient testing will become widely available so that doctors can identify and prioritise patients at risk;
“Despite the best efforts of our NHS colleagues, EDs across the UK are under tremendous pressure. In many cases people are presenting with chest pain but aren’t suffering from a heart attack, and given that current cardiac tests are not as sensitive as clinicians would like, these patients are being admitted unnecessarily, taking up beds and valuable resources.
“It is imperative that newer, faster tests are adopted because fundamentally this means saving lives.”
H-FABP is released into the bloodstream within 30 minutes of a heart attack, whereas people who are currently admitted to hospital with chest pains may have to wait several hours for test results. Even the latest heart attack test to be adopted by the NHS, troponin, can take up to six hours to provide confirmation.
H-FABP, conversely, is released from the heart during the early stages of a heart attack and because it is so small, it can be detected when the heart cells are being damaged, rather than at the stage when troponin would usually be detected – when cell death has already occurred. The test can also be used to identify people who are at high risk of heart attack in the near future.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Research shows that patients who were troponin negative and therefore sent home from hospital, but who were positive for H-FABP, were at high risk of death – as high as a 20% chance of death that same year.
“If the H-FABP test was added to existing tests upon arrival at hospital, doctors could quickly and accurately rule out the 80% of chest pain patients who are not having a heart attack, allowing resources to be focused on those who are actually at high risk.”
For further information on H-FABP, please visit http://www.randox.com/h-fabp/, or contact the Randox PR team by phoning (0) 28 9442 2413 or emailing randoxpr@randox.com
