Mpox Clade 1b Detected: How Rapid Testing with Vivalytic Can Aid in Containment
Mpox Clade 1b Detected: How Rapid Testing with Vivalytic Can Aid in Containment
Mpox Clade 1b Detected: How Rapid Testing with Vivalytic Can Aid in Containment
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection that has seen significant global attention due to recent outbreaks. As of August 2024, the UK has reported a total of 4,018 confirmed and highly probable mpox cases since May 2022 (1).
In October, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported its first case of Clade 1b Mpox (2)—a more severe strain that has been spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other parts of Africa, prompting the World Health Organisation to declare it a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024 (3). This detection has led UKHSA to initiate contact tracing and monitor for potential further spread. Although the public risk is currently low, quick identification and containment remain vital for managing any risks associated with this High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID).
According to a report on Mpox diagnostic testing published by the UKHSA, PCR testing remains the gold standard for Mpox detection, offering unmatched sensitivity and specificity essential for accurate diagnosis and effective containment (4). At Randox, with a strong commitment to public health and diagnostic innovation, we offer the Vivalytic MPXV Rapid Test to support healthcare professionals in identifying cases quickly and accurately, helping to strengthen containment efforts.
Understanding Mpox Clade 1b and Its Implications
Clade 1b of the mpox virus is part of the High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) category due to its higher transmission potential and more severe symptom profile compared to other strains. With a broad incubation period ranging from 5 days to 3 weeks (5), symptoms include:
• Skin rashes that progress to blisters or ulcers
• Fever, headaches, and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• In severe cases, respiratory issues or widespread skin lesions
o Mpox infection is often self-limiting and usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks (5).
The transmission of mpox occurs through close contact with infectious lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials. This can include skin-to-skin contact during sexual or intimate contact, as well as sharing items like bedding, towels, or clothing. Mpox infection is often self-limiting and usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks (5) and has a mortality rate estimated to be between 1% and 11% (6). Clade 1b’s recent spread outside of endemic regions, including cases in Germany, Sweden, and India (7) signals the need for proactive diagnostic and containment strategies.
Enter Vivalytic
The Vivalytic MPXV Rapid Test provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive tool for detecting both Clade I (HCID, including Clade 1b) and Clade II of the Mpox Virus, as well as other Orthopoxvirus species. Its rapid and reliable performance is particularly valuable in high-stakes scenarios, where early detection can help prevent further spread. Key features include.
Features of the Vivalytic MPXV Panel
- Quick Results: Results in just 45 minutes allow for timely decision-making.
- Comprehensive Detection: This test identifies both Clade I (HCID, including Clade 1b) and Clade II of the Mpox Virus, as well as other Orthopoxvirus species such as cowpox and vaccinia virus.
- Minimal Sample Requirement: Only 300 µL needed, reducing sample handling and maintaining accuracy.
- Intuitive Workflow: The compact Vivalytic streamlines the entire molecular workflow through a 4-step process—scanning, inputting, adding the sample to the cartridge, and receiving results on the touchscreen display, all at the point of care.
| Detectable Pathogens | |
|---|---|
| Monkeypox Virus (Clade I, Clade II) | Non-variola Orthopoxvirus species (Coqpox Virus, Ectromelia Virus, Monkeypox Virus, Taterapox Virus, Vaccinia Virus) |
Supporting Public Health Responses with Randox
As part of our commitment to public health, Randox provides high-quality diagnostic tools designed to address infectious diseases like mpox. The Vivalytic MPXV Rapid Test supports rapid detection and strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to respond to emerging infectious threats. With the first UK case of Clade 1b now identified, rapid testing and response are essential components in the continued effort to protect public health.
Learn more about the Vivalytic, with one of the largest test menus on the market and how it can support your testing needs this winter here: Vivalytic | Point of Care | Randox Laboratories
Contact marketing@randox.com for more information
References
- UK (2024). Mpox (Mpox) outbreak: epidemiological overview, 8 August 2024. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/Mpox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview/mpox-Mpox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview-8-august-2024.
- Thomas, R. (2024). First case of new potentially deadly mpox strain Clade 1b detected in UK. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/mpox-uk-clade-1b-monkeypox-b2638777.html [Accessed 6 Nov. 2024].
- World health Organisation (WHO). (2024). Mpox outbreak. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/mpox-outbreak.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (2024). Mpox (monkeypox): diagnostic testing. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox-diagnostic-testing#sampling-for-diagnostic-testing.
- Guarner, J., del Rio, C. and Malani, P.N. (2022). Monkeypox in 2022—What Clinicians Need to Know. JAMA, [online] 328(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.10802.
- CDC (2024). Mpox. [online] Mpox. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/travel/index.html [Accessed 6 Nov. 2024].
- Reed, J. (2024). New mpox strain spreads to household contacts in the UK. BBC News. [online] 4 Nov. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27q0y6rl9o.
Fight Flu Season with Vivalytic
Fight Flu Season with Vivalytic!
As we enter the Winter 2024/25 flu season, healthcare providers and patients face the co-circulation of influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. This combination of respiratory pathogens presents unique challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups, and highlights the critical need for rapid, accurate diagnostics. Vaccination among frontline healthcare workers remains essential to reduce transmission, protect high-risk patients, and prevent staff shortages in healthcare facilities.
The Seasonal Threat of Respiratory Infections
Every year, influenza outbreaks affect millions globally, especially during winter. In England, 2023/2024 saw 2,776 flu-related deaths, highlighting the burden on healthcare systems. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, face heightened risks of severe outcomes like pneumonia or ICU admissions.
Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, stressed that “vaccination is one of the most effective measures to protect vulnerable populations from severe disease, hospitalisation, and death.” Recent data shows significant variability in flu vaccination rates among older adults, ranging from 12% to 78% across Europe, with only two countries exceeding 75% coverage.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of flu prevention for high-risk groups like the elderly, immunocompromised, and healthcare workers. However, diagnostic testing plays an equally vital role this flu season. Rapid and accurate testing prevents unnecessary hospitalisations, reduces severe outcomes in vulnerable populations, and ensures effective use of healthcare resources.
Enter Vivalytic
Accurate and rapid diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and control of respiratory infections, especially during flu season. By identifying the specific pathogen, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans, combat anti-microbial resistance, reduce the spread within communities, and alleviate pressure on healthcare systems.
Enter Vivalytic; and with it the SARS, Flu A/B, and RSV Panel, offering an all-in-one solution for simultaneous testing of key respiratory pathogens. This panel ensures that healthcare professionals can diagnose and differentiate between influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 swiftly, providing crucial information to guide patient management.
Features of the Vivalytic SARS, Flu A/B and RSV Panel
- All-in-One Solution: Multi-pathogen testing with a single cartridge, eliminating the need for complex manual preparation.
- Rapid Results: With a turnaround time of just 53 minutes, the Vivalytic Flu panel enables swift decision-making, crucial in time-sensitive cases from a single nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab sample.
- User-Friendly Design: An intuitive touchscreen interface requires minimal training, making it ideal for use in a variety of healthcare settings, including those with non-specialist operators.
| Detectable Pathogens |
|---|
| SARS-CoV-2 (E gene & N gene) |
| Influenza A and Influenza B |
| Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus |
Meeting the Challenges of the 2024/2025 Flu Season
As flu season progresses, the need for efficient and reliable diagnostics becomes ever more apparent. Fight Flu Season with Vivalytic, the SARS, Flu A/B, and RSV Panel is not only a valuable tool for diagnosing individual cases but also plays a critical role in protecting public health by enabling rapid response and management of outbreaks.
Learn more about the Vivalytic, with one of the largest test menus on the market and how it can support your testing needs this winter here: Vivalytic | Point of Care | Randox Laboratories
Contact marketing@randox.com for more information
Murphy announce Ā£55m investment in the Future Medicines Institute
Murphy announce £55m investment in the Future Medicines Institute
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has launched the Future Medicines Institute (FMI), a £55million industry-led collaborative initiative aimed at advancing the North’s Precision Medicine sector.
Backed by a consortium of leading companies in Precision Medicine and supported by leading academics from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, FMI will drive innovation and productivity in Precision Medicine, building on Northern Ireland’s strong reputation in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Minister Murphy said: “This £55 million investment in the Future Medicines Institute is a landmark step for Precision Medicine in the North which will strengthen our Life and Health Sciences sector and reinforce the region’s role in global healthcare innovation.
“FMI will foster collaboration across industry, academia, and healthcare to accelerate the development of new drugs and diagnostics, driving growth in our economy. It will provide a vital pathway to speed up patient access to personalised treatments, streamline drug development processes, and bring innovative solutions to market at pace.”
The industry consortium has been offered £35m from the Northern Ireland Executive towards FMI, with the consortium members contributing an additional £20m. This will fund a wide range of collaborative R&D activities between the companies and universities. It will also create a shared lab within Queen’s University Belfast, where industry and academics can come together to collaborate and access leading edge technologies.
Professor Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Queen’s is proud to be hosting this initiative, working in partnership with industry experts and Ulster University to advance novel therapeutics and diagnostics. The FMI will stimulate the creation of a cluster for innovation, talent development, and global partnerships within Northern Ireland’s Life and Health Sciences sector.”
The industry consortium is made up of Diaceutics PLC, Fusion Antibodies PLC, Randox Laboratories Ltd, Almac Group, Sonrai Analytics, Exploristics and ProAxsis. Ryan Keeling, CEO of Diaceutics PLC said: “The Future Medicines Institute represents a pivotal step forward for Precision Medicine. At Diaceutics, this collaboration provides an opportunity to harness data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology to improve outcomes across the healthcare sector. By joining forces with other local companies through FMI, we’re reinforcing Northern Ireland’s role as a leader in Precision Medicine.”
The FMI will also focus on skills development, leveraging the local universities and colleges to address talent gaps in the sector, foster spinouts, and drive job creation, supporting the broader Northern Ireland economy.
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) will manage the delivery of the projects within FMI. Dame Jessica Corner, UKRI SRO for Place and Chair of SIPF, said “We are delighted to welcome the Future Medicines Institute to the Strength in Places Fund programme. Funding from the Northen Ireland Executive for the Institute has enabled a very strong project from the initial competition to join the other UKRI Strength in Places Projects and demonstrates how highly the programme is regarded.
“We look forward to supporting the Future Medicines Institute to benefit very quickly from all the experiences and insights we have gained from the programme and all the other projects to deliver real benefits for the Northern Ireland economy and widely for society.”
Response to Greater Manchester Police Decision
RANDOX TESTING SERVICES’ RESPONSE TO GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE DECISION TO WITHDRAW INVESTIGATION
We understand that Greater Manchester Police has withdrawn from investigating the seven suspects for alleged data manipulation at Trimega Laboratories Ltd and later at Randox Testing Services. The alleged activities took place prior to 2017.
It was Randox’s whistleblowing that brought the matter of alleged data manipulation to the attention of GMP, and other appropriate authorities, in early 2017. Our action triggered an investigation that preceded Randox’s involvement in the forensics sector.
Randox has complied with and supported all stages of the GMP investigation and share the frustration that the case has been withdrawn. Randox notes the current pressures on police resources. We welcome the commitment that this outcome will be reviewed should additional resources become available to GMP.
Please contact: publicrelations@randox.com if you have any media enquiries.
Combatting AMR with Rapid UTI Diagnostics
Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week: Combatting AMR with Rapid UTI Diagnostics
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses one of the most critical health challenges of our time. Indeed, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats (1). Furthermore, in the UK, AMR is recognised on the National Risk Register (2), reflecting the severity of the issue at both national and international levels. With AMR-related deaths reaching 4.95 million globally in 2019 (1), including 1.27 million directly attributed to resistant infections (1), urgent and coordinated action is required to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials.
As part of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18–24 November), we are focusing on the critical role of rapid diagnostics in combating AMR. Specifically, we are introducing the Randox Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test as a valuable tool in this global effort. By enabling faster and more accurate detection of infections, this innovative diagnostic technology supports the targeted use of antibiotics, thereby helping to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and mitigate the spread of resistance.
Understanding AMR: The Need for Effective Screening and Targeted Treatment
AMR develops when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial medicines. While this resistance occurs naturally, it is significantly accelerated by factors such as the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, and the slow pace of new antimicrobial drug development. Consequently, the implications of AMR extend far beyond infection treatment: surgeries, cancer therapies, and routine medical procedures also rely heavily on effective antimicrobials to prevent infections. Therefore, this underscores the pressing need to manage resistance effectively and proactively.
For instance, routine treatments for UTIs heavily depend on antibiotics. UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections, particularly affecting women, with over 50% experiencing a UTI at least once in their lives (3). However, with resistance levels increasing, it becomes crucial to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Additionally, when antibiotics are prescribed, they must be carefully targeted to maximise efficacy and minimise resistance development. In this context, rapid diagnostics play a pivotal role by enabling precise and timely identification of infections, which ensures that treatments are both effective and appropriate.
Introducing the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test
The Randox Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test offers a cutting-edge solution for the efficient screening and diagnosis of UTIs. Unlike traditional culture methods—which, according to a recent study, take an average of 2.75 days to yield results (4)—the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test is a cartridge-based PCR test specifically designed for in-clinic use, delivering results in just 2.5 hours. This rapid turnaround is transformative in the management of UTIs, where timely diagnosis is crucial to preventing the progression of infections. Moreover, it helps to minimise unnecessary antibiotic use by ensuring treatment is both prompt and precisely targeted, ultimately supporting the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Key Features of the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test:
- Comprehensive Detection: The Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test identifies 16 uropathogens, encompassing both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species, in just 150 minutes—significantly faster than traditional culture methods.
- AMR Gene Identification: This advanced test also detects 7 antimicrobial resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to methicillin (mecA) and vancomycin (vanA and vanB), as well as genes associated with trimethoprim resistance (dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA12, dfrA17). This capability supports targeted treatment decisions and helps in combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Wide Application: Designed for versatility, the test is suitable for various healthcare settings, from GP practices to hospitals. It facilitates UTI diagnosis across diverse use cases, including catheter-associated UTIs and pre-surgical screenings for patients with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or renal stones.
Additionally, a recent study demonstrated that the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test achieved diagnostic accuracy exceeding 90% for 16 bacterial species, providing a reliable and efficient solution for rapid pathogen identification in UTI cases (4).
The Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Combating AMR
Rapid diagnostic tests, such as the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test, play a critical role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving patient care through the following:
- Reducing Misuse of Antibiotics: By rapidly identifying the specific bacteria responsible for the infection and detecting resistance genes, clinicians can prescribe antibiotics only when necessary. This targeted approach ensures that the most effective treatment is selected, helping to combat antibiotic misuse.
- Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship: Point-of-care testing directly supports the goals outlined in the UK’s AMR 5-Year National Action Plan, which aims to reduce antibiotic consumption by 5% and ensure that 70% of antibiotics are sourced from safer, first-line options (5). Rapid tests enable optimised antibiotic usage, contributing to these national targets and the broader fight against AMR.
- Enhancing Patient Outcomes: Faster and more accurate diagnostics at the point of care enable timely and targeted treatment, reducing the risk of complications such as severe UTI-related kidney infections. Furthermore, a study on the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test demonstrated that pathogen detection rates were slightly higher when tests were conducted immediately on-site, underscoring the importance of rapid diagnostics in delivering better patient outcomes (4).
AMR and the Future of Healthcare
The rise in AMR jeopardises the future of modern medicine. An estimated 10 million lives could be lost per year by 2050 (6), according to a review commissioned by the UK Prime Minister. Without effective diagnostics and treatments, procedures such as hip replacements, caesarean sections, and cancer therapies could become significantly more dangerous. This is due to the heightened risk of untreatable infections (1). Addressing this escalating threat requires innovation, education, and unwavering commitment.
AMR also imposes immense economic consequences. The World Bank projects that by 2050, AMR could add an extra US$1 trillion to global healthcare costs. It may also cause annual GDP losses ranging from US$1 trillion to US$3.4 trillion as early as 2030 (7). These economic burdens highlight the urgent need for global action.
Addressing AMR is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations (UN). Progress in areas such as access to clean water, sustainable food production, and responsible antimicrobial use is vital in mitigating AMR. However, rising levels of AMR exacerbate challenges related to health, poverty reduction, food security, and economic growth (8). Coordinated efforts across multiple sectors are essential to tackle this complex issue effectively.
Randox is proud to lead the charge in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), equipping healthcare professionals with innovative tools such as the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test. By enabling timely and accurate diagnoses, we contribute to preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials and safeguarding their availability for future generations.
This Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, join us in highlighting the critical importance of AMR management and the transformative role of rapid diagnostics in creating a safer, healthier future for all.
Learn more about the urgency of AMR on the WHO website: Antimicrobial resistance.
For further details about the Vivalytic UTI Rapid Test, visit Vivalytic | UTI Rapid Test | Randox Laboratories or reach out to us at marketing@randox.com.
References
- World Health Organization (2023). Antimicrobial resistance. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance.
- HM Government (2023). National Risk Register 2023 Edition. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64ca1dfe19f5622669f3c1b1/2023_NATIONAL_RISK_REGISTER_NRR.pdf.
- Bono MJ, Reygaert WC. Urinary Tract Infection. Nih.gov. Published 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470195/
- Hartmann, J., Fritzenwanker, M., Imirzalioglu, C., Hain, T., Arneth, B.M., and Wagenlehner, F.M.E., 2024. Point-of-care Testing in Complicated Urinary Tract Infection: Evaluation of the Vivalytic One Urinary Tract Infection Analyser for Detecting Uropathogenic Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Urine Samples of Urological Patients in a Point-of-care Setting. European Urology Focus. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2024.09.018
- Department of Health and Social Care (2024). UK 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-antimicrobial-resistance-2024-to-2029.
- O’Neill, J. (2016). Tackling Drug-resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations. Archives of Pharmacy Practice, 7(3), p.110. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-080x.186181.
- World Bank (2017). Drug-Resistant Infections: A Threat to Our Economic Future. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/drug-resistant-infections-a-threat-to-our-economic-future.
- World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Antimicrobial resistance and the United Nations sustainable development cooperation framework: guidance for United Nations country teams. [online] www.who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240036024.
Acusera 24Ā·7 and Data Innovations – Automated QC Data Upload
Automated QC Data Upload to Acusera 24·7
Now Available via Instrument Manager™ from Data Innovations
Randox Laboratories in conjunction with Data Innovations are pleased to announce the launch of a new driver that enables seamless, automated QC data upload via API from any instrument connected to Instrument Manager (IM) directly into Acusera 24.7. This new feature eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces transcription errors and improves laboratory efficiency.
What you need to know
Uni-Directional License – Anyone wishing to avail of automated QC data upload to Acusera 24.7 will need a uni-directional license for Instrument Manager. A new license can be requested directly from a Data Innovations representative, or an existing license previously used for an analyser may be re-purposed.
Driver Download – Once a license has been secured, you will be required to download the Acusera 24.7 Driver from the MY DI Community website – https://datainnovations.my.site.com/s/drivers. To locate the driver simply select Randox from the Manufacturer drop down menu and then select Acusera 24.7 from the list of available drivers.
Configuration – Once the driver has been downloaded, you will receive help files that document the process to be followed. The same steps are to be followed as with connecting any instrument or analyser to Instrument Manager.
Once the driver has been successfully set up, Instrument Manager will automatically send QC data to Acusera 24.7, removing the need for manual data entry.
Key Considerations
- You must have have an Acusera 24.7 license and configured your Acusera 24.7 account before connecting to Instrument manager.
This new capability allows laboratories to optimise workflows, reduce errors, and streamline QC data management.
About Data Innovations
Data Innovations is a global software company that is passionate about excellence in patient care. Through innovative solutions and world-class service, they enable enterprise management of hospitals and independent laboratories. Founded in 1989 with headquarters in Vermont, Data Innovations serves more than 6,000 hospitals and laboratories in 80+ countries.
What is Instrument Manager?
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) by Data Innovations LLC
Instrument Manager™ (IM) is a truly vendor-neutral middleware platform that allows for the connection of any clinical lab instrument to any Lab Information System (LIS), with a library of over 1,000 instrument drivers. IM offers a suite of lab enablement solutions spanning productivity, quality, analytics, performance and reliability.
Labs using IM auto verification with time-saving workflows are able to achieve quicker turnaround times and increased productivity. IM quality assurance programs ensure that all connected instruments deliver the most accurate possible test results.
Candida auris: An Urgent Fungal Threat
An Urgent Fungal Threat: Tackling Candida auris in Healthcare Environments
Candida auris (C. auris), is an emerging fungal threat that has garnered global attention due to its multidrug-resistant nature and ability to cause severe, life-threatening infections. First identified in 2009, C. auris has quickly spread worldwide, particularly in healthcare settings, posing a significant challenge to both clinicians and public health professionals.
Understanding Candida auris
Candida auris is a yeast-like fungus that can lead to severe infections, especially in patients with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. It is frequently found in healthcare environments such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. The most concerning aspect of C. auris is its ability to persist on surfaces, increasing the risk of outbreaks in these environments. Once introduced into a healthcare setting, it can rapidly spread from one patient to another, making infection control a significant challenge.
In Illinois alone, 921 C. auris cases were confirmed between 2016 and 2022 (1). Additionally, in 2022, 2377 cases of C. auris were reported to the CDC (2), further highlighting the increase in cases each year. In Europe, survey responses were received from all 30 invited EU/EEA countries. From 2013 to 2021, a total of 1,812 Candida auris cases were reported by 15 of these countries. The number of cases nearly doubled from 335 in 2020 to 655 in 2021, indicating a significant increase compared to previous years (3).
C. auris primarily causes bloodstream infections, but it can also infect wounds, the respiratory tract, and the ear. Patients in critical care, especially those using invasive medical devices such as ventilators, catheters, or feeding tubes, are particularly susceptible. In fact, data indicates that more than one in three people with an invasive C. auris infection affecting the blood, heart, or brain, do not survive (1).
The Growing Threat of Multidrug Resistance
One of the major concerns surrounding C. auris is its resistance to multiple classes of antifungal medications, which are typically used to treat Candida infections. This multidrug resistance often leads to treatment failure and poor outcomes in affected patients. In addition to its drug resistance, Candida auris is often misidentified as other Candida species using standard laboratory methods, further delaying appropriate treatment.
The Importance of Rapid and Accurate Detection
Given the risks posed by Candida auris, rapid detection is crucial for preventing the spread of this dangerous fungus. Early identification allows healthcare professionals to implement strict infection control measures such as isolating patients, cleaning and disinfecting affected areas, and preventing further transmission within healthcare facilities. However, traditional detection methods may be slow and prone to misidentification, making timely response difficult.
Enter Vivalytic
The early identification and containment of Candida auris are essential to prevent large-scale outbreaks. This is especially important in healthcare environments where patients may be vulnerable. The Vivalytic’s rapid detection of C. auris colonisation and infection allows for earlier implementation of infection control measures. This reduces the burden on public health systems and helps save lives.
At Randox Laboratories, the focus is on advancing the detection of infectious diseases like Candida auris. The Vivalytic, developed with Bosch, offers a reliable and accurate testing solution. This supports healthcare providers in protecting patients and controlling the spread of the fungus. Real-time PCR technology is used by the Vivalytic Candida auris test to detect DNA from swabs. These swabs may be taken from the axilla, groin, nasal, or rectal regions.
Key Benefits of Vivalytic Testing for Candida auris:
- Quick Results: The Vivalytic provides results in under 1 hour, enabling healthcare providers to make swift, informed decisions about patient care and infection control. This quick turnaround is essential for both treating the patient and containing the spread of Candida auris within a healthcare facility.
- Simple, 4-Step Process: The test uses a convenient 4-step process, from scanning the sample to receiving the results, making it easy to use in both laboratory and non-laboratory settings. The system’s fully automated, cartridge-based platform minimises the risk of contamination and simplifies workflow.
- Accurate Detection: The real-time PCR method used by Vivalytic ensures precise detection of Candida auris, even in cases where traditional methods might misidentify the fungus. This accuracy is vital in initiating appropriate antifungal treatment and curbing the infection.
- Convenient for Various Settings: The Vivalytic platform is designed to be used in a wide range of settings, from large laboratories to point-of-care environments, making it versatile and adaptable to the needs of different healthcare providers.
| Detectable Pathogens |
|---|
| Candida auris |
References
- dph.illinois.gov. (n.d.). Candida auris (C. auris). [online] Available at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/candida-auris.html.
- CDC (2024). Tracking C. auris. [online] Candida auris (C. auris). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/tracking-c-auris/index.html.
- Kohlenberg, A., Monnet, D.L. and Plachouras, D. (2022). Increasing number of cases and outbreaks caused by Candida auris in the EU/EEA, 2020 to 2021. Eurosurveillance, 27(46). doi:https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.46.2200846.
Randox Attend 2024 Grand National Winning Yard
Randox Laboratories Visits W.P. Mullins’ Yard – Celebrating Success at the 2024 Grand National
Randox Laboratories were thrilled to attend the prestigious 2024 Grand National Winners Yard at W.P. Mullins’ state-of-the-art stables in County Carlow. As the proud sponsors of the Grand National, we had the opportunity to witness first-hand the dedication, precision, and care that go into training champions.
W.P. Mullins, continues to set the standard with his exceptional achievements, including the 2024 winner of the world’s greatest steeplechase I am Maximus.
Randox are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and passion that define winners like W.P. Mullins and his team.
Thank you to everyone at the yard for a warm welcome and an exciting experience!
Check out some of the highlights of our trip below!
Randox Testing Services – Drug and Alcohol Testing
At Randox Testing Services, we provide reliable and cost-effective drug and alcohol testing solutions for a wide range of industries. Sectors we work with include aviation, maritime, manufacturing, and more. Additionally, our Collection Officer Network operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year with a target call-out time of 2 hours. With over 40 years of experience in the diagnostics industry, our services not only ensure safety but also compliance in workplaces across the UK and Ireland.
We understand that every industry has unique needs, which is why we craft customised testing packages to meet specific workplace requirements. Whether it’s random testing to deter substance abuse or post-incident testing following an accident, we offer flexible solutions that cater to your business’s safety priorities. Furthermore, our expertise is trusted by industries ranging from safety-critical sectors to the medico-legal field such as family law, ensuring that our clients receive accurate, reliable, and legally defensible results.
- Pre-Employment Testing: Essential for ensuring candidate suitability and maintaining a safe environment for your current workforce.
- Random Testing: A highly effective deterrent for substance abuse, as employees are aware they could be tested at any time, ensuring integrity across all levels of the organisation.
- With-Cause Testing: Conducted when there is suspicion or allegations of drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace, or when drugs and alcohol have been found.
- Post-Incident Testing: Occurs after an accident or incident to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role.
- Abstinence Testing: Used to monitor employees who previously tested positive to ensure they remain abstinent from substance misuse.
We utilise discreet and non-invasive methods for sample collection, offering options such as urine, hair, oral fluid, breath or a combination of these. This enables both short-term and long-term drug profiling. Moreover, our testing methods are designed to suit your organisation’s needs and ensure accuracy and reliability in detecting drug and alcohol use. Each sample is handled following strict chain of custody procedures to guarantee sample integrity from collection to reporting.
We follow a thorough and professional process to deliver tailored drug and alcohol testing solutions:
-
- Consultation: We start with a free consultation to discuss your requirements and create a customised testing package.
- Policy Creation: We help develop a clear and concise workplace drug and alcohol policy that outlines employer rights while protecting employees.
- Policy Implementation: Our training and educational services help you effectively communicate the policy to your team.
- Sample Collection: Our trained officers collect samples at a time and location that suits you, maintaining sample integrity throughout the process.
- Sample Analysis: Using our advanced Biochip Array Technology, we screen samples for a wide range of substances, ensuring reliable and accurate results.
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Randox Health features in Sunday Times article
One writerās first health MoT showed her cholesterol in the red. It forced a dramatic lifestyle rejig, but the hard part was making the changes stick
In February my colleague Matt Rudd sent a pleading email: āHelp! I need volunteers for a blood health panel screening. Hooked on the fact that a million people in the UK have undiagnosed T2 diabetes.ā
My Italian grandmother had diabetes. I had never had a proper health check in my life. It probably wasnāt a bad idea to have an MoT.
By my reckoning, I was in reasonable nick for a 37-year-old mother of a two and a five-year-old: I cooked from scratch, didnāt eat red meat and cycled (occasionally and slowly) to work. I banked on getting the health equivalent of a B+.
But I very much did not get a B+. The results from my Ā£65 āvitalā Randox Health check were graded byĀ a traffic light system. Ten per cent of me was, firmly, in the alarming red zone and 13 per cent was amber. The (main) issue was not pre-diabetes, butĀ high cholesterol. My total was 6.22 mmol (millimoles per litre) when it should have been less than 5.
āIām really freaking out,ā I messaged my partner, Tom. āIām going to get heart disease. Or have a stroke.ā
Closer inspection showed that my LDL, which Google informed me was the bad kind of cholesterol, the kind that clogs up the arteries and kills you, was 3.56. It should have been below 3. My iron levels were also low, again throwing up more red. And I wasnāt fit. My body mass index was in the green but I had the metabolic age of a 40-year-old. āThis is really sub-optimal,ā I added to Tom.
But it was the high cholesterol, which is usually without symptoms, that bothered me. Nearly 50 per cent of the population is estimated to have high cholesterol and it often runs in families, explains Julie Ward, a cardiac nurse at the British Health Foundation. āItās really prevalent in society, but often people, especially younger people, have no idea at all until they get checked. The key is to talk to your relatives, to your parents. Ask them if thereās a family history.ā
I peppered my trim mum with anxious messages. Why didnāt I know about this? āI told you that I had high cholesterol,ā she replied. When? āYou were 14.ā Somewhere between the Smirnoff Ice and Marlboro Lights, that particular health concern apparently hadnāt lodged in my mind.
I told my twin brother about our genetic predisposition, which he seemed relaxed about. I was anything but relaxed. I think it was the recognition that I could no longer āwing itā that struck me. Call it my coming of age. And my worries spiralled from there: I wanted to be around and healthy for my children as they grew up. Which meant that as Sir Keir Starmer said about the NHS, I had two options: reform or die.
The question was: what to do about it? Changing habits, some of which developed in childhood, is extremely challenging. I took a hard-nosed look at my lifestyle. Exercise didnāt really feature, other than the 25-minute cycle to the office and a bit of tennis. None of which, Tom pointed out, made me break into a sweat.
I ate lots of vegetables, fish and pulses, but I also ate cheese straws, crisps and pasta. At restaurants, I was all about fried and/or beige: croquetas, any kind of tempura, burrata, tuna tostadas. The bread basket. Nor did I ever contemplate the long rigmarole of putting our kids to bed without eating a hefty wedge of toasted sourdough, butter and mature cheddar.
So what could I do? The answers were predictable: exercise, cut out saturated fats (found in cakes, biscuits, pastries, processed food), eat more pulses and vegetables, and eat plenty more seeds, nuts, oily fish and avocado, all sources of good cholesterol, the kind that takes the bad away from the arteries.
Letās retest in six months, suggested Matt Rudd. Here was a competition, something I could get on board with.
āIām making radical changes,ā I told Tom as I filled our online Sainsburyās cart with butter beans, chickpeas and beetroot (none of which I much liked). āNo more bread, white pasta, potatoes, white rice. No cheese, no deep-fried food. No moreTonyās Chocolonely. And Iām going to work out two mornings a week.ā
The first major test came two days later when we went on a rare childfree trip to Venice, home of cichetti and Aperol Spritz. At 6pm, drinking white wine beside the lagoon, I was presented with a (free) plate of tiny smoked salmon white bread sandwiches and bruschette piled with salted cod.Oh tentazione!
But I had decided to go cold turkey. Any other approach and I knew my willpower would evaporate before Tom could say āstrokeā. Dinner was torture: obviously I wanted the spaghetti alle vongole but instead I made myself order cuttlefish stew (no carbs!).
Back in London, I carried on. Toast with butter and marmite was replaced with chia and flaxseed-heavy oat bircher. My mid-afternoon snack of pop chips became walnuts and almonds. A salad for the old me was 60 per cent crouton.
Dinner became something like veggie chilli, no rice, or spicy butter beans with spinach and tofu. Biscuits, cakes and puddings were taken off my menu. As was my after-supper chocolate.
Classpass, a monthly subscription that gets you access to various gym classes, also worked for me. Mainly because its policy is to fine you for missing a class. Brutal but effective.
It takes 60 days to form a habit, Tom kept telling me when I wavered: donāt give up. A dogma confirmed by Jenna Hope, a nutritionist who advises her clients on how to break and reform habits. āItās hard, but there are tricks,ā she says. One is to focus on what is making you sit down on the sofa with a tub of ice cream after work. āIf that is what you do for relaxation, you need to replace the ice cream with something else, something healthy. Donāt just say, āIām not having ice cream any moreā, thatās much harder.ā
Each person is different, she says, some need to make changes slowly. Others, like me, need to go nuclear. Either way, the key is consistency.
Competitiveness also drove me. I wanted to beat Matt Rudd. Though when he opened his desk drawer to reveal a supermarket-sized stack of Jammy Dodgers, Mini Cheddars and Haribo, I realised heād given up.
By two months in, I was feeling a hell of a lot of better. I no longer had stomach aches and I was fitter and had lost weight. Iād also developed a taste for crouton-free salad.
Take the Randox test, my editor kept asking me. But I was worried: what if, after all this effort and self-denial, my cholesterol hadnāt changed? Can you even do anything about it when it runs in your family?
Last week, I caved andtook the test. The great news was that I had reduced my metabolic age from 40 to 23. And my cholesterol? Still red but definitely leaning more pink: from a total of 6.22 it had dropped to 5.6. And the bad kind was now at the healthy level, below 3, at 2.79 mmol.
āThatās a really good level,ā said Joanna Lilburn, a scientific consultant at Randox. āAnd I wouldnāt worry about the total level because a lot of that is good cholesterol.ā
Which is what I wanted to hear. Lifestyle changes were working. Albeit slowly. What I didnāt want to hear is that cholesterol levels increase as you age. Which means that now, warned Lilburn, comes the hard part. āItās about keeping it going.ā
Read full article here: I had high cholesterol at 37. The cure was tougher than I imagined (thetimes.com)