Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2022!
Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2022!
Celebrating World Diabetes Day, 14th November 2022!
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to become too high. This can cause complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems or nerve damage if not treated.
Although there is no cure for Diabetes, the condition can be controlled and monitored.
There are three main types of diabetes, type one, type two and gestational diabetes. The former two are lifelong and can cause life threatening complications if not monitored effectively.
Type one diabetes is when the body can’t make insulin, which is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. In the UK, around 8% of the population have type one.
Type two diabetes is generally caused from lifestyle, when the pancreas doesn’t work properly and can’t keep your blood sugar levels from rising. Type two represents around 90% of people with diabetes in the UK.
Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that appears in pregnancy, characterised by high blood sugar due to the hormones produced in pregnancy. In the UK, around 5% of pregnant women are diagnosed every year.
Globally, Diabetes affects more than 415 million people, with type 2 being the most common.
People with T1D have an estimated 50% risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease over their lifetime. CKD can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Taking a personalized approach to kidney disease screening for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may reduce the time that chronic kidney disease (CKD) goes undetected, according to a new analysis performed by the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study group.
World Diabetes Day aims to increase visibility around the condition and can help sufferers feel less alone. Charities such as Diabetes UK also use the day to help promote awareness and information around the condition to help get people diagnosed earlier through campaigns such as #RewriteTheStory.
Randox reagents cover a spectrum of laboratory testing which can help monitor Diabetes and the effectiveness of management. This can help prevent serious complications which can become life threatening.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Fructosamine (Glycated Protein) has been identified as an early indicator of diabetic control compared to other markers such as HbA1c. HbA1c represents the average blood glucose levels for the previous 2-3 months, conversely fructosamine reflects average blood glucose levels of the previous 2-3 weeks. HbA1c levels may also be impacted by genetic, haematological and disease-related factors. The enzymatic Fructosamine method also offers improved specificity and reliability compared to conventional NBT-based methods and does not suffer from non-specific interferences unlike other commercially available Fructosamine assays.
Complications Monitoring – Ketoacidosis
D-3-Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) is the most sensitive ketone for the diagnosis of ketosis, in particular diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) , because it represents approximately 80% of ketones present in blood during DKA. The nitroprusside method commonly used in semi-quantitative dipstick tests only detects acetone and acetoacetate making it less accurate.
Complications Monitoring – Renal Dysfunction
Cystatin C is extremely sensitive to very small changes in GFR and has been identified as a strong predictor of clinical outcomes associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cystatin C doesn’t have a ‘blind area’ like creatinine. Up to 50% of renal function may be lost before significant creatinine elevation occurs. NICE guidelines recommend cystatin C testing due to its higher specificity for significant disease outcomes.
To find out more visit: https://www.randox.com/diabetes-reagents/
Or email us at: reagents@randox.com
Rapid MG, MH, UP/UU Testing Now Available on Vivalytic
Introducing MG, MH, UP/UU Testing to Vivalytic
Aiding the rapid diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and immediate decision making at the point of care, the Vivalytic portfolio of tests has now expanded to complement current comprehensive screening for STI’s, introducing rapid screening for Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH) & Ureaplasma parvum (UP)/urealyticum (UU) in 1 hour.
What are MG, MH, UP/UU pathogens?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 30 different bacterial species, viruses and parasites have been identified to be involved in the spread of STIs. Mycoplasmas in particular belong to the group of human pathogenic bacterial species with many risk associations particularly on the female reproductive system.1 Studies have also found that UU and MH are implicated in prematurity-linked conditions 2. UP & UU bacterium again are implicated to have adverse implications for both men & women. They affect up to 70% of sexually active couples and exist mostly in an asymptomatic state. If left untreated, UP & UU may be associated with infertility and other risk associations such as meningitis and pneumonia. 3
Why test MG, MH, UP/UU on Vivalytic?
Current diagnostic cultivation methods for screening can take up to three days for MH, UP and UU or even 6 months, with the introduction of these STI pathogens to the Vivalytic, quick, accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment decisions can be made at the point of care , before symptoms worsen, or any long-term implications occurs to the patient. In a world where over 1 million STIs are acquired daily 5, a quick and efficient process that allows for almost immediate results can improve operations considerably.
The push to encourage individuals to test themselves regularly before engaging in sexual activities with a new partner is becoming more and more widespread. The Vivalytic, as a portable point of care device, designed to suit a range of environments such as Doctors’ offices or GUM/ Sexual Health Clinic, can provide a screening immediately, minimising the stress and uncertainty a patient may experience whilst waiting for a result to receive the relevant treatments if needed. The Vivalytic’s speed not only provides reliable and precise diagnoses, but also plays a role in fighting the spread of STIs and minimising hospitalisations that may arise from complications from undetected sexually transmitted pathogens.
Features and Benefits
- By using a single cartridge, the Vivalytic MG, MH, UP/UU test detects and differentiates between pathogens of the Mycoplasmataceae family
- Detection Method: Real-Time PCR
- Result Time: 1 hour
- Sample Volume: 300μl Clinical Sample
- Sample Type: Swab (Urethral, Vaginal, Cervical, Rectal), Urine
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What makes this possible?
Making this happen, The MG, MH, UP/UU rapid test on Vivalytic by Bosch, a point of care platform brought to the market by Randox Laboratories. The Vivalytic system is a fully automated, cartridge-based platform capable of both Hi-Plex and Lo-Plex infectious disease testing. Each easy-to-use cartridge contains all necessary reagents, is fully sealed to minimise risk and can be conveniently stored at room temperature.
Making a point to care, the Vivalytic also provides a comprehensive sexual health profile of 10 bacterial, viral, and protozoan infections with a rapid turnaround time of just 2 hours from sample entry to result. Designed to offer a complete sexual health profile with an aim of prevention and control, the Vivalytic STI array can be used to diagnose existing infections whilst any identifying co-infections.
The Vivalytic consolidates the full molecular workflow into a small benchtop platform, capable of extraction, PCR amplification and detection. It follows an easy 4 step process from sample entry to results and with the gold standard PCR testing. With most up to date technology, the Vivalytic has wireless connectivity, with no peripherals required, making a unique space saving and hygienic solution. Handling and utilisation are simple and medical professionals require only minimal training.
For more information on the Vivalytic, why not visit our webpage: https://www.randox.com/vivalytic-molecular-point-of-care/
For more information on our new MG, MH, UP/UU test, please contact market@randox.com
References:
- Mardh P. A., Westrom L., von Mecklenburg C., Hammar E. Studies on ciliated epithelia of the human genital tract. I. Swelling of the cilia of Fallopian tube epithelium in organ cultures infected with Mycoplasma hominis. The British Journal of Venereal Diseases. 1976;52(1):52–57.
- Viscardi R. M. Ureaplasmaspecies: role in neonatal morbidities and outcomes. Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition. 2014;99(1):F87–F92.
- World Health Organization. “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).” int, World Health Organization: WHO, 22 Nov. 2021, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis).
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World Heart Day 2022
World Heart Day 2022
World Heart Day – Raising awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases
On 29th September, World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use heart for humanity, for nature, and for yourself. Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart.
In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. World Heart Day is, therefore, the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden.
World Heart Day is a global campaign created by the World Heart Federation in which it informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year. It aims to highlight the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD as well as to drive action to educate people by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders relating to the heart and blood vessels and they include:
- coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
- cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
- rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
- congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth
- deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
How can Randox help with these current global challenges
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, is easier to treat when detected early. Here at Randox, we utilise innovative diagnostic tests for early risk assessment capable of diagnosing disease at the earliest possible stages, because we understand that “prevention is better than cure”.
Randox Laboratories is a world leader in innovative diagnostics with 40 years’ experience and a leading provider of diagnostic reagents for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. Randox offer an extensive menu of cardiac biomarkers within the cardiology reagents panel including:
Risk Assessment
- CK-MB – useful in patients with chest pain; Creatine Kinase is an enzyme produced in many different types of cells, of which high levels indicate muscle trauma or damage.
- Myoglobin – a small protein which leaks out of muscle cells after injury, is also considered a biomarker for the detection of Myocardinal Infraction.
- Routine lipid tests to determine the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels – HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Independent risk assessment tests such as sdLDL Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) to determine any genetic factors which may increase their risk of CVD. Please note, this is necessary even for patients who have good cholesterol levels
- Secondary tests, such as High Sensitivity CRP, in addition to risk assessment markers and lipid evaluation – secondary tests are important in predicting future cardiac events of individuals with no previous history of CVD and those deemed healthy because of primary tests; approximately half of all heart attacks occur in patients classified as low risk. In addition, they can also be used to evaluate the risk of a recurrent cardiac event
- Homocysteine – elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various disease states including CVD. Extremely high levels are found in patients with homocystinuria, of which many suffer from early arteriosclerosis.
More information
If you are a clinician or lab interested in our Cardiology & Lipids Panel, we have a wealth of resources available:
Download our Reagents Brochure
Download our Cardiology & Lipid Testing Brochure
If you would like to get in touch with a Sales representative please email us reagents@randox.com
Cardiac QC
Acusera Cardiac Controls is designed to deliver an assayed solution for Tropinin I and NT-proBNP testing. Its intended use with Roche, Abbott and Siemens. This control is manufactured using only the highest quality material and offers a 7-day thawed stability at +2ºC to +8ºC.
Four levels are available covering the clinically relevant range, including High Sensitivity Troponin I.
Features and Benefits
- Liquid for ease-of-use stability
- Aqueous material
- 4 Clinically relevant levels (including Ultra-Low)
- Stable to expiry date at -18-24ºC storage
- Thawed stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
For more information, visit our Cardiac Quality Control website
If you have any other queries, don’t hesitate on contacting us at qualitycontrol@randox.com
Heart Health Test
High Cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke therefore at Randox Health we have the Heart Health Test to keep our cholesterol at a healthy level. This is done from the convenience of your home with our home sample collection kit. Heart Health measures your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Why we get tested?
There is so much importance in identifying cholesterol imbalance early which allows you to make appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is essential to acknowledge that regardless of your age and physical health, anyone can have high cholesterol; high levels may be a result of genetics or lifestyle which can often display with no underlying symptoms. Those with a family history of heart disease, who are overweight/ obese, drink alcohol, smoke regularly, lead a sedentary lifestyle or have diabetes are at an increased risk and should get tested.
Find out more here
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Rheumatoid Factor: The Most Remarkable Autoantibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Factor:
The Most Remarkable Autoantibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Celebrating World Arthritis Day (WAD)
Rheumatoid Factor: The Most Remarkable Autoantibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis
World Arthritis Day (WAD) is celebrated on 12th October to help raise global awareness of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). It is estimated that over one-hundred million people are currently undiagnosed impacting their quality of life and participation in society – including their ability to work and lead a normal life. As a result this increases dependency on state welfare, the healthcare system and the required support from their family and friends.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) launched the ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’ campaign focusing on the importance of early diagnosis and access to care.
Randox Reagents fully supports the importance of early diagnosis – to aid in the early implementation of effective treatment plans, aiding in improved health outcomes – it’s the ethos of our business. This blog delves deeper into rheumatoid factor (RF), the most remarkable autoantibody in rheumatoid arthritis.
Pathobiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
The pathophysiology of RA involves various signaling pathways and immune modulators (effector cells and cytokines) as indicated in figure 1. Joint destruction is caused by the intricate interactions of immune modulators, beginning at the synovial membrane and encompassing most IA structures, with synovitis caused by both or individually, the local activation or influx of mononuclear cells, including: B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, mast cells and macrophages. Consequently, “the synovial lining becomes hyperplastic, and the synovial membrane expands and forms villi”. The neutrophils, chondrocytes and synoviocytes secrete enzymes that degrades the cartilage in the joint whereas the osteoclast-rich area of the synovial membrane destroys the bone 4.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), “the most common systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease” affecting 1% of the global population, is characterised by fatigue, synovial joint pain, stiffness, swelling and destruction, with severe symptoms resulting in disability. Whilst the exact cause of RA is unknown, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in triggering the disease 2, 3. Differences in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 alleles (proteins with a critical role in the immune system) have been identified as a genetic variant for RA, observed in >80% of patients, particularly in those testing positive for RF. Moreover, those with variations in the HLA-DRB1 who smoke, increase their risk of RA. As RA is more common in women (2-fold increased risk in women compared to men), hormonal influences are an area of active research, however, an inverse correlation with breastfeeding has been identified. Women who breastfeed for >13 months aids in reducing the risk of RA compared to women who have never breastfed 3, 4.
Figure 1: Schematic view of (a) a normal joint and (b) a joint affected by RA 4
Clinical Significance of Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Interestingly, elevated levels of RF have been observed in other autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as non-autoimmune conditions including old age and chronic infections. Despite this, RF in RA patients can be distinguished from RF in healthy individuals. RF in RA patients displays affinity maturation whereas RF in healthy individuals has low affinity and are polyreactive 2.
RF is a class of immunoglobulin (Ig) autoantibodies that are directed against the fragment crystallizable region (Fc region), the tail region of the IgG antibody. In RA, RF are produced by the B cells present in lymphoid follicles and the germinal center(GC)-like structures that mature in inflamed synovium. Most RF are IgM antibodies, but may also be IgG or IgA isoforms. IgM RF are detected in 60% to 80% of RA patients. “RF testing in RA patients has a sensitivity of 60% to 90% and a specificity of 85%” (5). RF is a highly valuable biomarker in RA 5, 2.
Key Features of the Randox Rheumatoid Factor Assay
The Randox automated latex enhanced immunoturbidimetric rheumatoid factor assay provides an accurate assessment of RF titre as the Randox rheumatoid factor calibrator is standardised against the primary WHO material, 1st British Standard 64/2. With a wide measuring range of 6.72 – 104lU/ml for the comfortable detection of clinically important results, the Randox RF assay is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for the comfortable detection of clinically important results. The Randox rheumatoid factor assay does not suffer from interference from C1q complement and is stable until expiry date. With dedicated calibrator and controls for a complete testing package, Randox offer applications, detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox rheumatoid factor assay on a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers.
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World Heart Day 2021
World Heart Day 2021
World Heart Day – Raising awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases
World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer, causing over 18.6 million deaths per year, according to the World Heart Federation. 85% of these deaths are due to coronary heart diseases (e.g. heart attacks) and cerebrovascular diseases (e.g. strokes) and mostly affect low-and middle-income countries.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders relating to the heart and blood vessels and they include:
- coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
- cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
- rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
- congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth
- deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
How can Randox help with these current global challenges
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, is easier to treat when detected early. Here at Randox, we utilise innovative diagnostic tests for early risk assessment capable of diagnosing disease at the earliest possible stages, because we understand that “prevention is better than cure”.
Randox Laboratories is a world leader in innovative diagnostics with 40 years’ experience and a leading provider of diagnostic reagents for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. Randox offer an extensive menu of cardiac biomarkers within the cardiology reagents panel including:
Risk Assessment
- CK-MB – useful in patients with chest pain; Creatine Kinase is an enzyme produced in many different types of cells, of which high levels indicate muscle trauma or damage.
- Myoglobin – a small protein which leaks out of muscle cells after injury, is also considered a biomarker for the detection of Myocardinal Infraction.
- Routine lipid tests to determine the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels – HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Independent risk assessment tests such as sdLDL Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) to determine any genetic factors which may increase their risk of CVD. Please note, this is necessary even for patients who have good cholesterol levels
- Secondary tests, such as High Sensitivity CRP, in addition to risk assessment markers and lipid evaluation – secondary tests are important in predicting future cardiac events of individuals with no previous history of CVD and those deemed healthy because of primary tests; approximately half of all heart attacks occur in patients classified as low risk. In addition, they can also be used to evaluate the risk of a recurrent cardiac event
- Homocysteine – elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various disease states including CVD. Extremely high levels are found in patients with homocystinuria, of which many suffer from early arteriosclerosis.
More information
If you are a clinician or lab interested in our Cardiology & Lipids Panel, we have a wealth of resources available:
Download our Reagents Brochure
Download our Cardiology & Lipid Testing Brochure
If you would like to get in touch with a Sales representative please email us reagents@randox.com
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
SARS-CoV-2 Vascular & Multi-System Dysfunction Whitepaper
30 June 2021
SARS-CoV-2 Vascular & Multi-System Dysfunction Whitepaper Download
COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. While many of whom become infected by the disease will experience mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms, those with health complications – such as autoimmune diseases, asthma, heart disease and diabetes – are at risk of developing serious illness and adverse outcomes.
As of September 2021, over 228 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with an estimated one in six patients experiencing complications which could be life threatening, with over £116 billion spent by the UK government alone on measures to combat the disease. This drastic spending has been mirrored across the globe, with the significant economic burden expected to be suffered for generations to come.
The whitepaper provides a brief overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, before discussing vascular abnormalities and associated complications brought on by the virus, such as multi-system disfunction, acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) and hepatic, renal & cardiovascular function.
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Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports events?
Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports?
1 September 2021: Why does Randox sponsor Equine Sports?
Some may be wondering, why is a healthcare company so invested in the equine industry? Why would they sponsor the world’s most famous steeplechase – The Randox Grand National?
It’s a labour of love… Peter FitzGerald’s fond attachment to the equestrian world, together with 40 years’ experience in the in vitro diagnostics industry, was the perfect match.
Clinical diagnostics is at the heart of Randox and our experience and expertise has paved the way for the development of innovative and accurate diagnostic products for Equine Health.
You could say ‘it runs in our blood.’
With 70% of all medical decisions based on the analysis of blood, Randox are set to release the VeraSTAT-V, a stable-side Equine Serum Amyloid A test device designed to detect levels of inflammation in horse blood in a matter of minutes.
The ability to quickly detect and monitor your horse’s health, at the stable side, brings huge benefits to both horse and owner. Early detection of inflammatory states means treatment plans can start sooner, recovery periods are shorter, and the horse can return to work healthy much earlier.
When performance is key, monitoring inflammation is vital.
Whether it’s detecting inflammation related to joint injury, or screening for infection before or after transport, competition or surgery, the VeraSTAT-V is a valuable means to monitor Equine Health.
At Randox, we have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Jockey Club and will continue to deliver innovative diagnostics solutions to the Equine Industry for the years ahead.
Interested in finding out more?
For all Equine SAA and/or Veterinary related inquiries, please email marketing@randox.com or visit www.randox.com/veraSTAT-V for more information.
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Banned substance furazolidone (AOZ) detected in shrimp at French border
14 April 2021: Banned substance furazolidone (AOZ) detected in shrimp at French border
As per an alert through RASFF – the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed for the EU, shrimp imported from India has been rejected at the French border in March 2021 for containing a banned substance, known as furazolidone (AOZ). The shrimp product has since been destroyed and did not make it into the market for distribution.
Nitrofuran antibiotics, the parent compound of AOZ, were banned for use in animal food production in the EU in 1995 and 2009 in the US for its reported carcinogenic and mutagenic characteristics. However due to the drugs low cost and effectiveness in controlling disease it is still in use despite the ban.
Randox Food Diagnostics
Randox Food Diagnostics have developed a highly accurate and reliable immunoassay array which detects Nitrofuran residues including AOZ, AMOZ, AHD and SEM.
Available on the Evidence Investigator, our Antimicrobial Array III utilises our patented Biochip Array Technology which provides screening of up to 54 meat and seafood samples. The Evidence Investigator provides results for multiple drug residues and toxins in just 2.5 hours, saving the user both time and money compared to other screening and confirmatory methods.
Randox Food Diagnostics also provide a vast variety of ELISA kits to test for antibiotics in meat and seafood tissue, offering excellent cross-reactivity and unrivalled limits of detection. With results providing great correlation with confirmatory methods, we ensure that better science means safer food.
Want to know more?
For more information on tissue screening methods from Randox Food Diagnostics please visit the links below.
www.randoxfood.com/meat-and-seafood-analysis/
Alternatively contact us via email: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
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Contact us or visit our Randox Food Diagnostics website.
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Record level of alcohol deaths recorded during COVID-19 pandemic
Record level of alcohol deaths recorded during COVID-19 pandemic
22 March 2021
Deaths caused by alcohol consumption hit a new high during the first nine months of 2020, new figures for England and Wales show.
Between January and September, 5,640 deaths were registered with this cause – an increase of 16% on the same period in 2019. This significant increase has been the highest recorded figure since records began in 2001. The high rates spanned the period during and after the first national COVID-19 lockdown, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.
As in past years, rates of male alcohol-specific deaths were twice those seen for women. Experts say the coronavirus pandemic will have had little effect on how the data was gathered and recorded. But it is not clear how much it may have contributed to the deaths.
A spokesman for ONS said:
“Today’s data shows that in the first three quarters of 2020, alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales reached the highest level since the beginning of our data series, with April to September, during and after the first lockdown, seeing higher rates compared to the same period in previous years.”
“The reasons for this are complex and it will take time before the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on alcohol-specific deaths is fully understood.”
Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol’s impact on your body starts from the moment of consumption. While an occasional glass of wine or beer isn’t a cause for concern, the cumulative effects of drinking beer, wine or spirits can take its toll.
Excessive consumption can impact various parts of the body. Effects can range from weakening of the immune and digestive system, to inflammation and sugar level issues.
Our ‘Effects Of’ Series provides a range of educational posters that ca be displayed in workplaces. Click here to view them.
Did you know that alcohol misuse at work can:
Breath Testing in the Workplace
Handheld breathalysers are an ideal device for conducting workplace alcohol testing. Quick and easy testing provides an instant readout of the donor’s breath alcohol measurement. Simply compare the reading to the cutoff defined in your own drug and alcohol testing policy.
Breathalyser devices gauge blood alcohol content (BAC) by measuring deep lung air. This type of testing can accurately determine whether a person has recently consumed alcohol or is currently over the legal or pre-determined limit. Breathalyser calibrations are maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and periodically accuracy checked to ensure results are accurate and reliable.
How Randox Testing Services can help
At Randox Testing Services, we are pleased to offer a range of stand-alone alcohol tests or combinations of tests to meet your needs.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, RTS have continued to provide drug & alcohol testing services. At all times, we have ensured our staff are equipped to provide sensible advice and flexible solutions to drug & alcohol testing.
Whether for use in workplace settings or for use in court proceedings for medico-legal cases, our range of alcohol testing methods will provide you with accurate and reliable results at competitive prices.
For more information on our alcohol testing services, or to request a quote, contact us using any of the below details.
Website: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
For those who’ve beaten addiction in their own lives Rehab 4 Addiction is a free addiction helpline. Click here.
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The Impact of Coronavirus on Drug Use in Europe
15 March 2021: Impact of Coronavirus on Drug Use in Europe
The effect of COVID-19 on the consumption of drugs in Europe has been varied depending on the drug type concerned. Overall, 51.6% of participants in a survey have increased their drug or alcohol consumption and 57.3% reported taking drugs more frequently. The main explanations for these inclines are due to boredom and anxiety, likely due to the imposed restrictions of strict lockdown measures.
According to Statista, Cannabis remains to be the most popular drug used within Europe as 27.2% of respondents revealed that they have used the drug in their lifetime compared to only 5.4% using cocaine. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, regular users of Cannabis have increased their usage, however it is important to note that this has only affected 10% of respondents.
There has been a major hold on the party lifestyle with the shut-down of nightclubs and lack of festival events. As well as, a decrease in the supply of readily available drugs on the market resulting from transport restrictions at country borders. This has impacted the usage of recreational drugs such as cocaine, LSD and MDMA which have seen a decline. The Global Drug Survey revealed that 40% of respondents have used these drugs less during the pandemic.
This detrimental trend has resulted in the domestic production of synthetic opioids. There is a very high risk that substitutes such as fentanyl will become more common. This prediction is concerning due to the dangers associated with such drugs leading to addiction and overdoses. For instance, fentanyl compared to heroin is 50 times stronger.
Public Health England has also released a warning relating to the rise in illegally produced prescription drugs sold as benzodiazepines. These cause harmful health issues due to the mix of unsafe and unknown components.
Randox Toxicology
Randox Toxicology are helping to fight drug trafficking by continually investing in new technologies to aid in the rapid and large-scale screening for drugs of abuse. We are world leaders in drug screening solutions with the capability of detecting over 500 drug and drug metabolites using our innovative Biochip Array Technology – the most comprehensive on the drug testing market. Our patented Biochip Array Technology works across a variety of matrices including whole blood, urine, oral fluid, meconium, vitreous humor and hair.
Using our revolutionary Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated benchtop analyser that enables onsite, simultaneous testing for up to 21 classical, synthetic or prescription drugs from a single sample in under 20 minutes. This quick and highly reliable technology makes it perfect for use in non-laboratory settings for people with no lab experience.
To find out more about our Biochip Array Technology and our Evidence Series range of analysers, visit www.randoxtoxicology.com or email info@randoxtoxicology.com
For those who’ve beaten addiction in their own lives Rehab 4 Addiction is a free addiction helpline. Click here.
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