Cytokine testing for COVID-19 risk stratification and treatment monitoring

On Biomedical Science Day 2020, an innovative method of monitoring treatment efficacy and recovery of COVID-19 has been unveiled by global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.

The test, which looks for the presence of cytokines (a type of small protein) is performed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, which can simultaneously detect multiple analytes from a single patient sample.

Cytokines play a vital role in the immune system and are known to be involved in the body’s response to a variety of inflammatory and infectious disease, such as COVID-19.

Lynsey Adams, Randox Marketing Manager, commented;

“Cytokine storms, which are the overstimulation of cytokines in response to infection, are a common complication of severe cases of COVID-19, and can trigger excessive, uncontrolled systemic inflammation.

“The monitoring of cytokine proteins therefore offers a unique opportunity to identify patients who, as a result of this viral sepsis, are at risk of poor disease outcomes including pneumonitis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, respiratory failure, shock, or even organ failure.

“Treatment for any infection, COVID-19 included, is most effective when administered at an early stage, and so the detection of cytokine storms within COVID-19 patients could provide vitally important information that will direct the appropriate patient care pathway and facilitate improved patient outcomes.”

The comprehensive cytokine testing menu from Randox comprises of 26 different cytokines, across four different biochip panels.

Designed to make cost, time and resource savings for a range of diagnostic laboratories, Randox Cytokine Biochips can detect up to 12 cytokines and growth factors from a single patient sample.

Lynsey continued;

 “The multiplex capabilities of the Randox Biochip will provide clinicians with a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s condition.

“Compatible with our Evidence and Evidence Investigator analysers, which are capable of processing 2960 and 2376 tests per hour respectively, Randox Cytokine Biochip panels offer a comprehensive testing method for these proteins which play such a central role in the immune system.”

In addition to COVID-19 risk stratification, cytokine testing has also been linked to monitoring for allergies, vascular diseases, cancer, and a range of autoimmune diseases.

Key Benefits of Randox Cytokine Testing

• Simultaneous detection of up to 12 cytokines and growth factors from a single patient sample
• Fully automated and semi-automated testing platforms available to suit all laboratory throughputs
• Comprehensive test menu comprising 26 cytokines, cytokine receptors and growth factors
• Suitable for use with serum and plasma samples
• Excellent analytical performance
• Availability of complementary quality controls for a complete testing package

For more info please visit www.randox.com/cytokine-testing-solutions/, email marketing@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413

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