Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month at Randox Biosciences
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month at Randox Biosciences
May is National Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. The purpose of having the awareness month is to educate and raise additional awareness to the public about the horrible disease and how it affects those who suffer. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, more than 30,000 people are living with cystic fibrosis. More than 75% of these people are diagnosed in their early childhood 1.
What is CF?
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease which affects the respiratory and digestive system. A person with CF is born with the condition and therefore it is not possible to catch it from someone else. The gene affected by CF controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, which results in a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs. This causes a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body.2
Symptoms of CF:
There are many symptoms to Cystic Fibrosis which can make life for someone who suffers with CF challenging. The build-up of sticky mucus in the lungs can make breathing difficult and clog up the pancreas which as a result can increase the risk of developing a lung infection or worse, death. This can make it difficult for those who have CF to absorb nutrients from food properly and therefore they must eat more calories to avoid malnutrition. Other symptoms include the following:3
- recurring chest infections
- wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways (bronchiectasis)
- difficulty putting on weight and growing
- jaundice
- diarrhoea, constipation, or large, smelly poo
- a bowel obstruction in new-born babies (meconium ileus) – surgery may be needed
Complications of CF:
3People with CF also have a higher risk of developing other conditions. These include:
- weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)– medicines called bisphosphonates can sometimes help
- diabetes– insulin and a special diet may be needed to control blood sugar levels
- nasal polyps and sinus infections – steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics or sinus flushes can help
- liver problems
- fertility problems – it’s possible for women with CF to have children, but men won’t be able to father a child without help from fertility specialists (see a doctor or fertility specialist for more advice)
4There is no cure for CF, but with improved treatment and management people with Cystic Fibrosis are living longer. It’s thought that children born with CF nowadays are likely to live to an average age of over 50 years old.
How we can help:
Randox Biosciences offer the Vivalytic with the Chronic Lung Disease cartridge, in combination with our intelligent Biochip Array Technology which detects 132 pathogens. The 132 species are simultaneously detected across this 320 Array including bacterial, viral, fungal targets and an antibiotic resistance marker from a single sputum sample!
For more information at info@randoxbiosciences.com or visit us at: wwww.randoxbiosciences.com
- https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/
- https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/cystic-fibrosis/what-is-it
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystic-fibrosis/
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/cystic-fibrosis
Wild Atlantic Adventure Race draws the crowds in Donegal as 2019 winners are crowned
The sun came out for the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race (WAAR) on Saturday 11th May 2019 as brave competitors once again took to the sea and shore to take on the iconic race.
The event started early in the morning with individuals being tasked to complete a 10k run, 42.5k cycle, 2k hike and 1k kayak along one of Ireland’s most beautiful coastlines – the run even featured a stint on the live runway of Donegal airport!
Cheered on by crowds of spectators along the challenging route, over 600 participants battled against eachother to be crowned WAAR winner.
Congratulations to Shaun Stewart who was the first male across the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 5 seconds.
Congratulations to Siobhan Gallagher who was the first female across the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes and 48 seconds.
Dr. Ciaran Richardson, Head of Research & Development at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, said:
“We are delighted to have partnered with the WAAR event, in our ongoing work to promote positive physical and mental health in the wider Donegal community.
“The race was an outstanding success, and we even had our own Randox Teoranta employees taking part – congratulations to Noel, Donal, Eibhlin, Nadine, Rosemary, Ernest, Michael, Claire, Michelle, Robert and Breid.
“This race is a test of both physical and mental strength. Indeed, in the last number of years at Randox Teoranta we have developed ground-breaking innovations aimed at the diagnosis of a broad spectrum of conditions including kidney disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders and stroke.
“As headline sponsor of the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race and on behalf of everyone here at Randox Teoranta, I would like to say a massive congratulations to all WAAR participants, organisers and those who helped in any way on the day – what a fantastic achievement! You should all be very proud of yourselves.”
All the results from WAAR 2019 can be viewed here.
For more information on Randox Teoranta, please contact the Randox PR team at RandoxPR@randox.com or phone (+44) 28 9442 2413.
Successful IT skills scheme enters its second phase
A recent initiative by Randox and eight other companies in Northern Ireland to address local IT skills shortages has proved such a success that nine more companies are now being asked to come on board.
Randox and the eight other businesses (Specialist Joinery Group, FP McCann, Bloc Blinds, CDE Global, Mallon Technology, Acorn IT Solutions, Spatialest and SDC Trailers) all of whom invest heavily in IT, collaborated with Northern Regional College to launch Career Encode, an innovative Earn As You Learn Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing for school leavers.
Over 85 school-leavers and individuals considering a career change applied, exceeding all expectations. Due to the high calibre of applicants a total of 10 apprenticeships have been offered and are due to begin as early as June 2019.
Camilla Long, Director of Bespoke Communications, which specialises in training and leadership development, is acting as an independent facilitator for the nine employers. She explained why more companies should embrace innovative approaches of this nature to plug the skills gap;
“Recruiting new staff, and in particular IT staff, is one of the major challenges facing businesses today. The companies who took part in the Career Encode pilot were finding it increasingly difficult to find the right skills in their local area. As a result, they decided to take steps to develop their own labour force via this innovative Earn as You Learn Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Computing.
“We had a phenomenal response to the launch of the initiative. Over 85 young people applied, and the calibre of the applicants was exceptionally high. The young people who were interviewed were interested, engaged, motivated and willing to learn. There is clearly a need for opportunities of this nature.”
Ms Long added; “We are now looking for a further nine companies to join the second phase of the programme. If you are wondering why your business should join, the answer is simple. Career Encode will alleviate your technology staffing problems. It will allow you to grow your own skilled staff in a tight labour market, so you can develop employees with the skillset that you need.
“It will also further build your employer brand, so you can differentiate yourself and attract the very best candidates. We support you all the way, offering specialist workshops to help your team leaders mentor and manage your new apprentices. By working in collaboration with other like-minded companies you will be in a position to build a talent pipeline, so skill shortages are no longer an issue.”
Discussing the calibre of individuals that applied for the Career Encode apprenticeships, Jolene Carey, Randox Human Resources Officer, commented;
“Randox is a global provider of revolutionary medical diagnostics, and as such, IT underpins the delivery and support of all our mission-critical services. Our IT team are constantly exposed to the latest innovations and the Career Encode programme is an important part of our development plan for new talent.”
For further information about the Career Encode Programme please visit www.careerencode.com
Randox IT are recruiting! Join our cutting-edge team at the Randox Science Park
Do you know your JavaScript from your C#? Randox IT are looking for candidates like you!
Randox IT are recruiting and are looking for enthusiastic team players. Here at Randox, our IT team work from the state-of-the-art Randox Science Park in Antrim, only a short walk away from the town centre and Antrim Train Station.
Whether you’re interested in a placement or graduate position, or are already experienced in your IT field, there are roles at Randox IT for you.
Randox IT staff work in the following areas;
- Infrastructure
- Security
- Software Testing
- Software Development
- IT Operations
- Web Development
- IT Support
Randox IT are in a unique position to work in a company that helps people to live healthier for longer. The vision of Randox is one of ambition, innovation and commitment to improving health worldwide. We firmly believe that the healthcare of tomorrow depends on the innovations developed today. We are advancing cutting-edge science and technologies that hold the key to groundbreaking improvements in diagnostics and healthcare.
In recent years, we’ve developed diagnostics tests for stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many more, as well as the development of workplace drug testing kits, animal feed tests and food tests for milk, wine and honey. Randox IT are key to making this all possible.
Every day is different here but, ultimately, our teams are working to constantly evolve and improve our diagnostic capabilities around the world so that we can help to make a difference to global healthcare.
Randox is a global company with its roots firmly in Northern Ireland. Randox IT work with the latest technologies and software developments, allowing staff to even get to grips with unreleased prototypes. We always strive to expose our staff to the latest in IT innovation, not only to improve healthcare worldwide, but to continually expand the skills of all our teams.
If working in a close-knit, friendly team with access to cutting-edge technology sounds like the kind of place you’ve been looking for, why not get in touch?
Visit https://www.careers.randox.com to see all our current vacancies or email your CV to recruitment@randox.com.
Support Services for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing
Support Services for Workplace Testing
At Randox Testing Services, our ability to provide a wide range of products to carry out workplace drug and alcohol testing is just one part of what we do.
Alongside our drug and alcohol testing products, we provide a range of support services to guarantee complete and comprehensive testing solutions to meet your needs.
Substance Misuse Policy Review
To ensure our customers can implement a comprehensive workplace substance misuse testing policy, we conduct a full review of any relevant policies that are already in place. We offer this support service free of charge to customers. This is the first step in our process and checks that all wording and descriptions are relevant and accurate.
Once the policy has been reviewed and if necessary amended, recommendations can be made as to how the changes can be implemented. In some cases, a presentation from a Randox Testing Services representative may be necessary to explain the changes and what they mean to all staff.
Training & Education
Our training courses ensure employer confidence to carry out workplace drug and alcohol testing and management competence in enforcing the processes. All training courses are fully documented, regularly reviewed and include and assessment of the effectiveness of training. Additionally, all attendees are provided with a certificate at the end of each completed training course.
Educational seminars offer a chance for the topic of drugs and alcohol to be discussed. This opens a learning experience for employers and their employees and can be beneficial for not only the workplace but everyone taking part.
Our Training and Education Courses Include:
Drug and Alcohol Management Awareness Training
Aims to provide managers and supervisors with an understanding of drugs and alcohol and a practical knowledge of substance abuse in the workplace.
Chain of Custody Training
Empowers employers to conduct their own sample collections on-site with the same accuracy and precision as a Randox Testing Services Collection Officer.
We also offer various other services which assist companies in the implementation of workplace testing. Account management and various management information reports enable your company to receive as much information as possible about the testing being carried out, and detailed reports allow management to see the effects of workplace testing on your business.
About Randox Testing Services
At Randox Testing Services we aim to provide the best possible service to our customers. Whether this is by providing testing to a wide range of clients, or supporting companies with their workplace testing efforts; it is our goal to ensure workplaces are drug and alcohol free.
If you would like more information about any of our drug or alcohol testing products or how we can meet the needs of your business through our tailored services, please contact us using any of the below methods.
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com/contact/
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
For further blogs visit www.randox.com/news
Invest in employee health with Randox Health EveryBusiness
Invest in Prevention with Randox Health EveryBusiness
Employee Health and welling strategies are being increasingly introduced by companies. Research in Right Management’s The flux report: Building a resilient workforce in the face of flux, published in February 2014, found that 60% of HR directors recognise that employee health and wellness are key attributes to enabling businesses to achieve their strategic objectives. However, a key problem in the area of health and wellness is that it is often misunderstood. Companies view health and wellness strategies as a firefighting measure; something that is introduced when things go wrong in the company and performance slides.
This view is narrow and to a certain extent wrong. The old saying “Prevention rather than cure” is extremely fitting within these situations. Health and wellbeing should not be about reactive illness management and employers shouldn’t wait until their employees become stressed or ill then seek to cure. Instead they should look at a prevention strategy.
Proactive Health and Wellbeing
Early intervention really does matter. Businesses that spend more time promoting wellbeing and resilience see an upturn in performance, engagement and productivity. If they also use specific data gathering and measurement throughout the year, they can demonstrate the effect of the wellbeing programmes that they’ve implemented and learn what works for them. Health and wellbeing programmes can see an 80% improvement in organisational performance, which is a huge benefit to any business.
In addition, businesses that make a commitment to employee wellbeing can also expect a return in areas such as psychological contract, improved sense of wellbeing, resilience and enhanced positive regard for the employer. Everyone has potential to be healthy, efficient, productive and happy at work. People just need the right support. With an ageing population, it is important that organisations start to recognise this. Read our blog on why to invest in employee health and the benefits.
Randox Health EveryBusiness
Our EveryBusiness corporate service aims to provide a unique health and wellbeing service for your business. EveryBusiness will benefit you and your employees and improve the productivity of your business. Our EveryBusiness service is for employers trying to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees and by doing so benefit from the results of creating a unique health and wellbeing environment.
Contact a member of our team today for more information.
Visit www.randoxhealth.com or phone 0800 2545 130
Antibiotic testing in shrimp
Seafood is one of the most important exports in India with its shrimp being a staple food in many countries worldwide. However, 2017 and 2018 saw 27 shipments of shrimp refused entry into the US by the FDA. This was followed closely in January 2019, when 26 lines were refused due to the presence of two banned antibiotics, nitrofurans and chloramphenicol.
With Indian shrimp accounting for around one third of the countries seafood exports, India has expressed its concern over the rejections. It responded by calling the tests on the products ‘too stringent’.
The global shrimp industry is estimated to be worth around $30 billion and India’s market share is estimated at 13% in value terms.
Dr. Ramraj, President of the All Indian Shrimp Hatcheries Association has stated, “some of the metabolites in shrimp and crustacean shells are known to mimic antibiotics and therefore could give false results”.
The use of antibiotics in shrimp farming in India is banned. Madhusudano Rao, Principal scientist at India’s Central Institute of Fisheries Technology has said, “All shrimp hatchery operators and shrimp farmers and advised to use only these antibiotic- free inputs during shrimp farming”.
Randox Food Diagnostics offer the most comprehensive range of ELISA and Biochip tests currently on the market, specifically designed to identify and detect the smallest traces of the most prevalent antibiotics used in seafood, including nitrofurans and chloramphenicol.
For more information please email us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com or visit our website at www.randoxfooddiagnostics.com.
We Are Randox | Team Randox abseils Belfast Castle for AWARE NI
On Sunday 14th April 2019, a team of brave Randox colleagues faced their fears and took part in an abseil from the top of Belfast Castle. Scaling the heights of Cavehill, our fourteen daring Randox thrill seekers enjoyed views over Belfast before they stepped over the edge.
The event took place to raise funds for Randox’s charity partner AWARE NI, the depression and bipolar charity of Northern Ireland.
Congratulations to our abseil participants! While this may be something else ticked off the ‘bucket list’, it also, most importantly, is a fantastic effort in raising awareness and funds for the work of this very worthwhile cause.
Well done to everyone with your fundraising. You have all worked very hard and raised a fantastic amount both in cash donations and via JustGiving – around £2200 so far and counting!
We hope you enjoy the photographs from the day. If you would still like to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/randox-aware-belfast-castle
Once again, many thanks on behalf of both Randox and AWARE NI to the Randox abseilers for their enthusiasm and fundraising efforts on behalf of both Randox and AWARE NI.
For more information about the abseil or our charity partnership with AWARE NI, please contact RandoxPR@randox.com.
Molecular Testing on the Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop analyser which is renowned for its versatility, robustness and effective reporting methods. The Evidence Investigator has offered efficient and comprehensive testing in a wide range of laboratory settings for many years including, clinical diagnostics, molecular, research, toxicology and food diagnostics.
The Evidence Investigator is the perfect fit for medium throughput laboratories seeking maximum use of bench space and can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2376 tests per hour.
It is extremely well equipped to provide reliable and accurate results because results are generated using Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera, which quantifies chemiluminescent light. The light then measures the degree of binding between the sample and specific biochip bound ligands. The Evidence Investigator image processing software translates light signal generated from chemiluminescent reactions into analyte concentrations which removes the need for any manual processing of data.
Our molecular product range offers diagnostic, prognostic and predictive solutions across a variety of disease areas including sexually transmitted infection (STI), respiratory tract infection, colorectal cancer, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, we can provide a wide range of assay formats including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyping, pathogen detection and mutation detection. The technology allows simultaneous detection of multiple analytes from a single sample for efficient and cost-effective testing.
Pathogen Detection
STI and Respiratory Arrays
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect more than 1 million people every day and each year 500 million new cases of STIs occur.1 Therefore, it is vital for early and accurate detection. Randox’s Sexually Transmitted Infections Multiplex Array simultaneously detects 10 bacterial, viral and protozoan including primary, secondary and asymptomatic co-infection for a complete infection profile. The assay is based on a combination of multiplex PCR and biochip array hybridisation. Innovative PCR priming technology permits high discrimination between multiple targets.
Respiratory tract infections are caused by many viral and bacterial pathogens and are the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.2 The Respiratory Multiplex Array is the most comprehensive screening test for infections of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, simultaneously detecting 22 bacterial and viral pathogens from a single sputum lavage or nasopharyngeal sample.
Both arrays detect the most common and frequently requested infections in sexual and respiratory health. These comprehensive, highly sensitive and specific tests enable identification of co-infections simultaneously, often in asymptomatic patients and enable antibiotic stewardship.
Mutation Detection
KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array and Familial Hypercholesterolemia Arrays I & II
The colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women.3 The KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array simultaneously detects 20 point mutations within the KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes. The assay is validated for use with the DNA extracted from fresh/frozen and formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. The array is CE marked for routine clinical use.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. 4It is the most common autosomal dominant, or inherited disease and affects the plasma clearance of LDL-cholesterol, resulting in premature onset of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality risk.5 Early diagnosis is crucial as by the time the FH sufferer enters early adulthood they will have accumulated >20 years of continuous exposure to build up of fatty or lipid masses in the arterial walls and are at the hundred-fold greater risk of a heart attack than other young people. The Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Arrays I & II are rapid, simple and accurate detection of 40 FH-causing mutations within the LDLR ApoB and PCSK9 genes.
These unique biochip assays permit high discrimination between multiple targets in several genes with a rapid turnaround time (3 hours). The arrays enable detection of the most frequently occurring mutations known to cause disease (FH) and adversely affect patient treatment (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA). A unique primer set is designed for each target which will hybridise to a complimentary oligo-nucleotide probe spotted on a biochip discrete test region (DTR).
SNP Genotyping
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Array
Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world and its prevention is a core activity for public health systems worldwide.6 Randox have the Cardiac Risk Prediction Array which will allow for 19 SNPs to be genotyped simultaneously, which incorporate a test to identify patients predisposed to statin-induced myopathy.
This array identifies individuals with a genetic predisposition to coronary heart disease (CHD). The innovative multiplex primers are designed to discriminate DNA sequences which differ only at one base.
For more information on our Evidence Series or Molecular range of Assays, contact us at info@biosciencesrandox.com
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25189349
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4472364/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK395572/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864143/
Kratom: The Emerging Drug of Abuse
Amidst growing concerns of an opioid-abuse epidemic in the United States, it has been established that kratom (Mitragynine) is increasing in popularity amongst opioid users and has been reported as the new ‘legal high’.
Kratom is an unendorsed herb substance which has not yet been criminalized in the United States and is considered a powerful analgesic with opioid-like effects at high doses and acts as a stimulant at lower doses. Often used as a treatment for chronic pain or opiate withdrawal patients, it also comes in the form of a dietary supplement. As there are no Federal regulations monitoring the sale and distribution of Kratom the substance continues to be readily available and easily accessible via the internet, increasing its abuse by chronic pain patients on prescription opioids.
Kratom has been associated with psychosis, seizures, and has recently cited 100 deaths over a 17-month period by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In previous reports, the Food and Drug Administration had warned against the use of Kratom to ease opioid withdrawal, as many pain physicians are not familiar about its addictive properties. Further the DEA plans to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 substance.
Are you testing for Kratom?
Randox Toxicology are the only suppliers for the detection of Kratom. Alongside our exclusive highly sensitive kratom ELISA test, this drug of abuse is available on our New Psychoactive Substances II panel, which utilises our universally available patented Biochip Array Technology.
Offering excellent cross-reactivity and unrivalled limits of detection over a range of routine and novel assays Biochip Array Technology is the world’s first multiplex screening technology. Designed to work across multiple matrices such as urine, blood, and oral fluid its intra and inter assay precision is typically <10% giving excellent correlation with confirmatory methods.
For more information regarding our Kratom tests get in touch with us by emailing info@randoxtoxicology.com
