Is Biomarker Multiplexing the future of kidney disease screening?
Is Biomarker Multiplexing the future of kidney disease screening?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is both a cause and a consequence of cardiovascular diseases, and is an increasing burden on global health. As diabetes, obesity and hypertension incidences continue to rise and the world’s population steadily ages, CKD’s prevalence is already estimated to be between 11% and 13% globally for all five KDOQI stages, with a majority in Stage 3 (about 90% of all stages).
With early stages of CKD being asymptomatic and current diagnostic tools (proteinuria determined by albumin to creatinine ratio and decreased renal function estimated from GFR using the CKD-EPI equation) are insufficiently sensitive to detect most cases up to stage 3, it is likely that the true prevalence of CKD is still underestimated. Therefore the need to improve both early diagnostics and overall CKD outcome is all the more critical.
Accordingly, biomarker research has been intense in the field of renal disease for at least 10 years with a number of promising candidates emerging, some now well-known by specialists: Cystatin C, NGAL or KIM-1 for example.
However, further novel biomarkers, assessed in combination using a properly developed multiplex assays can allow superior insight into CKD than what their individual performance could achieve. This also largely stems from selecting the markers that are indicative of complementary mechanisms that contribute to the development of CKD.
When assayed together from a single serum sample and after combinatorial analysis has been applied, these biomarkers can open new avenues in the management of CKD, such as proper diagnosis of the condition from Stage 1, clear differentiation between stages and monitoring of the progression pace of the disease. Early screening of patients at risk of CKD is now within reach and it is expected that its systematic use will have a profound impact on health system economics.
Another area of interest in renal research is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) which may arise as a result of cardiac surgery and can subsequently lead to CKD. AKI detection is also of significant interest in the field of drug development, where early stage toxicity is still a large cause of new drug marketing withdrawal. Hence selecting and qualifying kidney tissue damage biomarkers, and assembling them into a multiplex panel is a key priority to those involved in early stage clinical trials.
An AKI panel has been worked out using the same principles as those used in the development of the CKD panel: high individual diagnostic value and multiple, independent cellular targets. This panel is now ready for final clinical qualification and will be one of the first of several organ-targeted safety panels aiming to become standard for drug induced toxicity screening.
It is key to the adoption of multiplex testing that proper validation guidelines be published and that careful, matrix-based validation data is made available to potential users. It is essential that multiplexed testing comes to the front line of testing in the field, so it can deliver to its full potential and start translating into public health improvement and cost savings. Technology is ready, let’s make a start!
Dr Claire Huguet
Randox Biosciences – Head of Biomarkers
For further information about kidney disease screening from Randox Biosciences, please contact randoxpr@randox.com
Neonatal health testing from Randox: keeping your baby healthy now and into the future
Most newborns enter the world healthy. But sometimes, infants develop conditions that require medical tests and treatment. Newborns are particularly at risk for some diseases, and in particular infections, because their immune systems aren’t developed enough to fight bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
At Randox we offer a number of accurate and reliable tests capable of detecting illnesses in newborn babies, enabling early medical intervention to allow for the best possible outcome for the baby.
Testing for Jaundice with Randox Bilirubin
In the routine care of newborns, a test for bilirubin is commonly conducted.
Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of haemoglobin in the spleen, liver and bone marrow. It travels to the liver where it is secreted into the bile ducts as bile, and stored in the gallbladder where it is later released into the small intestines for digestion.
Increased levels of bilirubin within the body are associated with a condition called jaundice, which occurs in toxic or infectious diseases of the liver. The most common symptom of jaundice is a yellow pigmentation of the skin.
Elevated levels of bilirubin may also arise as a result of an obstruction in the bile duct or gall bladder, as a result of haemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), or by the liver not actively treating the haemoglobin it is receiving.
Therefore the Randox Bilirubin test is essential in the screening, monitoring and diagnosis of hepatic (liver function) disorders and jaundice in newborn babies.
Neonatal jaundice, otherwise known as hyperbilirubinemia, is extremely common in babies, because nearly every newborn develops a somewhat elevated bilirubin level during the first week of life.
Side effects may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding, but in some more extreme cases babies may experience seizures, cerebral palsy, delayed intellectual development, or physical abnormalities.
Early and accurate detection is therefore extremely important – making bilirubin testing fundamental. To ensure the precision of the bilirubin tests conducted in paediatric testing, Randox also offers Acusera Bilirubin Elevated Quality Control.
Monitoring the destruction of red blood cells with Randox G-6-PDH
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) is an enzyme located on the X-chromosome, and so is found in every bodily cell as soon as a baby is born.
G-6-PDH is involved in the normal processing of carbohydrates and plays a critical role in red blood cells, protecting them from damage and destruction. Depleted levels of G-6-PDH can therefore cause red blood cells to become particularly vulnerable to haemolysis. G-6-PDH deficiency, which causes rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, excess tiredness, and mild to severe jaundice in new-borns, affects more than 400 million people globally.
During a baby’s new-born screening, a test for the G-6-PDH enzyme will be conducted to check for this deficiency disorder. Early diagnosis is imperative, as untreated haemolysis can result in haemolytic anaemia.
Genetic Disease Screening with Randox Copper
Copper is an essential mineral in human nutrition, and is mainly found in the brain, liver, kidneys, heart and skeletal muscle.
It aids in some of the key bodily functions including the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of nerve cells and the immune system, and the formation of bone and connective tissue. A deficiency in this mineral can therefore result in bone abnormalities or fractures in premature babies.
Copper deficiency can also be caused by an inherited disorder called Menkes Disease. Affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 children worldwide, this condition is characterised by sparse, kinky hair; failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate, and deterioration of the nervous system.
The first signs of Menkes Disease – curly, sparse, coarse, dull, and discoloured hair – usually first develop at 2-3 months of age and therefore monitoring copper levels in babies is a way to catch this rare condition at the earliest possible opportunity.
Testing for Lupus with Randox Complement C4 and Complement C3
Another condition which can affect newborn babies is neonatal lupus, which occurs when the mother’s antibodies affect the foetus. A rare condition, it is an autoimmune disease caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues and organs.
The Complement C4 and Complement C3 proteins, which play an important role in eliminating certain infections, can be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of lupus. Complement C4 deficiency is commonly associated with lupus, as the protein is required to clear damaged cells, promote inflammation, and attack pathogens.
Although there is no cure for lupus at present, the condition is very treatable and usually responds well to a number of different types of medication – especially when treatment is started in the early stages of the disease.
Early diagnosis is therefore imperative, and the Randox Complement C4 and Complement C3 tests can help to diagnose babies with lupus at the earliest possible stage. Randox also offer Acusera Immunology controls.
Monitoring a baby’s anti-infection defences with Randox IgA
IgA (immunoglobulin A) is an antibody present in the cells of the immune system, and plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes including tears, saliva, and sweat. It is also present in colostrum, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, which is the first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth.
It’s the IgA in colostrum and milk that is important in neonatal protection against infection and it is therefore imperative to monitor the levels of this antibody to make sure your baby is receiving the anti-infection defences he or she requires.
Testing for allergic reactions with Randox IgE
IgE (immunoglobulin E) is an antibody released by the immune system as a defence mechanism when it believes the body is at risk. IgE determinations are therefore used as an aid in the diagnosis of allergic diseases.
In babies, an allergen-specific IgE test may be done to look for some kinds of allergies, including food, animal dander, pollen, mould, medicine, dust mites, or insect venom.
Increased concentrations of IgE will confirm that an allergic response has occurred, facilitating further investigation as to the specific allergy present.
Testing for bacterial infection with Randox CRP
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein found in blood plasma and produced by the liver. The concentration levels of CRP increase in response to cytokines which are produced by white blood cells during inflammation, infection and tissue injury.
Testing for this protein can therefore be used in the detection of bacterial infections in neonates – enabling antibiotic prescription and a speedy recovery. If infection is identified, CRP can also be used to monitor treatment response or identify neonatal septicaemia.
Randox is committed to saving and improving lives – at any age and any stage of life.
Our innovative diagnostic technologies are versatile and easily adapted for use in the paediatric setting – keeping your baby healthy now and into the future.
For more information on neonatal health tests available from Randox click here or email randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Randox Food Diagnostics offers innovative multiplex technology for mycotoxin screening within varieties of farmed crops
Mycotoxins are poisonous chemical compounds produced by certain fungi. There are many such compounds, but only a few of them are regularly found in food, farmed crops and end product animal feeds. Since they are produced by fungi, mycotoxins are associated with diseased or mouldy crops. Those that do occur in food may have an impact on livestock and the health of humans and have been associated with conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections and chronic fatigue. The main causes of mycotoxins within stored grains are when the grain is damp, damaged or cracked and kept in insufficient storage conditions.
The formation of mycotoxins is climate-dependent, with temperature and moisture levels directly impacting fungal growth. Evidence shows that climate change is causing increasing temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. Additionally, extreme weather incidents have increased. As a consequence of these changes, increased levels of mycotoxins have been observed in some European crops.
Mycotoxins occur, and exert their toxic effects, in extremely small quantities in foodstuffs. Their identification and quantitative assessment therefore generally require sophisticated sampling, sample preparation, extraction, and analytical techniques. Under practical storage conditions, the aim should be to monitor for the occurrence of fungi. If fungi cannot be detected then there is unlikely to be any mycotoxin contamination. The presence of fungi indicates the potential for mycotoxin production, and the need to consider the fate of the batch of commodity affected.
In order to help the industry Randox Food Diagnostics developed the Evidence Investigator analyser. The Investigator uses Biochip Array Technology (BAT), a technology that was developed by Randox, to detect multiple residues (up to 45) from a single sample. Within farmed crops Randox Food Diagnostics provide testing for different matrices such as: Maize silage, maize, Barley, grass seed, rice, wheat, oats, soya, DDGS, rapeseed as well as livestock and pet foods including premixed feed.
Randox Food Diagnostics offer a mycotoxin screening array on Biochip called Myco 10 which can detect 10 mycotoxins per sample including aflatoxins G1/G2 & B1/B2, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, paxilline, ochratoxin A, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol (DON), T2 toxin & zeralenone. Also offered is a range of ELISA test kits including ergot alkaloids.
Randox Food Diagnostics is a regular participant in the FAPAS proficiency testing scheme which provides an independent check of a laboratory’s procedures to ensure the delivery of quality results. To read our study on: Biochip Array Technology for the reliable performance of multi-mycotoxin determination in animal feed materials” click here: http://www.randoxfooddiagnostics.com/docs/default-source/randox-fd/posters/bat-mycotoxins-in-animal-feed-materials.pdf?sfvrsn=4
For more information on our arrays for mycotoxins please visit the website: http://www.randoxfood.com/matrices/mycotoxins or contact us via email at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com
The Evidence Series: What is it and how is it changing the diagnostic landscape forever?
Having developed the patented Biochip Array Technology following £250 million investment in diagnostic research and development, we needed a platform that allowed Biochip Array Technology capabilities to be showcased. Step forward the Evidence Series.
The series includes the Evidence, the Evidence Evolution, the Evidence Investigator and the Evidence MultiSTAT. Each analyser has been designed and built with boundary pushing engineering, to ensure financial, labour and time savings for the end user.
Have a read below of the overview of each analyser in the Evidence Series
Evidence Evolution
The world’s first fully automated random-access biochip testing platform, the Evidence Evolution is the world’s most advanced immunoanalyser. With the capability to process up to 2,640 tests per hour, the Evidence Evolution offers complete system integration, as well as the most comprehensive test menu on the market.
Evidence
As the world’s first Biochip Array Technology system, the Evidence immunoanalyser has revolutionised laboratory screening worldwide. With the capability to process 3,960 tests per hour and a sample capacity of 360, the Evidence is ideal for use in a high throughput laboratory.
Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop immunoanalyser that offers efficient and comprehensive testing across a range of applications including clinical diagnostics, molecular, toxicology and food diagnostics. The Evidence Investigator boasts a throughput of up to 2,376 tests per hour, offering efficiency without compromising on accuracy.
Evidence MultiSTAT
The Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated immunoanalyser that enables on-site simultaneous detection of up to 44 analytes from a single sample of oral fluid, urine or blood. With a three-step process and results generated in less than 20 minutes, the Evidence MultiSTAT is an ideal solution for those with no knowledge of laboratory procedures and offers a throughput of up to 132 tests per hour.
About the Randox Evidence Series
The Evidence Series is set to revolutionise diagnostic testing forever. Offering unrivalled capabilities across all analysers, we truly believe that the Evidence Series range of immunoassay analysers can meet your diagnostic testing capabilities.
For more information on any of the Evidence Series analysers, please visit https://www.randox.com/evidence-series/ or contact us evidenceseries@randox.com.
Randox / Bosch partnership delivers game-changing device in fight against antibiotic resistance
A partnership between Randox Laboratories, the UK’s largest manufacturer of in-vitro diagnostics, and the German technology giant Bosch is changing the way doctors will treat patients with antibiotics, with the launch of a revolutionary product – the Vivalytic.
It’s estimated that 20% of antibiotics currently prescribed are unnecessary, and fuel the growing threat of global antibiotic resistance. This threatens the ability to treat common infectious diseases, and a growing number are becoming harder, and in some cases impossible, to treat. The World Health Organisation warns that without action, we are heading towards a post-antibiotic era.
This problem is being addressed by the Vivalytic. The result of a decade of R&D, it is an intuitive point-of-care analyser that, depending on the complexity of the test, will deliver results from 30 minutes: enabling doctors to select the right course of therapy faster than before. In some cases, this will be life-saving.
The first tests available on the Vivalytic are Randox’s panels for respiratory and sexually-transmitted infections*.
Using Randox’s patented Biochip Array Technology, the Respiratory Multiplex Array simultaneously reports on 22 viral and bacterial pathogens including Bordetella pertussis and parapertussis which causes whooping cough – without the need for secondary or confirmatory testing to inform clinical treatment decisions. The STI array enables the detection of 10 STIs from a single sample. Every day more than 1 million STIs are acquired, and many have mild if any symptoms at all. Identifying these infections correctly first time reduces the misuse of antibiotics and supports their targeted use.
The Managing Director of Randox Dr Peter FitzGerald commented:
“Antibiotic stewardship is a critical issue which we all have a responsibility to embrace and drive forward. This partnership is ideal, combining our expertise in molecular laboratory diagnostics with Bosch’s cutting-edge engineering. The Vivalytic is a game-changer for clinicians and patients: never before has there been this level of accessibility to this range of molecular diagnostics.”
Marc Meier, General Manager of Bosch Healthcare Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bosch Group, said:
“We are enthusiastic about having gained Randox as the first partner on our platform with two initial panels available from the start. It´s the beginning of jointly expanding the Vivalytic test portfolio for our clients. In this partnership the core competencies of Bosch in automation, miniaturization, and networking are complemented by Randox’s expertise in developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic solutions.”
Vivalytic and the panels will be presented to industry professionals for the first time at the ECCMID 2018 Congress in Madrid, Spain, in hall 10, booth 55A between 21st – 24th April.
*CE pending and FDA planned.
For further information about the Vivalytic, please contact randoxpr@randox.com
Metabolism: how Randox is helping to diagnose metabolic conditions
Many people talk about their metabolism as if it is a muscle or organ they can somehow control. In reality, your metabolism refers to a series of chemical processes in each cell that turn the calories you eat into fuel to keep you alive.
Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns to maintain vital body functions such as heart rate, brain function and breathing. RMR accounts for up to 75 percent of the calories you burn each day. Knowledge of your individual RMR is a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily calorie needs.
The body’s major organs — the brain, liver, kidneys, and heart — account for about half of the energy burned at rest, while fat, the digestive system, and especially the body’s muscles account for the rest.
Did you know?
Approximately 20-25% of the world’s adult population have metabolic syndrome?
A common misconception surrounding metabolic health is that it refers solely to your weight, and if you are overweight you are considered to be unhealthy. But in actual fact this may not be entirely true. Good metabolism means that your body is in good overall health, which doesn’t account for just your weight! Common metabolic disorders include genetic metabolic disorders, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Understanding and testing to see how well your metabolism is functioning is key to ensuring long lasting health.
Genetics
There are a number of genetic metabolic disorders caused by mutations of single genes. Examples of common disordersinclude Gaucher’s disease, hemochromatosis and cystic fibrosis. Gaucher’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down fat that can accumulate in the liver/spleen and bone marrow. Hemochromatosis is a condition that is caused by the over-absorption and build-up of iron while cystic fibrosis is a metabolic disorder that appears as a result of a build-up of mucus in lungs/liver and intestines. Each of these metabolic disorders affect certain organs from functioning properly and therefore your overall healthiness.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common types of metabolic disorders in the world that is expected to affect 592 million people by 2035. It is characterised by high blood sugar, insulin resistance or a lack of insulin being produced by the pancreas. Insulin resistance occurs when the body isn’t able to use insulin the right way which increases blood glucose levels. Insulin is needed for cells to take in glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Over time this lack of insulin can damage the organs in your body.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X, Reaven’s syndrome, and CHAOS) is not a disease but a collection of risk factors that affect your health; these include high blood pressure, high blood sugar/cholesterol and abdominal fat. Left untreated, these risk factors, together, can lead to long term serious problems including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and developing type 2 diabetes.
Can you improve your metabolic health?
Yes! The good news is that if you discover that your metabolic health is not up to scratch you can improve it through a combination of diet, exercise and lifestyle adjustments such as:
- 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise 5-7 times a week
- Low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack
- Quit smoking
- Medication for blood pressure/cholesterol/ blood sugar
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a healthy balanced diet
Related Products
Randox has developed the RX series of clinical chemistry analysers for superior semi-automated and fully automated testing. The RX series extensive dedicated test menu goes beyond routine testing and has many unique and high-performance tests available. Our range of tests covers several parameters to assess your overall metabolic health.
Metabolic Health Profile
| Albumin | Chloride | Potassium |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | C02 Total | Sodium |
| ALT | Creatinine | Total Bilirubin |
| AST (GOT) | Glucose | Total Protein |
| Direct Bilirubin | Lactate | Urea |
| Calcium |
The RX series clinical chemistry analysers provide laboratories with a robust and smart solution ensuring you maintain a consistent workflow and can provide accurate results first time, every time. Offering excellent customer support services, our trained engineers are on hand to work with you in preserving the continuity of your operations while maximising the potential of your RX series instrument.Our world-famous test menu of high quality reagents ensures excellence in patient care, guaranteeing unrivalled precision and accuracy reducing costly test re-runs or misdiagnosis and offering complete confidence in results.
For more information visit: https://www.randox.com/clinical-chemistry-analysers/
The rise of drug abuse in India – Randox Toxicology
A recent study completed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) reported an all-time high of 3.6 lakh kg narcotic drugs seized in India in 2017, this was an increase of over 300 percent in the last five years. Known as ganja, cannabis is the most widely abused drug in India, increasing from 40,113 in 1999 to 352,379 by 2017, according to The Times of India.
(Sourced: The Times of India: Drug abuse on the rise in India, Ganja most in demand)
A prevalent issue in the north of India is pharmaceutical drug abuse, both over the counter and prescription drugs. The Times of India reported that 566,450 bottles of cough syrup, 58,463 injections and more than 6,300,000 tablets were recovered across India in 2017. Among the drugs being smuggled out of India and into countries such as America and Canada is the opioid painkiller Tramadol, which is not covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
With daily drug seizures across the country, the situation in India has been described as akin to the US national opioid emergency. Therefore, it has been suggested that a harm-reduction approach be taken to educate the young and tackling substance abuse.
Using our revolutionary Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully automated analyser that enables on-site simultaneous detection of up to 21 classical, prescription and synthetic drugs from a single sample. Designed to work across a variety of matrices and generate results in under 20 minutes, Randox Toxicology have changed the landscape of drug detection forever.
For further information about the Evidence MultiSTAT and our cutting-edge multiplex testing capabilities, contact info@randoxtoxicology.com to be put in touch with a sales member or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
Vivalytic: The all-in-one solution for Molecular Diagnostics
A game-changing partnership between Randox Laboratories and Bosch is changing the accessibility to molecular diagnostics with the launch of a revolutionary product – the innovative platform Vivalytic.
Using Randox-patented Biochip Array Technology, it is the easiest-to-use and most-comprehensive multiplex PCR platform on the market. It provides the broadest range of test options ever seen for an analyser of its size, and also supports single-plex and low-plex testing, simplifying the processes for otherwise-complex laboratory test procedures. Depending on the test application, results will be delivered from 30 minutes.
Biochip Array Technology, developed by Randox Laboratories, is the innovative multiplexing technology which is utilised within the cartridge aspect of the platform. The Biochip allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes from a single sample.
The new platform will be initially released with two molecular arrays available including Respiratory Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted Infection with other tests to follow.
The Vivalytic is the perfect fit for any laboratory with numerous benefits to enhance your laboratories testing capabilities.
Hygienic and space saving
No other peripherals such as laptop, keyboard, barcode scanner or filling stations are required. This makes Vivalytic a hygienic and space-saving all-in-one solution.
Direct and clear results
The test result is presented clearly in a summary, but also details on the raw data of each individual measurement can be displayed.
Protected system
The Vivalytic integrates the software with the instrument to ensure a safe and reliable run. This is the ultimate protection of the data and the valuable sample material.
Networked and combinable
Easy integration with popular standard IT systems makes test results instantly available. An analyser device can be networked and combined with several other devices so that multiple series of tests can be performed simultaneously. All devices are based on the same hardware and software, so that the product family can be expanded quickly and without major development effort.
28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Randox Laboratories will be attending the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infections from the 21st – 24th April 2018.
Our innovative diagnostic solutions have been developed with consolidation and economy in mind, providing cost savings whilst using pioneering technology.
Diagnostics is our passion. We are dedicated to developing solutions that not only meet your needs, but are of the highest quality, the most reliable and the most cost-effective. We look forward to meeting you in Madrid at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid to launch the Vivalytic at our stand 55A.
For further information, visit https://goo.gl/S2Yj2c or email info@randoxbiosciences.com
We Are Randox | Carole Smythās Girl Guides Adventures
We’re passionate about celebrating the kindness and generosity of our Randox employees. Each have their own unique and interesting story to tell and many give up their spare time to support their local community and help those in need.
Their compassion and commitment is what makes Randox the successful company it is today, and nobody demonstrates this better than our Logistics Team Leader, Carole Smyth.
Carole volunteers her time as Unit Leader of 2nd Antrim Girl Guides, a group of girls and young women who together, take part in activities designed to help them reach their potential and take an active and responsible role in the world around them.
As we continue our #WeAreRandox series of staff stories, we are delighted to have found out about the work Carole does with the Girl Guides.
We love getting to know the hobbies and interests that make our colleagues who they are, and hope that Carole’s story encourages other members of our team to consider some voluntary work in their local community.
By the sounds of it, Carole thinks it is an incredibly rewarding experience. Here’s her story.
I’ve been involved in the Girl Guides for 11 years now, having been encouraged to join by my sister-in-law Donna.
The organisation is entirely led by volunteers and therefore reliant on people signing up to commit to a few hours a week delivering Girl Guide activities.
My role as Unit Leader of 2nd Antrim Guides, along with two other leaders, is to ensure the girls have a varied programme and can gain access to activities they wouldn’t normally have access to. This can vary from arts and crafts to science workshops, cooking to camping, and dancing to orienteering.
Each activity aims to promote skills in the likes of leadership, listening, sharing and above all, developing the courage to take on new adventures and exciting challenges.
And it’s not just the girls who get the chance to embark on these adventures. Given my fear of heights, zip lining wasn’t exactly high up on my to do list, but when you have a group of Guides giving you “gentle” encouragement, what can you do?
Another highlight with the Girl Guides for me was June last year when I attended the Trooping of the Colour for the Queen’s birthday. Along with a few other leaders and girls, we were given access to the Youth Enclosure at the entrance to the Horse Guards Parade – a prime viewing spot to see the Royal Family. Then we were escorted to Buckingham Palace up the Mall, and even made it on to TV (if you don’t blink at that specific 0.1 second moment!)
The whole procession was just amazing and it was so special to be able to share this memory with my two daughters, one of whom is a Rainbow (ages 4-7) and the other a Brownie (ages 7-10). As a parent, I love that through Girl Guiding they have the opportunity to meet girls from other backgrounds and beliefs, and as I mentioned before, learn new skills and take part in lots of different activities, as well as earn Guiding-specific awards. From First Aid and World Cultures to Singing and Chocolate (yes you can gain a Chocolate badge – what’s not to love?), all of these awards look great on the girls’ CVs or university application forms.
And if you volunteer to be a leader, you can also study for new qualifications – in first response, hiking, catering or Duke of Edinburgh, to name but a few. Personally though, my favourite thing about being a Girl Guides leader is the opportunity to see the girls grow and develop during their time with us. I am able to witness shy girls gaining more confidence, girls with learning difficulties or health complications taking part in different activities that they would normally shy away from, and in general, just seeing all our girls enjoying their time together and making lasting friendships.
It sounds corny but I myself have also met lots of fantastic leaders during the last 11 years who I can now call lifelong friends. The bonds we as leaders, and the girls, make when we go away on our annual day trips, overnight stays, and camping adventures are quite unique.
This year our unit is attending an outdoor camp (our first overnight outdoor experience!) along with other units from our county. Last year, we took our Guides to Dunluce Guide House for our unit holiday and enjoyed a spot of horse riding, and last November we took part in UK Parliament Week by attending an evening at Stormont, where we met Arlene Foster. A few of our girls also took part in an activity day organised by Ulster Rugby at which they learned some basic rugby skills and had the opportunity to interact with Guides from all over Ulster.
The activities we offer to our Girl Guides are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and I am proud that I am part of such a special organisation.
We’re very proud of Carole and the amazing work she does with Girl Guides, and are delighted that she has taken the time to share her story with us.
If you would like some further information on Girl Guiding, you can visit www.girlguiding.co.uk to register your interest.
For more We Are Randox stories about our amazing colleagues, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and follow the hashtag #WeAreRandox.
For current vacancies in our team, visit careers.randox.com
Randox Testing Services: The difference between CBD Oil, Cannabis Oil and Hemp Oil
CBD Oil, Cannabis Oil and Hemp Oil are naturally produced from the plant Cannabis Sativa. This article will aim to distinguish between the different variations, and highlights differences in their use, abuse and legal standing.
Cannabis is the name given to the common drug of abuse, made from various parts of the Cannabis Sativa plant that contain a high level of a chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the chemical responsible for most of cannabis’s psychological effects. It stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine and interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories. Strains of Cannabis Sativa are specifically bred for their high THC content in resinous glands on their flowers and some leaves.
Cannabis Oil contains a high level of THC and if administered can result in psychoactive effects. There is a growing movement to legalise THC in the form of oils or capsules for medicinal use (pain relief), however, like cannabis itself, it is currently illegal to possess, or supply cannabis oil in the UK.
CBD (or cannabidiol), like THC, is another chemical component extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a ‘high’. CBD is derived from a specific hemp strain that is high in CBD and low in THC and is extracted from the whole plant (and not just the seed like hemp seed oil). The use of CBD oil is becoming widespread for its reported health-giving benefits. It is perfectly legal to use (because it contains negligible amounts of THC) and can be purchased from health food shops and on-line.
However, it is also sometimes (mistakenly) referred to as ‘cannabis oil’ which causes confusion.
Hemp is a fast-growing strain of Cannabis Sativa specifically bred for its fibre (for textile use), oils (including CBD oil) and nutritional benefits among its ever-expanding range of uses. However, hemp is bred to be low in THC. Hemp seed oil is acquired by pressing the hemp seeds only and contains neither THC nor CBD. Hemp oil is perfectly legal and you may find it in some health food products or even beauty products.
Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug in the UK and can produce a range of side-effects including an increased risk of developing a psychotic illness. For an extensive list of the side-effects of regular cannabis use download our free educational resource: http://www.randoxtestingservices.com/download/Effects-of-Cannabis-Poster.pdf
About Randox Testing Services
Randox Testing Services is a market leader in the drug and alcohol testing industry. Our expertise is relied upon by a range of leading safety-critical companies across the world.
We pride ourselves on helping our customers improve the health and safety of their working environment through helping them implement a comprehensive substance misuse policy. As experts in our field we ensure that we are aware of current drug trends and issues that are affecting society.
Contact us today at testingservices@randox.com or call 028 9445 1011 to speak with one of our experts.
