World Kidney Day 2021
World Kidney Day 2021
World Kidney Day 2021
11th March 2021 is World Kidney Day, a worthy global campaign aimed at tackling “the hot topic everyone’s ignoring”.
Raising awareness of a disease that ‘one in every nine’ people worldwide suffer from, is something we take seriously.
Here at Randox, our vision is to improve healthcare worldwide and ensure patients across the globe have access to the latest advancements in clinical diagnostics to tackle diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease.
This year World Kidney Day 2021 focuses on being able to live well with kidney disease. Many of us take for granted being able to live a normal life without the side effects such as fatigue, pain, depression, sleep problems etc. However Kidney disease can be huge challenge patients and those around them. The impacts of kidney disease can take a toll of day to day life and the ability to participate in activities such as work, travel, and socialising.
Kidney diseases are very common and can be harmful, but the good news is they are also very treatable!
Randox offer a comprehensive panel of kidney health tests, working to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis of kidney function problems to combat patient challenges early.
For example, low levels of albumin indicate signs of kidney damage in the early stages when diagnosis is key. Testing for albumin can identify individuals with diabetic nephropathy (damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes) around 10 years earlier than standard protein tests. The Randox albumin test can therefore enable preventative measures to be taken to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
With early diagnosis we can improve patient treatment outcomes and reduce the number of people across the world suffering with kidney health problems.
If you are a clinician or lab interested in running renal function assays, download our Reagents Brochure or email reagents@randox.com
If you want to find out the status of your own Kidney Health, book a health check with Randox Health today.
Want to know more about Randox?
Contact us or visit our homepage to view more.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
–
Early Multiplex Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Early Multiplex Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease from a Single Sample
- Simultaneous and quantitative detection of multiple serum biomarkers of kidney damage-related analytes
- Identifies the risk of CKD development / progression following an AKI episode
- Unique combination of analytes ensures better sensitivity and accuracy compared to traditional serum creatinine measurement
- Utilised widely in safety endpoint monitoring or drug-related renal toxicity during clinical trials
- The Randox CKD arrays utilises biomarkers to profile slow verus rapid CKD progression
- Biochip Technology effectively diagnoses early CKD, differentiates between stages and predicts a decline in a patient’s renal function
Chronic Kidney Disease is an abnormal kidney function and/ or structure, present for a minimum period of 3 months.
Typically diagnosed on the basis of serum creatine concentration, however, currently employed urine biomarkers do not reliably detect the early stages of CKD at which intervention could be more effective. Screening for CKD and any subsequent required treatments may then alter the course of early stage CKD and reduce complications and/or the associated health conditions.
Utilising patented Biochip Technology, the Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arrays could improve patient risk stratification whilst monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Diagnosis of CKD at early stages will allow earlier intervention for the treatment of kidney disease, and the prevention of further kidney damage.
Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Array I (7-plex)
EGF regulates renal cell proliferation, fibrosis and inflammation and is produced in response to renal injury.
IL-8 endothelial-derived chemokine involved in recruiting neutrophils to sites of injury and stimulating their response.
sTNFR1 is used to identify an increase in inflammatory conditions such as CKD.
FABP1 binds long-chain fatty acids, contributing to reducing oxidative stress in the kidneys.
sTNFR2 is used to identify an increase in inflammatory conditions such as CKD.
D-Dimer is a fibrin degradation product, and an index of both coagulation and fibrinolysis.
MIP-1 alpha plays a roles in inflammatory responses at sites of injury or infection.
Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Array II (4-plex)
CRP is an acute phase reactant involved in inflammation.
Cystatin C is well recognised marker of kidney filtration dysfunction and injury.
C3a des Arg is a representative of complement component C3a which produces local inflammatory responses.
NGAL is among the current state-of-the-art in CKD biomarkers.
The Evidence Investigator
Meet the Evidence Investigator
The Randox CKD arrays have both been developed for the Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated benchtop immunoassay analyser.
The CKD array’s would improve patient risk stratification whilst monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Diagnosis of CKD at early stages will allow earlier intervention for the treatment of kidney disease, and the prevention of further kidney damage. Currently available for RUO.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Investigator Webpage
Jaffe Creatinine Assay
Reagent | Creatinine (Jaffe)
A Marker of GFR Function
Benefits of the Randox Jaffe Creatinine Assay
Excellent precision
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay displayed a within run precision of < 4.0% CV.
Exceptional correlation
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay displayed a correlation coefficient of at least r=0.99 when compared to commercially available methods.
Liquid ready-to-use
The Randox Jaffe creatinine assay is available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease-of-use.
Calibrator and controls available
Calibrator and controls available offering a complete testing package.
Applications available
Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox Jaffe creatinine assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR510 | 1 x 200ml (S)(L) | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR3814 | R1 6 x 51ml (L) R2 3 x 28ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8022 | R1 6 x 68ml (L) R2 6 x 20ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8316 | R1 4 x 20ml (L) R2 4 x 7ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| (L) Indicates liquid option (S) Indicates standard included in kit |
|||||
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
More useful information
Creatinine is the end-product of muscle catabolism of creatine. In humans, creatinine production is relatively stable, but mainly depends on muscles mass. Consequently, any physiological changes in muscle mass will cause a variation in the creatinine pool independently of GFR changes. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomerulus at a constant rate with 10% to 40% secreted by the tubules 1.
According to the National Institutes of health, the overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approximately 14% 2. Creatinine is the most commonly utilised assay in the assessment of renal function 3. The National Kidney Disease Education Program recommends calculating GFR from SCr. Creatinine measurements are useful in the monitoring of disease progression, with the diagnosis of renal failure when SCr levels are greater than the upper normal interval 4.
Creatinine measurements are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney disease in patients commencing renal replacement therapy, affecting 40% of diabetics (type 1 and type 2) 5. The RENAAL (Reduction of Endpoints in NIDDM with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan) study risk score for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) emphasizes the importance of the identification of elevated SCr, alongside other renal markers, in the prediction of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) development in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nephropathy 6.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in COVID-19 patients 7. The analysis of creatinine in COVID-19 patients on hospital admission and after 2 to 4 days highlighted impaired renal function and is the leading cause of death in these patients 8. The National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE), have set out four guidelines for acute kidney injury in hospitalised suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and highlights the importance of creatinine testing 9.
Clinical Chemistry Calibrator
Clinical Chemistry Controls
Clinical Chemistry EQA
References
[2] Gounden V, Bhatt H, Jialal I. Renal Function Tests. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507821/ (accessed 24 July 2020).
[6] Dabla PK. Renal function in diabetic nephropathy. World Journal of Diabetes 2010; 1(2): 48-56
[7] Mahmoudi H, Alikhani MY, Taheri NM, Behzadi A. Assessment of changes in blood urea and creatinine levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). v 2020: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-25164/v1 (accessed 16 July 2020)
[9] National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE). COVID-19 rapid guideline: acute kidney injury in hospital. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng175/chapter/4-Assessing-for-AKI-in-patients-with-suspected-or-confirmed- COVID-19 (accessed 16 July 2020).
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
–
Early Multiplex Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Early Multiplex Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease from a Single Sample
- Simultaneous and quantitative detection of multiple serum biomarkers of kidney damage-related analytes
- Identifies the risk of CKD development / progression following an AKI episode
- Unique combination of analytes ensures better sensitivity and accuracy compared to traditional serum creatinine measurement
- Utilised widely in safety endpoint monitoring or drug-related renal toxicity during clinical trials
- The Randox CKD arrays utilises biomarkers to profile slow verus rapid CKD progression
- Biochip Technology effectively diagnoses early CKD, differentiates between stages and predicts a decline in a patient’s renal function
Chronic Kidney Disease is an abnormal kidney function and/ or structure, present for a minimum period of 3 months.
Typically diagnosed on the basis of serum creatine concentration, however, currently employed urine biomarkers do not reliably detect the early stages of CKD at which intervention could be more effective. Screening for CKD and any subsequent required treatments may then alter the course of early stage CKD and reduce complications and/or the associated health conditions.
Utilising patented Biochip Technology, the Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arrays could improve patient risk stratification whilst monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Diagnosis of CKD at early stages will allow earlier intervention for the treatment of kidney disease, and the prevention of further kidney damage.
Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Array I (7-plex)
EGF regulates renal cell proliferation, fibrosis and inflammation and is produced in response to renal injury.
IL-8 endothelial-derived chemokine involved in recruiting neutrophils to sites of injury and stimulating their response.
sTNFR1 is used to identify an increase in inflammatory conditions such as CKD.
FABP1 binds long-chain fatty acids, contributing to reducing oxidative stress in the kidneys.
sTNFR2 is used to identify an increase in inflammatory conditions such as CKD.
D-Dimer is a fibrin degradation product, and an index of both coagulation and fibrinolysis.
MIP-1 alpha plays a roles in inflammatory responses at sites of injury or infection.
Randox Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Array II (4-plex)
CRP is an acute phase reactant involved in inflammation.
Cystatin C is well recognised marker of kidney filtration dysfunction and injury.
C3a des Arg is a representative of complement component C3a which produces local inflammatory responses.
NGAL is among the current state-of-the-art in CKD biomarkers.
The Evidence Investigator
Meet the Evidence Investigator
The Randox CKD arrays have both been developed for the Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated benchtop immunoassay analyser.
The CKD array’s would improve patient risk stratification whilst monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Diagnosis of CKD at early stages will allow earlier intervention for the treatment of kidney disease, and the prevention of further kidney damage. Currently available for RUO.
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our Investigator Webpage
Enzymatic Creatinine Assay
Reagent | Creatinine (Enzymatic)
A Highly Sensitive And Reproducible Method
Powered by BiozBenefits of the Randox Enzymatic Creatine Assay
Superior method
The Randox enzymatic method offers a superior specificity when compared to the traditional Jaffe method.
Excellent precision
The Randox creatinine assay displayed a within run precision of < 2.18% CV.
Exceptional correlation
The Randox enzymatic creatinine assay displayed a correlation coefficient of at least r=0.99 when compared to commercially available methods.
Limited interferences
The Randox enzymatic creatinine assay suffers minimal interferences from Bilirubin, Haemoglobin, Intralipid® and Triglycerides, for truly accurate results and ensures suitability with paediatric samples.
Calibrator and controls available
Calibrator and controls available offering a complete testing package.
Applications available
Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox enzymatic creatinine assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR2336 | R1 4 x 50ml (S) R2 4 x 10ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR2337 | R1 4 x 100ml (S) R2 4 x 20ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR4037 | R1 4 x 50ml (L) R2 4 x 19.5ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8122 | R1 4 x 65ml (L) R2 4 x 32.3ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| CR8317 | R1 4 x 20ml (L) R2 4 x 9.5ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| (L) Indicates liquid option (S) Indicates standard included in kit |
|||||
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
More Information
The Laboratory Working Group of the National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) released guidelines for the improvement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation as well as the measurement of serum creatinine (SCr). The recommendation included the recalibration and standardisation of SCr methods to be traceable to the isotope dilution-mass spectrometry (IDMS) reference method. Two IDMS traceable creatinine methods are commercially available: enzymatic assays and compensated Jaffe assays 1.
Of the two enzymatic assays available, the Randox enzymatic creatinine assay converts creatinine to ammonia (NH3) and I-Methylhydantoin. Ammonia then reacts with α-oxoglutarate in the presence of GLDH with oxidation of the co-enzyme NADPH. The decrease of NADPH is proportional to the creatinine concentration and is measured at 340nm 1, 2.
The Randox enzymatic creatinine assay exhibits high sensitivity and reproducibility with the added advantage of liquid ready-to-use reagents with good stability. The enzymatic method represents an improvement for use in the accurate and reliable determination of creatinine.
Creatinine is the end-product of muscle catabolism of creatine. In humans, creatinine production is relatively stable, but mainly depends on muscles mass. Consequently, any physiological changes in muscle mass will cause a variation in the creatinine pool independently of GFR changes. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomerulus at a constant rate with 10% to 40% secreted by the tubules 1.
According to the National Institutes of health, the overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approximately 14% 3. Creatinine is the most commonly utilised assay in the assessment of renal function 4. The National Kidney Disease Education Program recommends calculating GFR from SCr. Creatinine measurements are useful in the monitoring of disease progression, with the diagnosis of renal failure when SCr levels are greater than the upper normal interval 5.
Creatinine measurements are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney disease in patients commencing renal replacement therapy, affecting 40% of diabetics (type 1 and type 2) 6. The RENAAL risk score for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) emphasizes the importance of the identification of elevated SCr, alongside other renal markers, in the prediction of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) development in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nephropathy 7.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in COVID-19 patients 8. The analysis of creatinine in COVID-19 patients on hospital admission and after 2 to 4 days highlighted impaired renal function and is the leading cause of death in these patients 9. The National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE), have set out four guidelines for acute kidney injury in hospitalised suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and highlights the importance of creatinine testing 10.
Related Products
Clinical Chemistry Calibrator
Clinical Chemistry Controls
Clinical Chemistry EQA
References
[2] Randox Laboratories. Creatinine (Enzymatic UV) CR2336. 2020
[3] Gounden V, Bhatt H, Jialal I. Renal Function Tests. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507821/ (accessed 24 July 2020).
[7] Dabla PK. Renal function in diabetic nephropathy. World Journal of Diabetes 2010; 1(2): 48-56.
[8] Mahmoudi H, Alikhani MY, Taheri NM, Behzadi A. Assessment of changes in blood urea and creatinine levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). v 2020: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-25164/v1 (accessed 16 July 2020)
[10] National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE). COVID-19 rapid guideline: acute kidney injury in hospital. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng175/chapter/4-Assessing-for-AKI-in-patients-with-suspected-or-confirmed- COVID-19 (accessed 16 July 2020).
Cystatin C Assay
Reagent | Cystatin C
An Indispensable Marker of Renal Impairment
Benefits of the Randox Cystatin C Assay
Exceptional Correlation
A correlation coefficient of r=1.00 was displayed when the Randox methodology was compared against commercially available methods.
Excellent Precision
The Randox Cystatin C assay displayed a within run precision of < 4.2%.
Wide Measuring Range
The Randox Cystatin C assay has a measuring range 0.4 – 10mg/l for the comfortable detection of clinically important results.
Dedicated Cystatin C Calibrator and Controls
Dedicated Cystatin C Calibrator and Controls available offering a complete testing package.
Applications Available
Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox cystatin C assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | Analyser | Easy Read | Easy Fit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYS4004 | R1 2 x 17.6ml (L) R2 2 x 6.1ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| (L) Indicates liquid option | |||||
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
Diagnostic Uses
Serum creatinine (SCr) is the most commonly utilised screening test for renal impairment; however, SCr can be affected by age, dietary protein intake, ethnicity, gender, and lean muscle mass. Consequently, the sensitivity of SCr for the early detection of kidney disease is poor and not suitable for the renal assessment in the elderly 1.
The biggest drawback of SCr is that up to 50% of renal function can be lost before significant SCr levels become detectable as SCr is insensitive to small changes in GFR. Consequently, treatment is not provided at the appropriate time which can be fatal, and so an earlier and more sensitive biomarker for renal function is imperative 2.
Cystatin C (CysC) is a low-molecular-weight (13.3kDa) non-glycosylated protein belonging to the cystatin protease inhibitor family 2, 3. Formed at a constant rate by all nucleated cells, CysC is freely filtered by the glomerular membrane in the kidneys, reabsorbed and fully catabolised by the proximal renal tubule and is not returned to the bloodstream, and so is the ideal marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 3, 4.
Serum CysC levels are inversely correlated with GFR 3. The main advantage of CysC as a marker of renal function is in the creatinine ‘blind’ area, the elderly and in paediatrics 5. It has been reported that CysC has important associations with mortality across the GFR range, including those who are grouped as ‘preclinical kidney disease’ (GFR between 60 and 90mL/min per 1.73m2). Moreover, CysC has been identified as a stronger predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared to SCr. Combining SCr, CysC and urine albumin to SCr ratio improves risk stratification for kidney disease progression and mortality 6.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) presents with elevated levels of CysC in those with severe COVID-19 in comparison to those with mild COVID-19. CysC can be utilised to determine the extent of kidney damage as well as distinguishing those with severe and mild COVID-19 7.
Useful Links
Cystatin C Calibrator
Cystatin C Control
A-Z Randox Reagents
Reagents Brochures
References
Publications
Kidney Testing on the Randox Biosciences Evidence Series
March is National Kidney Month, a full month dedicated to raising awareness about kidney disease.
There are two kinds of kidney disease; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 3 million people in the UK1. Chronic Kidney is defined as a condition that causes damage and stress on the kidneys, therefore decreasing the ability to keep your body healthy.
The kidneys play a vital role of removing any waste and extra water from the blood to form urine. The kidneys also make hormones that help control your blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep your bones strong and healthy.2
It is crucial to look after your kidneys. If kidney disease gets worse, the excess waste can build to high levels in your blood, resulting in complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage, as well as increasing the risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease if often caused by diabetes or having a high blood pressure, which can both be prevented by early detection and treatment. Without treatment the kidney disease will worsen resulting in kidney failure which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.
Chronic Kidney Disease I:
- Fatty Acid Binding Protein I – FABPI
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor I – sTNFR I
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor II – sTNFR II
- Macrophage Inflammatory Protein Iα – MIP-Iα
- Interleukin-8 – IL-8
- Epidermal Growth Factor – EGF
- D-Dimer
Chronic Kidney Disease II:
- Complement C3a Des Arginine – C3a des Arg
- C-Reactive Protein – CRP
- Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin – NGAL
- Cystatin C
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is when your kidneys stop working properly. This is caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, which often happens as a complication of another serious disease.3 AKI affects one in five people admitted to hospital as an emergency, and is considered deadlier than a heart attack 2.
AKI can be reversible if found and treated quickly. Therefore, it is important, if someone has signs of having AKI, to get it treated promptly. Abnormal levels of salt and chemicals can build up in our bodies which causes organs to fail, resulting in the need for dialysis, or can even cause death. 3
- Osteopontin – OPN
- Serum creatinine – Creatinine
- Serum cystatin-C – Cystatin-C
- Kidney injury Molecule-I – KIM-I
- Urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin – NGAL
The Evidence Series of Immunoassay analysers contains four revolutionary Biochip Array Technology platforms including the Evidence, Evolution, MultiSTAT and the Investigator.
Randox’s renal panel is available on our Evidence Investigator Immunoassay Analyser, which is a multiplex testing platform allowing for the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes from a single sample. It provides a unique platform for assessment of biological samples in a rapid, accurate and easy-to-use format.
For more information on any of the Evidence Series analysers, please visit https://www.randoxbiosciences.com/ or contact us at info@randoxbiosciences.com
- https://www.kidneycareuk.org/news-and-campaigns/facts-and-stats/
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-kidney-injury/
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
Looking after your kidney health during your pregnancy
With this year’s World Kidney Day theme focusing on women’s health and in particular, their kidney health, the campaign is drawing attention to the need for a higher awareness, timely diagnosis and proper follow-up of kidney issues amongst women.
One key area being highlighted by the campaign is the close links between pregnancy and kidney health problems. The two are intrinsically connected – with CKD considered a high-risk factor for problematic pregnancies and reduced fertility, and in turn, pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, can increase the risk of kidney disease.
Although not commonly known, women who have Chronic Kidney Disease are at increased risk of hypertensive disorders and premature births – which can be devastating for all involved.
Women with Chronic Kidney Disease who become pregnant also usually have mild kidney dysfunction, the severity of which will depend on the stage the CKD is at.
It is clear therefore that there is a need for increased awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease in pregnancy, to timely identify its existence before conception, and to monitor its progress before, during and after birth.
With a comprehensive panel of kidney health tests, Randox are working to ensure timely diagnosis of kidney function problems, to ensure that necessary treatment is administered at the earliest possible stage, when it is most likely to be successful.
Pregnant women, or women hoping to get pregnant in the future, can therefore determine their kidney health and be empowered to embark upon the necessary lifestyle changes or treatment required to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
For example, the Randox test for albumin, low concentrations of which are the earliest marker of kidney damage, can identify individuals with diabetic nephropathy (damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes) around 10 years earlier than standard protein tests. The Randox albumin test can therefore enable preventative measures to be taken to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
In addition to albumin, there are a number of other highly specific and sensitive tests for kidney health, which are available as part of a Randox Health Check at our Randox Health Clinics. These include;
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, which is an equation that considers age, gender, blood and protein levels to determine how well the kidneys are functioning.
- Creatinine, which is a waste product produced by muscle tissue, and removed by the kidneys. When kidney function is diminished, creatinine levels increase.
- Other proteins within the body which should be filtered by the kidneys, and are therefore measured to determine kidney function, include;
– Cystatin C
– Beta-2-Microglobulin
– Microalbumin, which is not usually found in urine, but can appear when normal kidney function is impaired.
- Minerals processed by the kidneys and analysed by Randox Health include;
– Magnesium
– Calcium
– Phosphate
– Potassium
– Sodium
Both World Kidney Day and Randox are working towards improving healthcare worldwide. With access to these high-performance kidney health tests, expectant mothers with kidney problems can be diagnosed early, before the condition develops into something more serious – keeping both you, and your baby healthy.
With early diagnosis we can improve patient treatment outcomes and reduce the number of people across the world suffering with kidney health problems.
If you are a clinician or lab interested in running renal function assays, download our Reagents Brochure or email reagents@randox.com
If you want to find out the status of your own Kidney Health, book a health check with Randox Health today. Speak to our team by phoning 0800 2545 130.
Randox Testing Services: Customer Testimonials from Ireland
At Randox Testing Services (RTS), we pride ourselves on helping our customers improve the health and safety of their working environment. Using our accurate and reliable testing methods and a range of additional services including training and policy reviews, we create tailored packages to meet the needs of our customers. We work with customers all over the world, but this month are highlighting the work we are doing across Ireland.
This month RTS will be attending the Northern Ireland Occupational Health, Hygiene and Wellbeing Conference at Titanic Belfast. This conference brings together companies from a range of industries all across Ireland to discuss the importance of employee health and wellbeing. As a company that began in Northern Ireland, RTS have always had strong connections with local businesses and are continually expanding our reach across Ireland.
Some of the companies with which we currently work, like GRAHAM construction, have recently provided feedback on our services. GRAHAM is based in Hillsborough, Co. Down and is a national construction, asset management and project investment business. They deliver services to a diverse range of clients from a network of regional offices, throughout the UK and Ireland.
“GRAHAM Construction are proud to be partnered with Randox as their main Drug & Alcohol Service Provider. Over the years they have given a consistent, prompt, efficient, and professional service that delivered what was promised, when promised, to the proper agreed standards, which assists us in managing our relevant responsibilities with ease and confidence. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.”
This is great feedback to receive from such a reputable company who have a range of different testing needs. The construction industry is becoming more and more proactive when it comes to drug and alcohol testing. At RTS our experience working with GRAHAM and other major construction firms across the UK and Ireland means we are extremely well equipped to deal with the changing needs of this industry.
Another industry which requires a flexible and reliable drug and alcohol testing services provider is the aviation industry, especially when it comes to recruitment. We have been working with CAE Parc Aviation Services, the global leader in the provision of aviation personnel and support services to conduct pre-employment testing.
“We use Randox for Pre-Employment and Random Drug & Alcohol testing for select clients. We would happily recommend their services.”
Again, through working with various industries, the experience our staff possess is second to none. By qualifying the exact needs of our customers we create customised, cost-effective packages to ensure all testing needs are met.
As well as offering drug and alcohol testing services, our complete solution also includes a host of training, educational and consultancy services to equip our customers in tackling drug and alcohol misuse. Including comprehensive chain of custody training programs, which enables employers to conduct on-site collections to the same standard as a Randox Testing Services collection specialist.
The Henderson Group in Newtownabbey are another large company that has availed of the services offered by Randox Testing Services. The Henderson Group are the owners of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials franchises in Northern Ireland and have been distributing food and grocery-related products to the convenience retail sector for over 100 years.
“We switched provider for our Drug and Alcohol policy almost two years ago, moving to Randox. The switchover was relatively seamless and the impact on our business has been positive. Our tests are now all completed within target and we have realised a saving to boot. We are glad we made the switch.”
Randox Testing Services is committed to tailoring our service to the needs of customers all over the world, and across the island of Ireland.
If your company would like to speak to us, please contact testingservices@randox.com
Alternatively you can contact David O’Regan, the Business Development Executive for Ireland directly: David.O’Regan@randox.com.
