Randox Biosciences and Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Randox Biosciences and Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder where the child is born with extremely high cholesterol levels. FH can trace back through several generations. Cholesterol is vital for the normal function of the human body therefore, it is important to ensure the cholesterol levels don’t get too high because it can result in early onset cardiovascular disease. 1
The FH Foundation states an interesting fact that 1 in 250 people worldwide have FH and over 90% of these people have not been properly diagnosed 2. Majority of these people won’t know they have FH disease until they have a heart attack!
However, there are no clear symptoms if someone has FH until it is too late and the damage has been done. The warning signs include the following:1
- Swollen tendons/fatty lumps on the knuckles of your hands, at the back of your ankles and knees
- Cholesterol deposits around the eye-lids (looks like pale and yellowish patches)
- Gray-white cholesterol deposits around the corneas
A study in 2008 by the British Heart Foundation found that people with FH who are diagnosed and treated before they develop heart disease live as long people who don’t have FH 4. This theory emphasis the importance of getting early diagnosis to prevent long-term problems. Treatment to prevent cardiovascular disease involves taking medication prescribed by the doctor and making lifestyle changes including; modifying diet, increasing exercise, quit smoking, decrease drinking alcohol and ensure the patient gets regular sleep.
Randox offers the Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Arrays I & II to help encourage early diagnosis with rapid turnaround time allowing results to be reported within days compared to NHS waiting lists which can be substantially longer. The two arrays are rapid, simple and accurate which enables the simultaneous detection of 40 FH-causing mutations (20 mutations per array) within the LDLR, ApoB and PCSK9 genes. The mutational status can be determined rapidly from a single test, with a reduced need for confirmatory testing with NGS. The genetic analysis for FH mutations allows for more accurate diagnosis compared to lipid profiling.
Randox can help using the award-winning Biochip Analyser to achieve early and appropriate treatment for those with FH resulting those to adopt a healthier lifestyle and taking cholesterol-lowering medication, risk of heart disease to live a longer and healthy life!
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Arrays I & II:
- LDLR – 38 mutations
- APOB – 1 mutation
- PCSK9 – 1 mutation
To find out more about the products that we offer email us info@randoxbiosciences.com
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/familial-hypercholesterolemia#symptoms
Reporting, Expert Witness and Medical Review Services from RTS
RTS Reporting Services
At Randox Testing Services we provide a number of reporting options to our customers, including expert witness reports and medical reviews to add clarity and expert examination to results.
Expert Witness Services
An Expert Witness Report is an interpretation of the results of a drug or alcohol test. It provides a detailed explanation of whether or not substances tested for were detected as well as information regarding chain of custody compliance and testing procedures.
As trusted industry experts Randox Testing Services staff are trained to act as Expert Witnesses in legal cases involving drug and alcohol testing. Our experienced team of Reporting Scientists have undergone extensive Expert Witness training to provide professional witness statements or fully written reports for use as evidence in a court of law or industrial tribunals.
Where required a Senior Toxicologist from Randox Testing Services can attend legal proceedings in person to provide expert witness testimony.
Medical Review Services
Our medical review service offers independent and expert examination of positive results under medical confidentiality.
A positive result from a drug and alcohol analysis is a cause for concern. However, there are some cases when there is a legitimate medical reason for the result. Our medical review service allows for the independent and confidential review of the result to determine the cause of a positive result, for example, if an employee is taking prescription medication.
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) assesses a positive result in the light of the donor’s medical background to determine if there is a legitimate medical reason for the result. The MRO helps protect both the rights of the employee being tested and the employer requiring the testing.
Randox Testing Services
At Randox Testing Services we offer customers access to our expertise through providing various reporting options to customers. These reporting services can be utilised in cases where extra clarity or examination is needed to investigate the outcome of a drugs test. These reports are utilised by workplaces as well as those operating within the medico-legal sector.
For more information on our training, education and reporting services, click here.
If you would like to find out more about our drug and alcohol testing programs, contact us today to speak to one of our experience business development executives.
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
Randox Cerebral Arrays on the Evidence Series Immunoanalysers
The Evidence is the world’s first protein Biochip Array Technology Analyser (BAT). The awarding winning Biochip Array Technology is a multi-analyte testing platform allowing the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes from a single sample.
The Evidence is a fully automated immunoanalyser which is renowned for higher standards of quality, efficiency and reliability. It is tailored and more suitable in a wide range of settings including hospital laboratories, clinical laboratories, private and public research applications, veterinary laboratories, forensic and clinical toxicology and pharmaceutical applications.
There are many key features for The Evidence, including the ability to carry out multiplex testing which will allow multiple tests to be carried out from a single patient sample as a result. It reduces the amount of labour spent on the individual tests and therefore saves money and time. The analyser is more suitable for larger laboratories with a throughput of >1500 tests per hour with a fully automated system maximising the walk away time – allowing staff to devote their time to other important tasks.
The multi-analyte barcoded controls and calibrators ensure security, accuracy and reliable laboratory testing. They also allow for full traceability making the overall experience easier. It offers a wide-ranging and diverse test menu which offer more tests than other sole suppliers and this will benefit many research areas including immunology, metabolic, cardiovascular and oncology.
Neurological conditions can affect young and old people and result from damage to the brain, spine or nerves which is triggered by an illness or an injury1. Up to 1 billion people (one in six of the world’s population suffer from neurological disorders from Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, strokes, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy 2. In England the number of deaths from neurological disorders have rose by 39% over the past 13 years3.
Randox offers two Cerebral Arrays which have been designed for the simultaneous measurement of analytes associated with nervous system dysfunctions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The Arrays can measure up to five biomarkers simultaneously. They are suitable for human serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Additionally, it offers excellent sensitivity, precision and recovery as well as analytical performance.
For more information on our Evidence Series or Cerebral range of Assays, contact us at EvidenceSeries@randox.com
- http://www.neural.org.uk/living-with-a-neurological-condition/what-is-a-neurological-condition
- https://news.un.org/en/story/2007/02/210312-nearly-1-6-worlds-population-suffer-neurological-disorders-un-report
- https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k1278
The Randox Health Everyman: so much more than a health MOT
It’s a concept we’re all familiar with.
Every year we take our car to get serviced to make sure everything is in working order and to fix the things that aren’t quite right.
Even if it’s been driving smoothly, using fuel economically and experiencing no apparent issues, we get it checked out anyway, because it’s better to find the small problems before they become bigger ones. Prevention is better than cure, right?
So why should we treat our bodies any differently?
Nearly half of all faults found during car MOTs could be avoided by carrying out simple maintenance, and it’s the same when it comes to our bodies.
With 50% of cancers, 70% of cardiovascular disease and 80% of strokes being preventable, a comprehensive health MOT can provide an accurate picture of your health while you are still well and provide you with the information you need to take action to prevent future problems.
This Movember, we’re encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health – to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their body and their health in the same way they do with their car each year.
Your body is the most important vehicle you will ever own and that’s why we provide a comprehensive menu of blood tests for 25 different aspects of your health simultaneously, whereas a standard car MOT will only test 8 different areas of your car’s health.
But that’s not surprising when you know how complex the human body is compared to a car! Or when you learn that Randox Health’s testing programme is the most comprehensive and personalised health MOT on the market.
Between three and five tests are traditionally offered in the GP setting, and even in standard healthcare companies’ ‘premium packages’, only 30-35 routine blood tests may be carried out.
Within the Randox Health Everyman Programme we offer a varied range of 150 health tests.
Much more than a standard health MOT, this full body testing makes Randox Health the world’s most advanced preventive and personalised health MOT.
By harnessing the cutting-edge Randox Health science and technology, developed over 35 years, you have the knowledge to prevent future illness, and the power to secure your health.
Contact the Randox Health team today to find out more:
Tel: 0800 2545 130
Email: info@randoxhealthni.com
November focus: Drugs of Abuse
Throughout November, the Randox clinical teams – Randox Reagents, Randox Rx series and Randox QC – will be highlighting how the Randox product range can be utilised to allow for the most accurate analysis of Drugs of Abuse, with a particular focus placed with the Evidence MultiSTAT. The Evidence MultiSTAT is a fast, fully automated and versatile immunoanalyser that enables on-site detection of up to 21 Drugs of Abuse from a single sample of oral fluid, urine or blood.
Drugs of Abuse are a growing problem worldwide and represent a significant burden to healthcare systems as well as creating problems in an individual’s lifestyle. It has been estimated by the WHO (World Health Organisation) that 31 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders and 3.3 million deaths each year are linked to the abuse of both drugs and alcohol.
Randox have reacted to this growing concern and are now a world leader in the Drugs of Abuse testing field. Our product range currently comprises classical, prescription and synthetic drugs.
The Evidence MultiSTAT offers a simple drug screening solution to those who have little or no knowledge of laboratory procedures. As an extremely versatile desktop analyser, it is ideally suited to a variety of settings including both the clinical laboratory and the emergency room.
Randox Reagents – Drugs of Abuse Assays
In order to assist in dealing with the ongoing burden of substance abuse, Randox Reagents offer a comprehensive range of ten assays to test for some of the top most commonly-abused substances including alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine, methadone, cannabis, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, EDDP and ecstasy and opiates. The Randox Drugs of Abuse assays are liquid, ready-to-use for increased efficiency and applications are available for over 30 different analysers.
RX Series – Toxicology testing
Renowned for quality and reliability, the RX series range of clinical chemistry analysers boasts a world-leading test menu comprising of both therapeutic drugs and Drugs of Abuse. Our toxicology range comprises amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine metabolite, ecstasy, EDDP, ethanol, methadone and opiates. The RX series range of clinical chemistry analysers ensures a high degree of accuracy with a wide range of testing throughputs to suit all laboratories, big or small.
RIQAS Urine Toxicology Programme
Designed to monitor the performance of 20 Drugs of Abuse tests in urine, our RIQAS urine toxicology EQA program is suitable for both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. As the largest EQA scheme in the world, access to large peer groups is guaranteed. Additional benefits include; monthly analysis, user-friendly reports allowing at-a-glance performance assessment, ability to register up to five instruments per programme and cost savings via our unrivalled consolidation.
For more information about Randox RX, Randox Reagents or Randox QC, please email marketing@randox.com.
Researching the Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator analyser is based on the award-winning Biochip Array Technology (BAT). Biochip Array Technology is a multi-analyte testing platform allowing the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes from a single sample.
The Evidence Investigator is a semi-automated benchtop analyser which is tailored for the areas of research, forensic, clinical, molecular and veterinary testing. The key feature is the fast turn-around time the Evidence Investigator can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2375 tests per hour. The Evidence Investigator saves time because it will carry out multiplex testing which will allow multiple tests to be carried out from a single patient sample which in return will save time and resources. The machine is more suitable for medium throughput laboratories.
The technology offers a wide-ranging and diverse test menu which will benefit the research areas immunology, metabolic, Sport & Exercise, oncology and cardiovascular. Randox Research provides the Evidence Investigator to the five research areas to help their research become more efficient, cost effective and accurate.
Randox works extremely hard with their research and development, over 16% of turnover is reinvested in R&D. The current collaboration Randox works along with are Royal Victoria Hospital, Queen’s University Belfast and Cambridge University.
Randox Biosciences are dedicated to assisting research projects to completion and will make available the technology to ensure the universities receive highly accurate results for their research. Randox creates their products in-house therefore provides the flexibility of the research project. Randox can provide the university a full range of arrays, biomarkers and analysers to meet their requirements of the research.
Within Cardiovascular Research, Randox offer a comprehensive menu of cytokines. The combination of highly specific antibodies and advanced chemistries enables cytokines, cytokine receptors and growth factors to be detected simultaneously in a single sample, providing valuable information relating to each cytokine under test and possible associations between cytokines in each sample which will benefit the research. Randox offer excellent tools for universities and hospitals researchers such as routine and novel assays and can provide research analysers such as the Evidence Investigator which is suitable for medium sized laboratory.
Oncology Research has 20 biomarkers that can be custom-made to be used on the Biochip. Randox Biosciences offers a wide and extensive test menu to researchers to enable the specific product tailored to meet their clinical trail requirements.
Metabolic & Nutrition Research is another area Randox offers a wide-ranging range of tests specifically directed to Metabolic and Nutrition Research. Randox offers reagents and arrays on the award-winning Biochip Array Technology.
For more information on our Research areas and the tests that we can provide, contact us at – Info@RandoxBiosciences.com
The key features and benefits of Biochip Array Technology
Biochip Array Technology
In 1992, Randox invested £180 million to create and introduce Biochip Array Technology (BAT) which converted laboratory testing. Randox came up with the innovation by recognising the major problem with traditional diagnosis. Within traditional diagnosis several tests are typically required which involves multiple blood draws from the patient, many visits to the hospital, increased reagent volume and increased time to diagnosis. Biochip Array Technology allows for the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes from one single sample. Therefore, it is faster, cost saving and more effective leading to better clinical decisions. Today the technology (BAT) is used in countless laboratories worldwide and a range of three biochip analysers are now offered.
The main basis of the Biochip Array Technology
- 9x9mm biochip which acts as a solid phase reaction vessel.
- Each of the biochips are pre-coated with an array of discrete test regions (DTRs)
- One biochip per sample used to generate multiple results.
- Randox Biochips hold up to 49 tests.
- Based on chemiluminescent signal emitting light, without heat which results a chemical reaction.
The key features and benefits of the Biochip Array Technology
Highly accurate testing
- The biochip array technology provides high standard of accurate test results with CV’s <10%
- Multiplex analysis minimises analytical variation between the tests.
Better diagnosis
- Increased patient information available through testing multiple markers
- Patients receive their results quicker compared to the traditional diagnosis.
Reduced sample volume
- Reduced sample required therefore patients feel more at ease.
Wide test menu
- Wide test menu provides a variety for clients and allows flexibility.
Multiple samples
- Multiple samples can be used on BAT which include the following; serum, plasma, whole blood, urine and many others which allows for flexibility in their testing
Cost consolidation
– The process reduces the amount of time spent on individual tests and associated laboratory costs
Biochip testing platforms
Evidence Evolution
The Evidence Evolution is fully automated random-access biochip testing platform. The machine allows any test to perform at any time as it is a highly versatile analyser which can operate any workflow. It can receive 2640 tests per hour which means the machine has a fast turnaround time. As well as this, it allows multiple tests to be performed from a single sample which reduces time and resources spent on individual tests. The Evidence Evolution can be tailored to certain laboratory needs and have features including automatic start-up and shut down, relaxed testing capability and traceability of biochips. The equipment overall is made to be easy for the client to use as it includes customisable user settings and easy to follow result screens giving them the fast and accurate operations they would prefer.
Evidence
The Evidence Analyser is the protein Biochip Array technology. Like the Evidence Evolution it is fully automated which is suitable for busy laboratories, hospitals, forensic and clinical toxicology. The machine is floor standing and can receive up to 3690 per hour. The machine has features such as easy to follow software and customisable user settings which gives laboratories the opportunity to receive fast and accurate results.
Evidence investigator
The Evidence Investigator is often used for research, clinical, forensic, molecular and veterinary testing. The machine is semi-automated and can combine immunoassay and molecular diagnostics on a single platform with protein and DNA biochips. This machine also has a quick turnaround time with the ability to achieve 2376 tests per hour with 44 analytes screened per biochip. The evidence investigator provides more tests on the test menu which allows variety.
Evidence MultiSTAT
The final platform is the Evidence MultiSTAT. The Evidence MultiSTAT is a fully-automated analyser which provides quality results. It is a simple and easy to use analyser which requires minimal training with only three steps to complete the process. The machine can provide multiplex testing yields up to 46 results in under ten minutes. It is ease-of-use for non-laboratory staff and provides full traceability of user action with password controlled software.
For more information on our Biochip Array Technology contact the Randox Biosciences team by emailing info@Randoxbiosciences.com
Evidence Series ā Investigator and Molecular testing
Evidence Investigator | Adaptable, Efficient & Comprehensive
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop analyser that offers efficient and comprehensive testing across a range of applications including clinical diagnostics, molecular, research, toxicology and food diagnostics.
Renowned for its versatility, robustness and effective reporting methods, the Evidence Investigator has been used in a wide range of laboratory settings for over 15 years. This highly advanced yet simple to use analyser has only one moving part, giving the user peace of mind.
The Evidence Investigator contains a host of innovative on-board data analysis features ensuring manual processes are kept to a minimum.
By utilising the same multiplex technology as the other Evidence Series analysers, the Evidence Investigator can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2376 tests per hour. Offering efficiency without compromising on accuracy, the Evidence Investigator is the perfect fit for medium throughput laboratories seeking maximum use of bench space.
Molecular Testing
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.
Pathogen Detection
STI and Respiratory Arrays
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
These unique biochip assays permit high discrimination between multiple targets in a number of 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
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 EvidenceSeries@randox.com
Think you may have Coeliac Disease? We have a test for that.
It’s just one of those things. Some of us simply can’t process gluten.
But what you may not know is that it may be coeliac disease that’s causing your bloating, headaches, discomfort or tiredness.
Coeliac disease is a genetic, autoimmune digestive disorder thought to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. When someone with coeliac disease accidentally eats food containing gluten, it triggers an immune response. This causes the lining of the small intestine to become inflamed and damaged.
This is painful and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients and vitamins from the food. For that reason, those with coeliac disease are advised to avoid all gluten completely. If not treated, coeliac disease can lead to other serious health problems such as osteoporosis, bowel cancer, and can cause infertility.
The good news is, that with Randox Health’s specialised Coeliac Autoimmune Disease test, you can find out whether you’re likely to be gluten-intolerant or have Coeliac disease.
The Coeliac Disease test is included in our Everyman, Everywoman and Signature programmes, and within our Digestive Health Programme, which is on offer during the month of September for only £200 (RRP £300).
Finding out you are gluten-intolerant can then be easily managed, with a wide variety of non-gluten alternatives for pasta, bread, cereal, biscuits and many other foods that usually contain gluten.
Why not book your Digestive Health Programme with Randox Health today and take back control of your health?
Visit www.randoxhealth.com or get in contact with our team by phoning 0800 2545 130.
Assessing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
World Alzheimer’s Month
World Alzheimer’s Month is a global campaign to raise awareness and highlight the challenge that surrounds the disease, hosted by the Alzheimer’s disease International (ADI) every September. During this month World Alzheimer’s Day also takes place, 21 September each year.
47 million people are living with Alzheimer’s worldwide, costing 604 billion USD per year. This number is expected to rise to 76 million people with the disease by 2030.1 The FDA have not approved a medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease since 2003. More than 400 clinical trials are currently looking at new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and many of them are actively recruiting. Many still regard the amyloid hypothesis as a key explanation for Alzheimers disease development and progression.2
Alzheimer’s risk
Alzheimer’s disease is not necessarily inherited as a single-gene mutation as the inheritance pattern is incredibly complex. Unlike familial Alzheimer’s disease, a multi-gene form usually affects those aged 65 and older. The gene with the greatest known effect on the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is called apolipoprotein E (APOE). It is found on chromosome 19 and the APOE protein plays a role in handling fats in the body, including cholesterol. 3
ApoE plays a key role in lipid metabolism and the scientific and medical community recognise it as one of the most powerful genetic risk factors for dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. It has become one of the most widely studied gene variants in Alzheimer’s disease and constitutes a major consideration for preventive medicine.
ApoE exists in three common isoforms (ApoE2, ApoE3 and ApoE4) which are coded by three co-dominant alleles (e2, e3, e4). As such, six common ApoE phenotypes exist within the general population: E2/E2, E3/E3, E4/E4 (homozygous) and E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E4 (heterozygous). Medical professionals recognise the presence of the ApoE4 isoform as a major genetic risk factor for development of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the availability of analytical methods for rapid and reliable ApoE4 classification is advantageous.
Evidence Investigator
The Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) Array is a research use only product developed for the Evidence Investigator. The ApoE4 Array measures both total ApoE protein levels and ApoE4 protein levels directly from plasma samples and using a ratio can classify patients as negative or positive for ApoE4. In turn we can then assess their risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
2-plex Biochip Array
- Pan ApoE
- ApoE4
An individual’s ApoE status has been shown to affect pre-symptomatic risk, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response for a variety of diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. The ApoE4 Array can rapidly and accurately detect an individual’s ApoE4 status directly from a plasma sample. In combination with medical and family history, medication and lifestyle, this can deliver valuable information for personalised medicine approaches.
The 2-plex diagnostic Alzheimer’s test has the utility to detect the likelihood of a person’s chance of developing the disease to assist in the research and development of a potential drug to combat or slow down the process of Alzheimer’s.
1 https://www.alz.org/global/overview.asp
2 https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/clinical-trials-alzheimers-disease-whats-new
For further information about the Randox Alzheimer’s Array, please email info@randoxbiosciences.com
