Copper Assay
Copper Assay
Reagent | Copper
Powered by BiozBenefits of the Randox Copper Assay
Exceptional correlation
A correlation coefficient of r=0.97 was displayed when the Randox copper assay was compared to commercially available methods.
Excellent precision
The Randox copper assay displayed a precision of <2.15% CV.
Wide measuring range
The Randox copper assay has a measuring range of 6.6 – 86µmol/l for the comfortable detection of clinically important results.
Standard supplied with the kit
The Randox copper kit includes the standard simplifying the ordering process. Calibrator is available for automated use.
Controls available
Controls available offering a complete testing package.
Applications available
Applications available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox copper assay on a variety of clinical chemistry analysers.
Ordering information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU2340 | R1a 1 x 105ml R1b 5 x 20ml R2 1 x 30ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
Copper (CU) is an essential trace mineral, naturally available in some foods and as dietary supplements. CU is a cofactor for several enzymes, known as cuproenzymes, which are involved in connective tissue synthesis, energy production, iron metabolism, neuropeptide activation and neurotransmitter synthesis. CU is also involved in brain development, immune system functioning, neurohormone homeostasis, pigmentation, regulation of gene expression, and several physiological processes, such as angiogenesis 1.
CU has been recognised as both an antioxidant and pro-oxidant. Naturally occurring within the body, free radicals interact with genetic material, damage cell walls and contribute to the development of several health problems. As an antioxidant, CU scavenges to neutralise the free radicals, aiding in the prevention of oxidative damage. Conversely, as a pro-oxidant, CU can promote free radical damage, inducing the development of health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, CU is vital as part of a balanced diet 2.
CU deficiency in Western countries is rare, however, altered CU metabolism may influence CU deficiency which negatively impacts the connective tissue, nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. Such conditions that can predispose CU deficiency include: prematurity, gastric bypass, burns, over-the-counter vitamins containing zinc and iron and infants fed with unmodified cow milk 3.
Menkes disease is a rare x-linked recessive disorder of CU metabolism caused by mutations to the ATP7A gene. Menkes disease affects an estimated 1 in every 100,000 – 250,000 births and is characterised by sparse, kinky hair and failure to thrive and progressive deterioration of the nervous system. Symptoms commonly present during infancy, but, in some cases, the symptoms may present in early to middle childhood. If treatment is started early, the prognosis may improve 4.
Copper toxicity is also rare but can be caused by consuming too many dietary supplements high in copper, drinking contaminated water and from fungicides containing CU sulphates 3.
Wilson’s disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations to the ATP7B gene, which is highly expressed in the liver, kidneys and placenta. Wilson’s disease affects approximately 1 in every 40,000 and is characterised by hepatic, neuropsychiatric and ophthalmic symptoms as a result of excess copper accumulation. Unlike most genetic diseases, early detection and implementation of a treatment plan for those with Wilson’s disease can prevent longer term morbidity due to copper induced end organ dysfunction 3.
Related products
Clinical Chemistry Calibrator
Chemistry Premium Controls
Clinical Chemistry EQA
Publications
References
[1] National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-HealthProfessional/ (accessed 10 March 2020).
[4] Rare Diseases. Menkes disease. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/1521/menkes-disease (accessed 10 March 2020).
RX daytona/imola /daytona plus/monaco
We develop a range of applications for the RX daytona/ imola/ daytona plus/ monaco analysers so that laboratories worldwide can enjoy the benefits of freedom of choice from an independent manufacturer, Randox Laboratories. We have a range of assays available for the RX daytona/ imola/ daytona plus/ monaco, and we are always developing more applications. If you don’t see the application you are looking for, please contact us to request an application.
All kits are produced to international standard and have ISO 13485 accreditation.
Existing customers can access IFU’s through Powerline.
Rx daytona/imola /daytona plus/monaco - Reagents
AUTOIMMUNE
Complement Component 3 CRP Full Range (0.3-160mg/l) IgE CRP
Complement Component 4 CRP High Sensitivity IgG
IgA IgM Rheumatoid Factor
BASIC METABOLIC PROFILE
Calcium Creatinine Enzymatic Potassium CO2 Total
Creatinine (Jaffe) Sodium Chloride Glucose
Urea
BONE
Alkaline Phosphatase Calcium Phosphorus Total Protein
CARDIAC
Cholesterol CRP Full Range (0.3-160mg/l) Direct LDL Cholesterol Myoglobin
CK-MB CRP High Sensitivity Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (H-FABP) sLDL
CK-NAC Digoxin Homocysteine Triglycerides
CRP Direct HDL Cholesterol Lipoprotein (a)
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE
Albumin Direct Bilirubin Creatinine (Jaffe) Sodium
Alkaline Phosphatase Calcium Glucose Total Bilirubin
ALT Chloride Lactate Total Protein
AST (GOT) CO2 Total Potassium Urea
DIABETES
Cholesterol Direct HDL Cholesterol Glycerol Ranbut (Hydroxybutyrate)
Creatinine Enzymatic Direct LDL Cholesterol HbA1c/Hb Total Protein
Creatinine (Jaffe) Fructosamine Microalbumin Triglycerides
Cystatin C Glucose NEFA (Non-Esterified Fatty Acids) Urinary Protein
ELECTROLYTES
Calcium CO2 Total Magnesium Sodium (Direct / Nondirect)
Chloride (Direct / Nondirect) Lithium Potassium (Direct / Nondirect)
HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMA
G-6-P-DH Haptoglobin LDH
HEPATIC FUNCTION
Albumin Cholinesterase Haptoglobin Total Bilirubin
Aldolase Complement C3 IgA Total Protein
Alkaline Phosphatase Complement C4 IgG Transferrin
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Direct Bilirubin IgM Transthyretin (Prealbumin)
ALT Gamma GT Iron (UIBC) Ammonia
GLDH Leucine Arylamidase (LAP) AST (GOT) Glycerol
LDH
INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION
Acid Phosphatase ASO Lactate Alpha-1Acid Glycoprotein
CRP Rheumatoid Factor
LIPIDS
Apolipoprotein A-I Apolipoprotein C-II Cholesterol Lipoprotein (a)
Apolipoprotein A-II Apolipoprotein C-III Direct HDL Cholesterol sLDL
Apolipoprotein B Apolipoprotein E Direct LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides
NEONATAL SCREENING
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin CRP Full Range (0.3-160mg/l) IgE CRP
CRP High Sensitivity Transthyretin (Prealbumin)
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (CSF)
IgA IgG IgM
NUTRITIONAL STATUS
Albumin Iron Magnesium Transferrin
Copper Iron (UIBC) Potassium Transthyretin (Prealbumin)
Ferritin Lipase TIBC Zinc
PANCREATIC FUNCTION
Amylase LDH Pancreatic Amylase Glucose
Lipase
RENAL FUNTION
Albumin Creatinine Enzymatic IgG Sodium
Ammonia Creatinine (Jaffe) LDH Phosphorus (Inorganic)
Beta-2 Microglobulin Cystatin C Magnesium Urinary Protein
Calcium Glucose Microalbumin Urea
Chloride HbA1c/Hb Potassium Uric Acid
VETERINARY
Albumin Cholinesterase (Butyryl) HDL Superoxide Dismutase (Ransod)
Alkaline phosphatase CK-NAC Iron (UIBC) Sodium
ALT (GPT) CO2 Total Lactate Therapeutic drugs
Aldolase Copper Lactate dehydrogenase Total Protein
Ammonia Creatinine LDL Triglycerides
Amylase CRP Lipase Urea
AST (GOT) Canine CRP Magnesium Uric Acid
Bile acids Fructosamine NEFA (Non-esterified fatty acids) Urinary protein
Bilirubin Gamma-GT Phosphorus (Inorganic) Zinc
Calcium GLDH Potassium Chloride
Glucose Ranbut (Hydroxybutyrate) Cholesterol Glycerol
Glutathione Peroxidase (Ransel)
TOXICOLOGY
Therapeutic Drugs
Acetaminophen Gentamicin Phenytoin Valproic Acid
Carbamazepine Lithium Salicylate Digoxin
Phenobarbitol Theophyline
Drugs of Abuse
Barbiturates Cocaine metabolite Ethanol Opiates
Benzodiazepines EDDP Methadone Cannabinoids
Ecstasy Methamphetamine
SPECIFIC PROTEINS
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin ASO Cystatin C IgM
Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein Beta-2 Microglobulin Ferritin Lipoprotein (a)
Apolipoprotein A-I Ceruloplasmin Fructosamine Microalbumin
Apolipoprotein A-II Complement C3 Haptoglobin Myoglobin
Apolipoprotein B Complement C4 HbA1c/Hb Rheumatoid Factor
Apolipoprotein C-II CRP IgA Transthyretin (Prealbumin)
Apolipoprotein C-III CRP Full Range (0.3-160mg/l) IgE Transferrin
Apolipoprotein E CRP High Sensitivity IgG
RESEARCH
Antioxidants
Albumin Glutathione Reductase TIBC Uric Acid
Bilirubin Glutathione Peroxidase (Ransel) Total Antioxidant Status Ferritin
Superoxide Dismutase (Ransod) Transferrin
Biotechnology
Glutamate Glutamine
Food and Wine Testing
Acetic Acid Copper Glycerol Malic Acid
Ammonia Glucose Iron Potassium
Calcium Glucose/Fructose L-Lactic Acid Total Antioxidant Status
Syphilis
Reagents | Syphilis
Key Benefits
Quantative and qualitative results available
For choice and convenience
Excellent stability
Stable to expiry when stored at 2-8°C
Randox Syphilis
- Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay (TPHA) method
- Liquid ready-to-use reagents
- Stable to expiry when stored at 2-8°C
- Qualitative or quantitative results
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SY1480 | 100T (L) | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| SY1478 | 100T (Card test) (L) | 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.
What is the Syphilis assay used for?
Syphilis is a chronic, contagious and often congenital venereal disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Infection results from contact with moist surfaces, originating in lesions of the epithelial tissue of the skin and mucous membranes. If untreated the disease may result in irreversible changes in the cardiovascular and nervous system. Syphilis remains a disease of high incidence, despite advances in modern antibiotic therapy.
Clinical Chemistry Panel
For more information or to view more reagents within the clinical chemistry panel, please click here
Rapid Tests / Serology Panel
For more information or to view more reagents within the rapid tests / serology panel, please click here
Roche Cobas
Applications for Roche Cobas 4000 / 6000 / 8000 / PURE / PRO
We develop a range of applications for the Roche Cobas Series (4000 / 6000 / 8000 / PURE / PRO) analysers so that laboratories worldwide can enjoy the benefits of freedom of choice from an independent manufacturer, Randox Laboratories.
Applications available for Roche Cobas
We have 72 reagents available for the Roche Cobas Series (4000 / 6000 / 8000 / PURE / PRO), and are always developing more. If you don’t see the application you are looking for, please email us to request an application. All kits are produced to international standard and have ISO 13485 accreditation.
Email Us
Get in touch with Randox via email at reagents@randox.com
Need Instructions?
Download your kit insert for free on our online portal.
Buy Online
Order your reagents kits online by visiting our online store
Alkaline Phosphatase Reagent
Reagent | Alkaline Phosphatase (DEA Method)
Benefits of the Randox Alkaline Phosphatase reagent
Suitable for use on a range of analysers
Alkaline phosphatase can be used on third-party analysers. To enquire about an Instrument Specific Application (ISA), please contact us.
Flexibility
Liquid and lyophilised reagents available for greater customer choice.
Excellent stability
Stable up to 30 days when stored at +2 to +8°C
DEA method
- Available as liquid and lyophilised reagents
- Lyophilised kit Stable up to 30 days when stored at +2 to +8⁰C or 3 days at +15 – +25⁰C
- Liquid Kit stable to expiry at +2 to +8⁰C
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP9764 | R1 7 x 38ml (L) R2 7 x 11.7ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| AP3803 | R1 6 x 51ml (L) R2 6 x 14ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| AP307 | 10 x 10ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
AMP method
- Liquid ready-to-use reagents
- Stable to expiry when stored at +2 to +8⁰C
Ordering Information
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP3802 | R1 6 x 51ml (L) R2 6 x 14ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| AP8002 | R1 7 x 20ml (L) R2 7 x 8ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
| AP8302 | R1 4 x 20ml (L) R2 4 x 7ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
What is this assay used for?
Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found in the liver, bone, kidney, digestive system and bowel tissues. The highest concentrations of Alkaline Phosphatase are contained within the tissues that make up the bone and liver.
The Alkaline Phosphatase test can be used to diagnose and monitor liver disease and damage including liver cancer, cirrhosis and hepatitis. This assay can also be used to diagnose and monitor bone damage and disease including cancers that have spread to the bone, Paget’s disease which affects how the bones grow, and issues associated with Vitamin D deficiencies.
For more information on the incidence and natural history of Paget’s disease of the bone in England and Wales, please click here.
The Randox tests can also be carried out to determine the root cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase in the blood as well as to monitor liver damage as the result of therapeutic treatment or prescribed drugs that can have implications on the liver.
Events
EVENTS CALENDAR 2024
Randox Events Calendar
After a previously successful year of reopenings and in-person events, Randox are pleased to announce our presence at the below events. These events present a great opportunity for Randox to share our wealth of new products and innovative technologies with the industry. Check out below some of the events Randox will be attending this year. We hope to see you there!
EVENT: LabMedUK
DATES: 10 June – 12 June 2024
Randox are attending LabMedUK on 10th – 12th June 2024.
EVENT: Congresso Brasileiro de Analises Clinicas (CBAC)
DATES: 16 June – 19 June 2024
Randox are attending the 49th CBAC on 16th – 19th June 2024.
Visit the 49th CBAC website here
EVENT: ADLM (AACC) 2024
DATES: 30 July – 1 August 2024
Randox are attending ADLM on 29th July – 1st August 2024.
EVENT: Congresso Brasilerio de Patologia Clinica Medicina Laboratorial (CBPML)
DATES: 10 September – 13 September 2024
Randox are attending CBPML on 10th – 13th September 2024.
EVENT: Microbe 2024
DATES: 20 September – 22 September 2024
Randox are attending Microbe 2024 on 20th – 22nd September 2024.
EVENT: ACBI Conference 2024
DATES: 8 November – 9 November 2024
Randox are attending the ACBI Conference on 8th – 9th November2024.
EVENT: Medica 2024
DATES: 11 November – 14 November 2024
Randox are attending Medica on 11th – 14th November 2024.
Beckman Coulter AU
Applications for Beckman Coulter AU Series
We develop a range of applications for the Beckman Coulter AU Series (400 / 480 / 600 / 640 / 680 / 2700 / 5400 / 5800 / DxC700AU) analysers so that laboratories worldwide can enjoy the benefits of freedom of choice from an independent manufacturer, Randox Laboratories.
Beckman Coulter AU Series Applications
We have 87 reagents available for the Beckman Coulter AU (400 / 480 / 600 / 640 / 680 / 2700 / 5400 / 5800 / DxC700AU) analysers, and are always developing more. If you don’t see the application you are looking for, please contact us to request an application. All kits are produced to international standard and have ISO 13485 accreditation.
Need Instructions?
Download kit inserts for free on our online portal.
Email Us
Get in touch with Randox via email at reagents@randox.com
Buy Online
Order reagents kits online by visiting our online store
Cardiology Reagents Panel
Randox Cardiology Reagents Panel
Randox is a leading provider of diagnostic reagents for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. Our extensive menu of cardiac biomarkers within the cardiology reagents panel include: routine lipid tests such as Homocysteine, hsCRP, Apo A-I, Apo A-II, Apo B and Lp(a), as well as, unique assays for cardiac risk assessment including sdLDL Cholesterol, Apo C-II, Apo C-III and Apo E. Check out our benefits below.
Benefits
Randox Cardiology Reagents
Risk Assessment
- CK-MB useful in patients with chest pain; Creatine Kinase is an enzyme produced in many different types of cells, of which high levels indicate muscle trauma or damage.
- Routine lipid tests to determine the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels – HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Independent risk assessment tests such as sdLDL Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) to determine any genetic factors which may increase their risk of CVD. Please note, this is necessary even for patients who have good cholesterol levels
- Secondary tests, such as High Sensitivity CRP, in addition to risk assessment markers and lipid evaluation – secondary tests are important in predicting future cardiac events of individuals with no previous history of CVD and those deemed healthy as a result of primary tests; approximately half of all heart attacks occur in patients classified as low risk. In addition, they can also be used to evaluate the risk of a recurrent cardiac event
- Speciality tests include
- Homocysteine – elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various disease states including CVD. Extremely high levels are found in patients with homocystinuria, of which many suffer from early arteriosclerosis.
Email Us
Get in touch with your local sales representative via email at reagents@randox.com
Need Instructions?
Kit Inserts are available to download for free on our online portal.
Buy Online
Order your cardiology kits today by visiting our online store
Beta-2 Microglobulin Reagent
Reagent | Beta 2 Microglobulin
Key Benefits of the Beta-2 Microglobulin reagent
Wide measuring range
The healthy range of beta-2 microglobulin is 0.9 – 3.0 mg/l. The Randox Beta-2 Microglobulin reagent can comfortably detect levels outside of this range with a measuring range of 0.56 – 20.9 mg/l.
Excellent stability
Stable until expiry date when stored at +2 to +8⁰C
Liquid ready-to-use reagents
The Randox Beta-2 Microglobulin reagent comes in a liquid format which is more convenient as the reagent does not need to be reconstituted which aids in reducing the risk of errors occurring
Other features of the Beta-2 Microglobulin reagent
- Immunoturbidimetric
- Liquid ready-to-use reagents
- Stable to expiry when stored at +2 to +8⁰C
- Measuring range 0.56 – 20.9 mg/l
| Cat No | Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BM3887 | R1 2 x 11ml (L) R2 2 x 4.3ml | Enquire | Kit Insert Request | MSDS | Buy Online |
Instrument Specific Applications (ISA’s) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.
What is the Beta-2 Microglobulin assay used for?
What is beta-2 microglobulin?
Located on the surface of most cells, especially nucleated cells, are large surface proteins called Class I antigens which are made up of a heavy chain and a light chain. The heavy chain is produced by multiple genes and the light chain is chemically bound to it. This light chain is the beta-2 microglobulin. Class I antigens are mostly expressed on lymphoid cells and expressed less on the lungs, kidney and liver and are sparsely expressed on skeletal muscle and the brain. Beta-2 microglobulin is shed by the cells which becomes detectable in the bloodstream under normal conditions.
What is the beta-2 microglobulin assay used for?
Elevated concentration levels of beta-2 microglobulin is attributed to diseases with a high cell turnover. It is a powerful prognosis factor for multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. It is also used to detect chronic lymphocytic leukemia and some types of lymphomas. For more information on tumor markers, please click here [external link].
Low concentration levels of beta-2 microglobulin in serum and high concentration levels is urine is attributed to renal tubular disease. This is particularly important during the onset on diabetes as the kidneys grow larger and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) becomes supranormal which are risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy in later life. For more information on renal function in diabetic disease model, please click here [external link].
The Randox Beta-2 Microglobulin assay is used as a white blood cell tumor marker as well as a biomarker for renal disease.
Diabetes Panel
For more information or to visit more reagents within the diabetes panel, please click here
Lipid Testing Panel
Introducing The Randox Lipids Panel
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries1. Atherosclerosis involves the hardening and narrowing of vessels in the systemic system. This process originates from the build-up of fatty deposits through a process known as atherogenesis. If the build-up increases, plaque rupturing may occur which may lead to myocardial infarction2.
The mission of the National Lipid Association (NLA) “is to enhance the practice of lipid management in clinical medicine”. NLA advocate advancing the current lipid testing profile. The current lipid panel consists of testing LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which only detects approximately 20% of all atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients. Advanced lipid testing is recommended to optimise patient treatment3.
Current Challenges
75% of circulatory risk factors are preventable4
1 in 4 deaths in the US is attributed to heart disease6
6 million people in the UK suffer from narrowing of the heart arteries5
How Can Randox Help With The Current Challenges
As the current lipid panel consists of testing LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which only detects approximately 20% of all coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, advanced lipid testing is recommended to optimise patient treatment. The Randox lipid profile encompasses niche and superior performance assays for the detection of conventional risk factors, as well as emerging biomarkers associated with further risk.
Apolipoprotein C-III (Apo C-III)
A niche product from Randox, Apo C-III deficiency has shown to increase the rate of triglyceride clearance from plasma by up to 7 fold. Apo C-III levels have been reported higher in several conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hyperbilirubinemia and decreased thyroid function.
Apolipoprotein E (Apo E)
A niche product from Randox, Apo E has been found to have an association with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. A deficiency in Apo E gives rise to high levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to premature atherosclerosis
HDL3 Cholesterol (HDL3-C)
A niche product from Randox, HDL3-C, a subclass of HDL-C, has an inverse correlation with CVD risk. Several clinical studies indicate that measuring these HDL-C subclasses better reflects primary and secondary CHD risk than measurement of total HDL-C, making it a significant independent biomarker for better risk profiling when used together with other risk markers.
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a))
A unique product from Randox, Lp(a) has proven to have a causal role in the premature development of atherosclerosis and CVD as elevated Lp(a) levels associate robustly and specifically with increased CVD risk. The Randox Lp(a) assay is one of the only methodologies on the market that detects the non-variable part of the Lp(a) molecule and therefore suffers minimal size related bias.
Small-dense LDL Cholesterol (sdLDL-C)
A niche product from Randox, sdLDL-C, a subtype of LDL cholesterol, can more readily permeate the inner arterial wall. Research indicates that individuals with a predominance of sdLDL-C have a 3-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction.
Liquid ready-to-use assays
The Randox lipid assays are available in a liquid ready-to-use format for convenience and ease of use. (The Triglycerides kit is also available in a lyophilised format).
Wide measuring ranges
The Randox lipid assays can comfortably detect levels outside of the healthy range for the accurate detection of abnormal levels, offering peace of mind in patient samples.
Excellent correlation with standard methods
The Randox lipid assays display excellent correlations when compared against standard methods, offering trust and confidence in results.
Applications are available
Applications are available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox lipid assays on a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to disease of the heart or blood vessels. Heart disease encompasses a number of diseases that affect the heart. In contrast, vascular disease encompasses a number of diseases that affect the blood vessels. Circulatory health problems are the result of vascular disease. Developing problems within the vascular system can go undetermined and in some patients the problem may only become apparent when they experience a heart attack or stroke 7.
Atherogenesis and Atherosclerosis
Atherogenesis is a circulatory disease whereby atheromas are formed (plaque build-up) within the artery. Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, fat, calcium, lipids and other substances within the blood stream. As time progresses, the plaque hardens, narrowing the arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis. Consequently, blood flow through the narrowed artery is reduced, limiting the supply of blood to vital organs and bodily tissues. As atherogenesis can affect any artery within the body, different diseases may develop based on the artery that is affected. Such diseases include: coronary heart/artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease8.
Plaque Rupture
As atherogenesis and atherosclerosis causes plaque to build up and harden within the arteries precipitating thrombi, blood flow to the heart, brain, or the lower extremities is obstructed (depending on the artery affected). This can further develop into coronary heart/artery disease (heart), ischemic stroke (brain) or peripheral vascular disease (lower extremities). However, the most common and most discussed of these manifestations is coronary heart/artery disease9. These manifestations occur when the plaque ruptures. The risk of the plaque rupturing is determined by the type of plaque (composition) rather than the size of the plaque (volume) as only plaques that are rich in soft extracellular lipids are rupture-prone (vulnerable). Whilst most plaque ruptures are small causing an acute coronary event, the actual vulnerability of the plaque may change over time. Luckily, the vulnerable plaque components are most likely to regress with treatment10.
Myocardial Infarction
The processes of atherogenesis, atherosclerosis and plaque rupturing, if left undetected can a myocardial infarction (MI) or “heart attack” if the plaque build-up has occurred in the coronary artery11. MI occurs when the blood supply to heart is completely blocked by the formation of a clot or a blockage due to a loose piece of atheroma (plaque rupturing). If the blood supply to the heart is blocked the cells in the heart begin to die due to the lack of oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). The extent of the blockage and the amount of heart muscle affected will determine whether this malfunction will affect the hearts ability to pump blood12. The signs of atherogenesis, atherosclerosis and plaque rupturing can be subtle, and most heart attack victims may only feel symptoms in the days leading up to the attack. For 80% of people, the first sign of a heart attack is angina. Other symptoms to be aware of are shortness of breath, anxiety, sweating, light-headedness and temporary changes in vision 11.
Exercise
Regular exercise has a major effect on your circulation and cardiovascular health. Moderate levels of exercise can increase blood flow and reduce the risk of poor circulatory health conditions such as atherosclerosis. Exercise promotes good circulation as it strengthens the heart muscles, lowing the resting heart rate and preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. It is important for those with current circulation problems to be vigilant while exercising to ensure they are not over exerting themselves13.
Know your healthy fats
Diet changes are important for improving circulatory health. Eating a variety of foods such as lean meats, vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains will aid in lowering lipid levels and keep them low. It is recommended that more unsaturated fats are consumed in comparison to saturated fats, as saturated fats raise sdLDL-C levels which can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats may increase HDL levels and are known as being ‘heart-healthy’. It is recommended to find healthier alternatives for certain foods such as butter and oil14.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can cause circulatory problems in several ways. Most notably it can cause the carotid arteries (arteries which supply oxygen to the brain) to become filled with plaque. Also, smoking can cause PAD by reducing adequate blood supply to the limbs which can lead to leg pain and possibly amputation. Quitting smoking has been proven to have positive effects on circulation: just 20 minutes after a cigarette, blood pressure decreases and oxygen levels return to normal. Within 24 hours, the chance of a heart attack will have already decreased and after 48 hours, nerve endings deeded by the habit are expected to regenerate, with sense of taste and smell improving also. A year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) will be halved. After 15 years, a quitter’s risk of CHD is now similar to that of a person who has never smoked14.
Related Products
Cardiology Testing Panel
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Reagents Resource Hub
References
[1] Burnett, John R. Lipids, Lipoproteins, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). [Online] Clin Biochem Rev., 25 February 2004. [Cited: 3 December 2018.] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1853363/.
[2] Zimmermaann, Kim Ann. Circulatory Systenm: Facts, Function & Diseases. Live Science. [Online] 16 March 2018. [Cited: 3 December 2018.] https://www.livescience.com/22486-circulatory-system.html.
[3] National Lipid Association. National Lipid Association Releases Updated Recommendations on the Use of PCSK9 Inhibitors at the 15th Annual Scientific Session. [Online] no date. [Cited: 3 December 2018.] https://www.lipid.org/nla/national-lipid-association-releases-updated-recommendations-use-pcsk9-inhibitors-15th-annual.
[4] World Heart Federation. Driving Sustainable Action for Circulatory Health: Whitepaper for Circulatory Health. [Online] Global Coarlition for Circulatory Health, no date. [Cited: 30 November 2018.] https://www.world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/White-Paper-for-Circulatory-Health.pdf.
[5] British Heart Foundation. Research into atherosclerosis: 4 scientists talk about their work. [Online] no date. [Cited: 30 November 2018.] https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/research/atherosclerosis..
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts. [Online] 28 November 2017. [Cited: 4 December 2018.] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.
[7] Cardiovascular Disease. NHS. [Online] NHS UK, September 15, 2018. [Cited: November 30, 2018.] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/
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