Whole pathogen multiplex controls to support testing for cold, cough and COVID
Whole pathogen multiplex controls to support testing for cold, cough and COVID
27 October 2020
Whole pathogen multiplex controls to support testing for cold, cough and COVID
Just in time for flu season, global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has unveiled a range of whole pathogen multiplex controls that cover multiple viral and bacterial pathogens which cause respiratory disease.
Inclusive of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A & B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the Qnostics Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Controls (RTX) facilitate diagnosis of the likes of cold and flu, and importantly, the differentiation of these respiratory diseases from COVID-19.
Using a control line that covers a range of respiratory pathogens in this way will allow laboratories to streamline their testing, consolidate QC, and ultimately save time, money and resource.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Quality Control Manager, explained;
“When the use of time and resources are critical such as in COVID-19 testing, the use of highly characterised controls enables laboratories to meet their daily QC needs and accreditation requirements.
“Accurate and reliable laboratory testing is an essential aspect of the management of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, so we are pleased to be able to offer these new controls which will crucially support the validation, verification and performance monitoring of molecular respiratory assays.”
The new RTX controls, which are whole pathogen for compatibility with the majority of commercial and in-house assays, are used to monitor the full testing process, from extraction to amplification and detection.
The Multiplex Respiratory Controls will support public health testing strategies during the incoming flu season and are suited for the test menus of most syndromic assays.
Lynsey continued;
“The Randox Qnostics Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Controls are clinically relevant for full-process validation. Liquid frozen for user convenience and ease of use, the development of the controls using whole pathogen material ensures clinical relevance from extraction to amplification and detection.”
Randox Qnostics Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Controls are manufactured to ISO 13485 standards and are in line with ISO 15189:2012 regulatory requirements.
Key Features and Benefits of the new RTX Controls:
- Whole pathogen controls – the controls contain the entire genome meaning they are compatible with the majority of commercial and in-house assays.
- Full process control – whole pathogen controls are the ideal material for full-process validation, monitoring the testing process from extraction to amplification and detection, to ensure ultimate quality assurance in laboratories.
- Highly characterised – Qnostics controls are quantified by digital PCR to ensure batch to batch reproducibility and are traceable to an internal reference preparation, to ensure metrological traceability of test results obtained by different diagnostic workflows.
- True Third Party – An independent, unbiased assessment of assay performance is ensured in line with ISO 15189:2012 regulatory requirements.
- Superior Manufacturing – Qnostics controls are manufactured under ISO 13485 guidelines to ensure quality and traceability.
- Liquid for Ease-of-Use – the controls are conveniently supplied in a liquid frozen format meaning there is no additional preparation or handling required.
For more information visit https://www.randox.com/molecular-infectious-disease-controls/respiratory-infection-testing/
For further enquiries please email marketing@randox.com
QNOSTICS
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CORONAVIRUS
Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
02 March 2020
Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
Randox’s pioneering new test for coronavirus, which identifies COVID-19 and differentiates it from nine other respiratory infections, is to be used in Chinese hospitals.
The comprehensive test, which is being shipped this week to hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou, has been developed on Randox’s unique technology platform, the Biochip. This allows for each patient to be simultaneously tested for a range of respiratory infections inclusive of all known coronaviruses.
The Coronavirus Biochip tests each single patient sample for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, as well as nine other respiratory viruses, including SARS, MERS, and Influenza A and B. This enables clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections, prioritise patients and administer appropriate and timely treatment.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies being used to diagnose COVID-19 are focused on simply detecting the presence or lack of this singular strain and therefore neglect to differentiate it from other respiratory infections. At Randox we have developed a multiplex Viral Respiratory Infection Array that tests for COVID-19 and nine other infections simultaneously, and are delighted that this new technology will be deployed in Wuhan and other cities across China.
“The Coronavirus Biochip will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, thereby empowering clinicians to make faster and better-informed decisions.”
Due to be used in hospitals in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the new testing technology is capable of processing 324 patient samples, generating 3240 reportable results, in just 8 hours.
The panel includes two tests for COVID-19, a specific test (SARS-CoV-2) and a confirmatory test (Sarbecoviris) on the same panel, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This avoids the need to repeat the test, and importantly, reduces the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis, ensuring appropriate containment and reducing the risk of further contamination. This faster and more comprehensive testing will ultimately support the health service in China by facilitating the efficient use of valuable healthcare resources.
Byron Wang, CEO of Beijing Promed, Randox’s partner in providing the new coronavirus test in China, commented;
“We welcome the support of the global community in assisting us combat COVID-19 at this time. Randox is a highly regarded In Vitro Diagnostic company in China and has supported our market with high quality products for many years. We look forward to supplying this test to hospitals located within the area of greatest need and believe it will make a real difference.”
Dr FitzGerald concluded;
“Randox is committed to saving and improving lives on a global scale and we know that this new COVID-19 test will make a significant contribution to the global coronavirus containment effort.”
The Coronavirus Biochip tests simultaneously for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Sarbecoviris (SARS, SARS like, COVID-19), Coronavirus 229E/NL63, Coronavirus OC43/HKUI, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Adenovirus A/B/C/D/E, Enterovirus A/B/C, Influenza A, Influenza B and Rhinovirus A/B.
The Randox Coronavirus Biochip complies with guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team on 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
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BIOSCIENCES
Randox actively testing samples for Coronavirus COVID-19
12 February 2020
Introducing the COVID-19 Coronavirus Test from Randox
A ground-breaking test for the potentially fatal COVID-19 strain of coronavirus, is available at global health diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
The test, developed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, is as an enhanced multiplex array which includes tests for COVID-19 and nine other respiratory viruses which can display the same symptoms.
The new enhanced Biochip therefore allows clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies for the diagnosis of coronavirus are designed simply to detect the presence or lack of COVID-19, and therefore neglect to differentiate between this strain and other respiratory infections.
“We have therefore developed an extended Viral Respiratory Infection Array that tests simultaneously for COVID-19 and nine other viruses. This will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, and empower clinicians to make fast and informed decisions.”
The test is available on the Randox Evidence Investigator with a turnaround time of 5 hours.
Benefits of the new Randox COVID-19 test
- Quick Turnaround Times (5 hours on Evidence Investigator)
- Multiplex array differentiates between mild and serious infection
- Automated and Semi-Automated options available
- Medium to high throughput (54 samples in 5 hours)
For further information please visit www.randox.com/coronavirus-randox
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BIOSCIENCES
Coronavirus test available at Randox
26 January 2020
Introducing the COVID-19 Coronavirus Test from Randox
A ground-breaking test for the potentially fatal COVID-19 strain of coronavirus, is in the final stages of development at global health diagnostics company Randox Laboratories.
The soon-to-be-launched test, developed on Randox’s patented Biochip Technology, will be available for immediate COVID-19 testing, but an additional enhanced multiplex array will also include tests for other respiratory viruses which can display the same symptoms.
The new enhanced Biochip will therefore allow clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies for the diagnosis of coronavirus are designed simply to detect the presence or lack of COVID-19, and therefore neglect to differentiate between this strain and other respiratory infections.
“Whilst we’re very quickly developing an efficient novel test for this new strain of coronavirus, we are therefore also working on an extended Viral Respiratory Infection Array that will test simultaneously for COVID-19 and a range of other viruses. This will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, and empower clinicians to make fast and informed decisions.”
The test will be available for the Point of Care analyser, the Vivalytic, within 3 hours, and within 5 hours on the Randox Evidence Investigator.
Benefits of the new Randox COVID-19 test
- Quick Turnaround Times (3 hours on Vivalytic and 5 hours on Evidence Investigator)
- Multiplex array differentiates between mild and serious infection
- Automated and Semi-Automated options available
Randox also currently has available a Respiratory Tract Infection Array, which can test for 22 viral and bacterial respiratory infections simultaneously. The test therefore determines the exact cause of your symptoms and differentiates between mild and serious infections, such as coronavirus. This is also available from Randox Health as a Cold, Cough and Flu test.
For further information please visit www.randox.com/coronavirus-randox
For enquiries email marketing@randox.com or to book your Randox Health Cough, Cold and Flu test please ring 0800 2545 130.
Randox is committed to saving and improving lives on a global scale, and will bring you updates on developments on our test for COVID-19 as and when they happen.
QNOSTICS
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BIOSCIENCES
The Gift of Health: FREE Specialised Test with every Everyman or Everywoman purchased in December
This December, treat your friends and family to the greatest gift of all. The gift of health.
Throughout the month, Randox Health are offering a free Specialised Test, Cough, Cold & Flu, with every Everyman or Everywoman Programme purchased.
Examining up to 150 different indicators of health in your body! The programmes are among the most advanced in the world with our Signature Programme being the most advanced, examining up to 350 different indicators of disease and ill-health. This is due to our advanced technology.
The perfect gift, or perhaps Christmas treat for yourself? These 12-month programmes are guaranteed to give you the most advanced picture available of your current health status.
This month, each programme also comes with a free Cough, Cold & Flu check worth £100.
What is the Cough, Cold and Flu check?
In a world where warnings about antibiotic resistance make daily headlines, Randox Health is helping people take back control.
Antibiotics are used to prevent and treat antibiotic infections. But they don’t work for everything. Taking them when we don’t need them can enable dangerous bacteria that lives inside us to become resistant. That means if you need antibiotics in the future, they may not work. As the NHS says, this puts you and your family at serious risk.
Only bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, so finding out what’s behind your infection is essential.
With the Randox Health Cough, Cold and Flu test one swab can detect and identify the cause of 21 respiratory infections in just five hours. With this knowledge, you will find out what’s treatment is going to be appropriate for you.
Take the guesswork out of getting better and book your Cough, Cold and Flu test either as a standalone check or for free with or Everyman or Everywoman Programme.
Specialised tests are available at our clinics in London, Liverpool, Holywood and Crumlin, and also through our innovative mobile health clinic. Gift cards can be purchased from as little as £20.
To find out more about the offer or to purchase the most thoughtful of Christmas presents – a gift card for the ‘gift of health’ – please phone our team on 0800 2545 130. You can also drop them an email. info@randoxhealth.com
GPs are told to stop prescribing antibiotics for sore throats
Today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published guidelines that state doctors should not prescribe precious antibiotics for most people with sore throats and should instead recommend drugs like paracetamol.
The guidelines from NICE and Public Health England, which aim to limit the use of antibiotics, said doctors should only be prescribing the medicines for more severe cases that are most likely to have been caused by a bacterial infection.
This is despite recent research that suggests antibiotics are prescribed in 60% of sore throat cases, for which doctors are unable to tell if the infection is viral or bacterial.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said most sore throats were caused by viral infections, which cannot be treated by antibiotics.
At Randox, our pioneering R&D teams have developed a revolutionary swab test for respiratory infections which indicates the cause of the infection and whether a patient needs antibiotics or not. This helps to limit the number of patients who are prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily.
The Randox test, which can rapidly detect and identify the cause of 21 respiratory infections in just 5 hours, assists the clinician in prescribing the appropriate antibiotic.
John Lamont, Lead Scientist at Randox Laboratories, said;
“Current diagnostic testing for respiratory infections takes at least 36 hours to confirm the nature of an infection, and they cannot name and categorise infections as bacterial or viral in the way our new respiratory test can.”
This test, if widely adopted, could allow medical practitioners to make the correct treatment choice on the same day as examination and before patients have already begun a precautionary course of inefficient antibiotics. It would also have additional efficiency savings for the NHS, by eliminating the need for lengthy microbiology lab tests and unnecessarily prescribing drugs which are not needed.
This new rapid and accurate test will give clinicians confidence in their diagnosis of respiratory infections and will allow for quicker treatment if necessary, which benefits patient outcomes.
The test is also available as a Randox Health Cough, Cold & Flu offering, and can be carried out by booking an appointment with Randox Health at our clinics in Crumlin, Holywood or London, or by arranging the mobile clinic to visit you at your home or place of work.
Find out more about the Cough, Cold & Flu Respiratory test here.
Book an appointment with one of our clinics, or arrange the mobile clinic, by phoning 0800 2545 130 or by clicking here.
For further information please contact the Randox PR team by email: randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Randox responds to antibiotic resistance warning from NI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride
Today, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride has stated that antibiotic resistance is now the greatest risk to human health and medicines worldwide. Dr. McBride said; “Currently 700,000 people die worldwide each year from drug resistant infections and this figure is forecasted to reach 10 million deaths by 2050, if the problem is ignored.”
It is rather alarming therefore that 70% of GPs admit that they prescribe antibiotics when they are unsure if they are treating a viral or bacterial infection. By prescribing antibiotics for viral infections, which can’t be combatted with antibiotics, patients are being exposed to antibiotics which are of no benefit.
John Lamont, Lead Scientist at Randox Laboratories, said that “Current diagnostic testing for respiratory infections takes at least 36 hours to confirm the nature of an infection, and they cannot name and categorise infections as bacterial or viral is the way our new respiratory test can.”
At Randox, our pioneering R&D teams have developed a revolutionary swab test for respiratory infections which indicates the cause of the infection and whether a patient needs antibiotics or not. This helps to limit the amount of patients who are prescribed antibiotics, reducing antibiotic resistance.
The Randox test, which can rapidly detect and identify the cause of 21 respiratory infections in just 5 hours, can also subsequently determine the appropriate antibiotic drug treatment for patients.
This test, if adopted by GP surgeries, could allow medical practitioners to make the correct treatment choice on the same day as examination and before patients have already begun a precautionary course of inefficient antibiotics. It would also have additional efficiency savings for the NHS, by eliminating the need for lengthy microbiology lab tests and unnecessarily prescribing drugs which are not needed. This new rapid and accurate test will give the GP confidence in their diagnosis of respiratory infections and will allow for quicker treatment if necessary, which benefits patient outcomes.
The test is also available as a Randox Health Cough, Cold & Flu offering, and can be carried out by booking an appointment with Randox Health at our clinics in Crumlin, Holywood or London, or by arranging the mobile clinic to visit you at your home or place of work.
So what action can we take to limit the looming antibiotic resistance crisis?
- Ask your GP if tests will be performed to make sure you even need antibiotics and that the correct antibiotic is prescribed.
- Take the antibiotics as prescribed. Make sure you complete the prescribed course, even when you start feeling better. This makes sure that all bacteria from your current infection are eradicated, leaving none behind that could potentially develop resistance to your antibiotic.
- Only take antibiotics prescribed for you; do not share or use leftover antibiotics. Taking the wrong medication will delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply, and potentially develop a resistance to the antibiotic you are using incorrectly.
Find out more about the Cough, Cold & Flu Respiratory test here.
Book an appointment with one of our clinics, or arrange the mobile clinic, by phoning 0800 2545 130 or by clicking here.
For further information please contact the Randox PR team by email: randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
