Product Spotlight: HbA1c Quality Controls
Product Spotlight: HbA1c Quality Controls
Diabetes
Diabetes is a life-long condition which occurs when the glucose level in the blood is too high because it can’t enter the body’s cells to be used as fuel. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. They are distinct conditions and must be treated and managed differently.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks insulin-producing cells, this causes a lack of insulin, leading to an increased blood glucose level. Around 10% of people with diabetes has type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes
A mixture of genetic and environmental factors causes type 2 diabetes. The body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin it does create does not work correctly, leading to a glucose build up in the blood. It’s thought that up to 58% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle choices.
HbA1c
HbA1c is the average blood glucose level for the past two to tthree months. A high HbA1c means there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. This means the patient is more likely to develop complications associated with diabetes, like problems with feet and eyes [1].
HbA1c in Diagnostics
In 2011, the WHO accepted the use of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing in the diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetes UK also supports this decsion [2].
Clinically Significant Levels
A HbA1c level of 6.5% is recomended as the cut off for diabetes diagnosis [3], this can be seen in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1. Clinically relevant levels for Diabetes diagnosis.
Acusera HbA1c Controls
Acusera HbA1c Quality Control
The Randox Acusera HbA1c control is designed for use in the quality control of both HbA1c and Total Haemoglobin assays. Assayed instrument and method specific target values and ranges are provided for all major systems and methods including HPLC. A reconstituted stability of 4 weeks keeps waste to a minimum and helps to reduce costs.
Acusera Liquid HbA1c Quality Control
Conveniently supplied liquid ready-to-use the Liquid HbA1c control is ideally suited to both clinical laboratories and POCT helping to significantly reduce preparation time. With a stability of 30 days waste and costs are also kept to a minimum.
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References
[1] “What is HbA1c?”, Diabetes UK, 2018. [Online] Availabel: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-you-diabetes/hba1c.
[2] Diabetes UK, “Diagnostics criteria for deabetes”, Diabetes UK, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/diagnosis-ongoing-management-monitoring/new_diagnostic_criteria_for_diabetes.
[3] WHO, “Use of Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus”, World Health Organisation, 2011.
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.
sTfR Quality Control
Providing a true third party solution for the measurement of Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR), the Acusera sTfR Control will deliver an unbiased, independent assessment of analytical performance.
Designed for use with sTfR assays, this handy single analyte control saves money on wasted material.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised control
- Human based material
- Assayed target values available
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C to 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 30 days at 2°C to 8°C
| Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sTfR Control (Bi-level) | 3 x 2 x 1 ml | 1 | TF10162 | |
| sTfR Calibrator | 6 x 1 ml | 1 | TF10161 | |
Analytes
- Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)
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Metabolic Syndrome Array II Quality Control
A multi-analyte quality control with target values and ranges provided for 3 parameters associated with metabolic syndrome.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human material
- Stable to expiry date at 2oC – 8oC
- Reconstituted stability of 72 hours at 2oC – 8oC and 7 days at -20°C
- Assayed values available for Randox Biochip systems
| Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Syndrome Array II Control | 3 x 3 x 1ml | 3 | EV3761 | |
| Metabolic Syndrome Array II Calibrator | 9 x 1 ml | 3 | EV3760 |
Analytes
- Adiponectin
- CRP
- Cystatin C
Transplant Associated Diseases | Qnostics Molecular Controls
Transplant Associated Diseases | Qnostics Molecular Controls
Advances in transplant medicine have greatly improved the prospects of transplant recipients. However, pathogen infection and in particular, viral reactivation remain significant contributors to transplant patient morbidity and mortality.
Qnostics’ Q Control and Analytical Q Panel ranges cover a number of viruses and fungal pathogens of particular concern, including: HSV, CMV, EBV, ADV, JCV and BKV, with Molecular Q Panels covering HSV, HHV6, CMV, EBV, ADV, JCV and BKV.
Q Controls
Qnostics’ ‘Q’ Controls are positive run controls intended to help laboratories monitor their molecular diagnostic assay on a run-to-run basis within customer derived limits. These third-party independent external controls will ensure that assay drift is detected, monitored and managed allowing the laboratory to continue to provide accurate and reliable results. They also help support a laboratory’s regulatory requirements under the standard ISO 15189.
Adenovirus (ADV) Control
Pathogen – Adenovirus (ADV)
Genotype – Type 1
Matrix – Transport Medium
Stability – Single use control designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
ADV Molecular Q Control
Product code: ADVMQC | Pack size: 5×1 ml
BK Virus (BKV) Control
Pathogen – BK Virus (BKV)
Genotype – Type 1b-2
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use control designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
BKV Molecular Q Control
Product code: BKVMQC | Pack size: 5×1 ml
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Control
Pathogen – Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Genotype – AD169
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use control designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
CMV Medium Q Control
Product code: CMVMQC | Pack size: 5×1 ml
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Control
Pathogen – Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Genotype – B-95
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use control designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
EBV Molecular Q Control
Product code: EBVMQC | Pack size: 5×1 ml
JC Virus (JCV) Control
Pathogen – JC Virus (JCV)
Genotype – Type 1A
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use control designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
JCV Medium Q Control
Product code: JCVMQC | Pack size: 5×1 ml
Molecular Q Panels
Molecular Q Panels consist of four individual levels, including a negative, and are intended to evaluate the assays’ clinical range. Molecular Q Panels can also be used to support laboratory training and in the assessment and development of molecular diagnostic assays from extraction phase through amplification and finally detection.
Adenovirus (ADV) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – Adenovirus (ADV)
Genotype – Type 1
Matrix – Viral Transport Medium
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
ADV Molecular Q Panel
Product code: ADVMQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
BK Virus (BKV) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – BK Virus (BKV)
Genotype – Type 1b-2
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
BKV Molecular Q Panel
Product code: BKVMQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Genotype – AD169
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
CMV Molecular Q Panel
Product code: CMVMQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Genotype – B-95
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
EBV Molecular Q Panel
Product code: EBVMQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6)
Genotype – Type A-GS
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status -RUO
__________
HHV6 Molecular Q Panel
Product code: HHV6MQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
JC Virus (JCV) Molecular Q Panel
Pathogen – JC Virus (JCV)
Genotype – Type 1A
Matrix – Plasma
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
JCV Molecular Q Panel
Product code: JCVMQP | Pack size: 4×1 ml
Analytical Q Panels
Analytical ‘Q’ Panels are designed to cover the dynamic range of an assay allowing the laboratory to assess the linearity, LOD and LOQ of their assay. Each panel contains a dilution series covering the analytical range of most assays, in a linear progression, all of which should be treated as a patient sample within an assay run.
Adenovirus (ADV) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – Adenovirus (ADV)
Genotype – Type 1
Matrix – Viral Transport Medium
Number of Levels – 8
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
ADV Analytical Q Panel
Product code: ADVAQP | Pack size: 8×1 ml
BK Virus (BKV) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – BK Virus (BKV)
Genotype – Type 1b-2
Matrix – Plasma
Number of Levels – 10
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
BKV Analytical Q Panel
Product code: BKVAQP | Pack size: 10×1 ml
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Genotype – AD169
Matrix – Plasma
Number of Levels – 9
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising the risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
__________
CMV Analytical Q Panel
Product code: CMVAQP | Pack size: 9×1 ml
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Genotype – B-95
Matrix – Plasma
Number of Levels – 10
Stability – Single use Q-Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – CE & RUO
EBV Analytical Q Panel
Product code: EBVAQP | Pack size: 10×1 ml
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6)
Genotype – Type A-GS
Matrix – Plasma
Number of Levels – 10
Stability – Single use Q Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – RUO
__________
Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6) Analytical Q Panel
Product code: HHV6AQP | Pack size: 10×1 ml
JC Virus (JCV) Analytical Q Panel
Pathogen – JC Virus (JCV)
Genotype – Type 1A
Matrix – Plasma
Number of Levels – 10
Stability – Single use Q Panel designed to be used immediately minimising risk of contamination
Shelf Life – Up to 2 years after date of manufacture
Regulatory Status – RUO
__________
JCV Analytical Q Panel
Product code: JCVAQP | Pack size: 10×1 ml
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Product Spotlight: Acusera Cardiac Quality Control
For this month’s product spotlight, we have chosen our whole range of cardiac quality control solutions. Randox offers options for both Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assessment (EQA).
29th September is World Heart Day. World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term to describe conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is normally associated with a build up of fatty deposits in the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots. CVD is the leading casues of death globally, representing around 30% of all deaths. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent CVD; however, increasingly busy lifestyles mean that it is difficult to avoid CVD. This means it is vitally important that individuals are tested for CVD and to ensure that diagnoses are acurate.
The accurate diagnosis of a potentially life threatening cardiac event is essential in order to avoid misdiagnosis and/or incorrect treatment. The Acusera Cardiac Quality Controls have been designed to cover a wide range of cardiac markers at clinical decision levels eliminating the need for additional low level controls at extra expense. Available in a choice of both liquid ready-to-use and lyophilised formats, they are ideal for use at the point-of-care and in the laboratory. Manufactured from 100% human serum a matrix similar to that of the patient is guaranteed.
Liquid Controls
Liquid Cardiac Control
Liquid, Assayed, 100% Human serum
8 AnalytesBNP Control
Liquid, Assayed, 100% Human serum
1 AnalyteLyophilised Controls
Cardiac Control
Lyophilised, Assayed, 100% Human serum
7 AnalytesCK-MB Control
Lyophilised, Assayed, 100% Human serum
2 AnalytesH-FABP Control
Lyophilised, Assayed, 100% Human serum
1 AnalytehsTnT Control
Lyophilised, Assayed, 100% Human serum
1 Analyte
The RIQAS Cardiac EQA programme is designed to monitor the performance of up to 7 clinically significant cardiac markers. Two flexible reporting options are available to suit the needs of all laboratory sizes.
Accredited to ISO/IEC 17043
• 100% human serum
• Bi-weekly reporting
• Submit results and view reports online via RIQAS.Net
• Register up to five instruments at no extra cost
Parameters
CK, Total | CK-MB activity units | CK-MB mass units | Homocysteine | Myoglobin | Troponin I | Troponin T
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Product Spotlight: Acusera Immunoassay Premium Plus Control
The Randox Acusera Immunoassay Premium Plus quality control covers an impressive 54 analytes with assayed instrument specific target values and ranges provided for up to 51 analytes. The unique combination of routine tumour markers, therapeutic drugs and Vitamin D allows laboratories to dramatically reduce the number of controls required while ultimately keeping costs to a minimum. Three levels of control are available with analytes present at clinically significant levels.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human serum
- Assayed, instrument specific target values provided for up to 51 parameters
- Ferritin and Vitamin B12 levels suitable for anaemia monitoring
- Ultra low TSH levels in the level 1 control
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C or 4 weeks at -20°C
- Contains routinely run tumour markers: AFP/CA15-3/CA19-9/CA-125/CEA/PSA/Free-PSA
Flexible options are available with a low, normal and high level, as well as a combined tri-level.
Description |
Size |
Analytes |
Cat No. |
| Immunoassay Premium Plus Level 1 | 12 x 5 ml | 54 | IA3109 |
| Immunoassay Premium Plus Level 2 | 12 x 5 ml | 54 | IA3110 |
| Immunoassay Premium Plus Level 3 | 12 x 5 ml | 54 | IA3111 |
| Immunoassay Premium Plus Tri-Level | 4 x 3 x 5 ml | 54 | IA3112 |
The clinical significance of some selected analytes.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione is an androgen, which are hormones responsible for the induction of sexual differentiation and produce secondary male physical characteristics such as a deep voice and facial hair. Another example is testosterone. They are also present in females as precursors to female hormones (such as estrogen).
This test measures the amount of androstenedione in the blood. Because AD has its origins in the adrenal glands, it is useful as a marker of adrenal gland function, of the function of the ovaries or testicles, and androgen production.
An androstenedione level may be used to [1]:
• Evaluate adrenal gland function and distinguish between androgen-secreting conditions that are caused by the adrenal glands from those that originate in the ovaries or testicles, if results of DHEAS and testosterone testing are abnormal • Help diagnose tumours in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland or tumours outside of the adrenal gland that secrete ACTH (ectopic) and separate these conditions from ovarian or testicular tumours and cancers • Diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and monitor CAH treatment, in addition to tests for testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone • Help diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and help rule out other causes of infertility, no monthly menstrual periods (amenorrhea), and excess body and facial hair (hirsutism) in women who have abnormal results on tests for DHEAS, testosterone, and other hormones such as FSH, LH, prolactin, and estrogen • Help determine the cause of delayed puberty and investigate suspected ovarian or testicular failure • Investigate and diagnose the cause of male physical characteristics (virilisation) in young girls and early (precocious) puberty in young boys Digoxin
Digoxin is a therapeutic drug used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and failure. Heart failure causes the heart to become less effective at circulating blood, resulting in blood backing up in the hands, legs, liver, and lungs, causing swelling.
This test measures the level of digoxin in the blood. Digoxin is prescribed to patients to alleviate symptoms of heart failure by strengthening contractions, helping the heart pump blood more effectively. Digoxin can also be used to treat arrhythmias. It cannot be used to cure heart failure or arrhythmias but can help to manage the symptoms along with other medication, exercise and diet.
Digoxin levels are monitored due to the drug’s narrow safety range. If the level is too high, toxicity may occur, if too low, symptoms may recur.
• Monitor the concentration of the drug in the patient's blood • Determine if a patient's symptoms are due to insufficient levels of Digoxin or due to digoxin toxicity • Increase the strength and efficiency of heart contractions, helping control the rate and rhythm of the heart • Slows electrical conduction between the atria and the ventricles, which is useful in treating abnormally rapid atrial rhythms that can cause heart attacks Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is associated with the reproductive cycle and the release of an egg from the ovary in women and testosterone production in men. LH production is a complex system controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, hormones produced in the testes and ovaries, and the pituitary gland.
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood or urine. It is used alongside other tests such as FSH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone to investigate reproductive irregularities.
A luteinizing hormone level may be used [4]:
In both men and women:
• In the workup of infertility • To aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders that can affect LH production • To help diagnose conditions associated with dysfunction of the ovaries or testicles In women:
• In the investigation of menstrual irregularities • To detect a surge in LH levels during the menstrual cycle, helping determine when a woman is likely to be the most fertile In children:
• To diagnose delayed and precocious (early) puberty. Irregular timing of puberty may be an indication of a more serious problem involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the ovaries or testicles, or other systems Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is secreted as a response to an elevated glucose level following a meal and is vital in the transportation and storage of glucose, the body’s primary source of energy. Insulin regulates blood glucose by helping transport it from blood to cells.
This test measures the amount of insulin in the blood. After a meal, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, this is then absorbed into the blood causing the blood glucose level to rise, this then falls as it moves into cells. If an individual cannot produce enough insulin, or if they are insulin resistant (cells are resistant to insulin’s effects), glucose does not reach the body’s cells and they starve. The blood glucose level will rise to an unhealthy level, which can cause various complications, including Diabetes.
An insulin level may be used to [5]:
• Diagnose an insulinoma, verify that removal of the tumor has been successful, and/or to monitor for recurrence • Diagnose the cause of hypoglycemia in an individual with signs and symptoms • Identify insulin resistance • Monitor the amount of insulin produced by the beta cells in the pancreas (endogenous); in this case, a C-peptide test may also be done. Insulin and C-peptide are produced by the body at the same rate as part of the conversion of proinsulin to insulin in the pancreas • Determine when a type 2 diabetic might need to start taking insulin to supplement oral medications • Determine and monitor the success of an islet cell transplant intended to restore the ability to make insulin, by measuring the insulin-producing capacity of the transplant What test results mean [5]:
DisorderFasting Insulin LevelFasting Glucose LevelInsulin resistance High Normal or somewhat elevated Not enough insulin produced in beta cells (diabetes, pancreatitis) Low High Hypoglycemia due to excess insulin (insulinomas, cushing syndrome) Normal or High Low
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References
[1] “Androstenedione”, Labtestsonline.org, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/androstenedione. [Accessed: 07- Aug- 2018].
[2] “Digoxin”, Labtestsonline.org, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/digoxin. [Accessed: 08- Aug- 2018].
[3] O. Ogbru and J. Marks, “digoxin, Lanoxin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing”, MedicineNet. [Online]. Available: https://www.medicinenet.com/digoxin/article.htm#which_drugs_or_supplements_interact_with_digoxin?. [Accessed: 08- Aug- 2018].
[4] “Luteinizing Hormone (LH)”, Labtestsonline.org, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/luteinizing-hormone-lh. [Accessed: 08- Aug- 2018].
[5] “Insulin”, Labtestsonline.org, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/insulin. [Accessed: 08- Aug- 2018].
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Nutritional status: copper deficiency
Did you know that copper is an essential trace mineral present in all tissues? It works with iron to help the body form red blood cells. It also helps keep the blood vessels, nerves, immune system and bones healthy while also aiding in iron absorption. In rare situations, copper deficiency can occur and lead to anaemia and osteoporosis.
Symptoms of copper deficiency include:
- Fatigue & weakness as cells use copper to generate ATP, the body’s main source of energy. This means that copper deficiency could affect your energy levels.
- Frequent sickness as copper plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Weak and brittle bones as copper is involved in the processes that create cross-links inside your bones. These cross-links ensure bones are healthy and strong.
- Problems with memory and learning as copper plays an important role in brain function and development.
Sensitivity to cold as copper, along with minerals like zinc, help maintain optimal thyroid gland function. Low thyroid levels can make you feel colder more easily.
There are many foods that are high in copper. These include leafy greens, including turnip, greens, spinach, kale and mustard greens. Asparagus and summer squash are two other excellent sources of copper while legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds are also good sources of the substance.
Randox Reagents, RX and QC are helping to diagnose copper deficiency at the earliest possible stage. The Randox copper assay is used to measure the levels of copper in the blood in order to determine copper toxicity. Combining this with the Randox zinc assay can aid in identifying the cause of liver damage in a patient, leading to correct treatment and recovery.
Find out more about how Randox is helping to diagnose nutritional status and deficiencies here: https://www.randox.com/nutritional-status/
Product Spotlight: Acusera Immunoassay Speciality 2 Control
The Randox Acusera Immunoassay Speciality II quality control is designed to complement our Immunoassay Premium and Premium Plus controls. Assayed, instrument specific target values and ranges are provided for 4 complex immunoassay parameters.
Features & Benefits
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human serum
- Assayed target values provided for 4 parameters
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
- Reconstituted stability of up to 5 days at 2°C – 8°C and 4 weeks at -20°C
Procalcitonin
Procalcitonin (PCT), a protein that consists of 116 amino acids, is the peptide precursor of calcitonin, a hormone that is synthesized by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid and involved in calcium homeostasis.
Procalcitonin is also produced by the neuroendocrine cells of the lung and intestine and is released as an acute-phase reactant in response to inflammatory stimuli, especially those of bacterial origin. This raised procalcitonin level during inflammation is associated with bacterial endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines.
Procalcitonin (PCT) versus C-reactive protein (CRP)
CRP is the most common laboratory marker used in the clinical setting to evaluate systemic inflammatory response to an infectious agent.
Procalcitonin is a more useful diagnostic inflammation parameter than CRP in patients with pediatric neutropenic fever, both in estimating the severity of infection and the duration and origin of the fever. Procalcitonin is also a more reliable parameter in the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis, allowing better differentiation among sepsis-related fatalities.[2]
Calcitonin
A calcitonin assay is helpful in identifying patients with nodular thyroid disease. It is often performed in the hope of identifying early MTC. Successful treatment of MTC depends on early detection; late detection confers a poor prognosis. In addition, calcitonin levels are reported to be increased in other malignancies, such as carcinoid tumors, lung carcinoma, melanoma, pancreatic and breast carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma.
Calcitonin is produced and released by parafollicular cells of the thyroid. Calcitonin is derived from larger precursors. Precalcitonin is cleaved to procalcitonin, which is further cleaved to immature calcitonin and then to mature calcitonin, a monomer of a 3.5-kd peptide composed of 32 amino acids, which is the only biologically active form.
Calcitonin’s precise physiologic role in humans remains to fully understood. It is known to act on the bones, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, binding directly to osteoclasts, thereby directly inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption. Although this inhibition may be important in short-term control of calcium loads, it is short-lived and likely plays an insignificant role in overall calcium homeostasis. Calcitonin also inhibits the action of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. [1]
Gastrin
Gastrin testing is employed in the diagnosis of gastrinoma, either with or without Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and in the investigation of pernicious anemia and achlorhydria.
In patients who have undergone antrectomy with vagotomy, gastrin levels are reduced. In contrast, gastrin levels are increased in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.[3]
Renin
Renin, also known as Angiotensinogenase, is an enzyme involved in the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates the body’s water balance and blood pressure level. The system regulates the extracellular volume in the blood plasma, lymph and interstitial fluid, as well as controlling constriction of the arteries and blood vessels.[5] It is secreted by the kidney from specialized cells called granular cells and has a fundamental role in hypertension development. Over activation of this system contributes to hypertension and associated end-organ damage.[4]
The secretion of renin is stimulated by the following three factors:
-
- When a fall in arterial blood pressure is detected by pressure sensitive receptors (baroreceptors) in the arterial vessels.
- When a decrease in sodium chloride (salt) is detected in the kidney by the macula densa in the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
- When sympathetic nervous system activity is detected through beta1 adrenergic receptors.[4]
-
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References
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How Randox is helping to diagnose nutritional status
At Randox, we’re dedicated to improving health worldwide and are consistently trying to break our own innovative records. Throughout the month of July, we’ll be introducing you to how we’re helping to diagnose nutritional deficiencies and define individual nutritional status among patients.
Zinc
Randox Reagents
Randox Reagents have the highest quality reagents on the market and a test menu comprising of over 113 assays. Unique to Randox is the zinc assay which is important in the diagnosis of kidney and liver damage.
Our zinc assay can be used to measure the levels of zinc in a patient’s urine providing insight into the levels of zinc in the body. This, combined with our copper assay, can aid in identifying the cause of liver damage in a patient, leading to correct treatment and recovery.
The RX series
The RX series offers the most comprehensive testing profile for assessing nutritional status to identify any nutritional deficiencies or any other nutritional issues within an individual.
The RX series zinc test can identify a zinc deficiency in an individual which is often a result of a low dietary intake and can lead to many problems including impaired immune and cognitive functions, kidney disease and diabetes.
Randox Quality Control
World-leading diagnostics would be nothing without world-leading quality control materials to ensure consistency and accuracy across all results. The Randox Acusera Liquid Chemistry Premium Plus control is the most comprehensive chemistry control available.
Stay tuned over the course of the month as we highlight how we’re helping in the fight against nutrient deficiencies.
