Randox Health Grand National Trophy 2018 tour comes to schools across Northern Ireland
Randox Health are today pleased to announce that in early March, the 2018 Randox Health Grand National Trophy will be coming to schools across Northern Ireland. This is the second year of the trophy tour, to mark Randox Health’s sponsorship of the world-renowned steeplechase.
At Randox, our ambition is to continually improve people’s health around the world. That is why we took on the sponsorship of this famous event, to spread our message about the importance of preventive healthcare. As the first healthcare company to be involved with the sport, we are credited with bringing a very positive era to it.
This year we are offering a number of schools in Northern Ireland the opportunity to take part in a two – three-hour trophy-making masterclass, with the designer of both the 2017 and 2018 trophies – the silversmith Shannon O’Neill.
Shannon will guide a class of students through the process of designing and constructing a trophy, albeit in less-rare materials than the ones used in the actual trophy! We will again be able to bring the trophy to the schools for pupils to see and hopefully be inspired.
We will provide all necessary equipment, and aim for each pupil to have a paper-version of their trophy to take home. The pupils will have the chance to ask Shannon questions about working on the trophy and find out about the skills involved in being a silversmith.
In order to ensure the schools who would most welcome this unique opportunity can participate, please contact us by the 26th January 2018 to take part in our schools tour with the Randox Health Grand National Trophy 2018. The tour will take place over three days, with final dates being agreed shortly; we hope to be able to include every school that is interested!
We look forward to hearing from you.
To apply, please contact our Public Relations team at randoxpr@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
Randox host Open University students at state-of-the-art Randox Science Park
On Wednesday 15th November, Randox hosted a site visit at its state-of-the-art Randox Science Park in Antrim for Open University (OU) students who are studying a range of subjects including Business, Science, Engineering and Software Development.
Randox is a global leader in healthcare diagnostics, pioneering innovative technologies with major focus in research and development. Their products and services are used in hospitals, clinical, research and molecular laboratories, food testing, forensic toxicology, life sciences, and veterinary laboratories worldwide.
The visit allowed the students the opportunity to experience real life lab experiments in the Research and Development department and the Design Engineering department. They also had the opportunity to tour the different IT departments and see how the operations of a large company work.
Sarah Nicol who is studying for a BSc (Honours) in Computing and IT said:
“It was interesting to hear about the full scope of work taking place within the Randox Science Park and the level of investment confirms that there is a bright future here as an employee. The training and opportunities available were much wider than I had realised.”
Joanne King who is studying for a BSc (Honours) in Health Sciences said:
“I found the visit interesting and informative. I enjoyed meeting and hearing from the current Open University students and what they were getting involved with during their placements at Randox. I certainly found the experience motivating to complete my course as opportunities may be possible with Randox.”
The students were then able to hear from two OU students who are currently on a placement with Randox: Jenny Hope who is studying BSc (Hons) in Health Sciences and Aurelija Gainaite who is studying BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences. They are both on a one-year placement with Randox and shared with the students the importance of gaining relevant work experience in a chosen field and the potential opportunities it can lead to.
Jolene Carey, Human Resource Officer from Randox said:
“We were delighted to host The Open University students at Randox – this was a great opportunity for students to gain a valuable insight into the range of different departments within the company and to experience how they work together. We were delighted that OU students Jenny and Aurelija were able to talk directly to their fellow students and explain the benefits of gaining a placement opportunity. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with The Open University.”
For further information, please contact our Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or by phoning 028 9442 2413
Liquid ready-to-use controls & their benefits
Randox Quality Control is a world leading manufacturer of third party quality controls. With an extensive product portfolio – including the largest range of liquid ready-to-use controls, Randox QC will meet your laboratory requirements and deliver trustworthy results repeatedly.
What control formats are available for your laboratory?
There are three distinct formats available for use in the laboratory with each format having benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a Quality Control material it is important you choose the most convenient solution for your laboratory requirements. The three formats are;
- Lyophilised (freeze dried)
- Liquid frozen
- Liquid stable (ready-to-use)
What format is best?
There are several possible answers to this question, simply because, every laboratory is different. What works for one laboratory may not work for another and for this reason there is no one format that works best for all laboratories.
What we can say however, is that there are varying levels of convenience across the different formats. The most convenient, and arguably, the most favoured of the three formats is liquid ready-to-use. It is not difficult to understand why this format is widely regarded as the preferred choice of control in laboratories – they are simple to use, require no preparation and can be conveniently stored and shipped at 2-8oC.
Why should you consider a liquid ready-to-use control?
There are many benefits to using a liquid ready-to-use control over both liquid frozen and lyophilised controls. One of the main benefits of a liquid stable control material is that it eliminates any potential reconstitution/pipetting errors often associated with lyophilised controls. They also eliminate the additional time taken to thaw liquid frozen controls and can significantly reduce shipping/delivery costs as they do not need to be shipped on dry ice.
Another major benefit of running a liquid ready-to-use control is the fact they are also suitable for use in Point-of-Care-Testing (POCT). With growing popularity amongst laboratory professionals and more people expecting rapid results, POCT is on the rise. Due to their easy to use nature, liquid ready-to-use controls are extremely beneficial to POCT providers.
One further benefit to using a liquid ready-to-use control is the longer open vial stability when compared to both lyophilised and liquid frozen controls. With many lyophilised and liquid frozen controls, the open vial stability can vary and generally is around 7 days when fully thawed or reconstituted in comparison to 28 days with a liquid ready-to-use control.
Randox Quality Control – Liquid Ready-to-Use Control Portfolio
The Randox QC portfolio – better known as Acusera – is convenient, hassle-free and cost effective. Our liquid ready-to-use control range includes; Liquid Cardiac, Blood Gas, Liquid Urine, Urinalysis, Specific Protein, Ammonia Ethanol, Haematology, Liquid HbA1c, Liquid CSF & Liquid Tumour Markers.
For further information on Randox Quality Control or our range of liquid ready-to-use controls please email us at acusera@randox.com.
Randox announces launch of APEX programme 2018 for first year QUB and Ulster University students
Global health diagnostics provider Randox has launched the third year of its innovative APEX Programme. The APEX Programme is a unique career package which offers first year students a paid 8-week summer work experience between first and second year, a paid placement year in their third year of study and, finally, a graduate job if they complete their degree with a 2:1 or above.
There are many different disciplines which are critical for Randox’s global operations, from pioneering research and development scientists to business strategists, savvy marketing teams to top-level engineering departments.
The APEX programme is open to all students currently studying biological sciences but also those studying business, marketing, maths, physics, graphic design, computer science and any form of engineering.
The APEX Programme is like no other in the UK and Randox were pleased to recruit 20 first-year students last year after a high number of applications. The difficulty for students trying to find work experience and a coveted graduate position has been highlighted in recent years. In 2016, official UK government figures reported that one-in-three young graduates were working in low-skilled jobs, being unable to find work which matched their skills. In the same year there was a 2.2% drop in the number of 21 to 30-year-old graduates in skilled worked compared with the year earlier.
The APEX Programme application process is as unique as the programme itself. No CVs or lengthy application forms needed – just submit a 15 second video on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and 140 character cover note telling us why you are the one for Randox, including hashtags #IAmTheOneQUB or #IAmTheOneUU, depending on your university. It really is that simple! Submit your video from 27th November to 8th December 2017 to be in the running to join the Randox team.
Graduates often face tough competition for jobs in their field of study once they leave university. It’s a well-known cycle for budding young professionals ready to enter their first graduate job – how can I gain the vital experience needed when many roles cite a year or more work experience as an essential requirement?
Linda Magee, Randox Human Resources Manager, says initiatives like the Randox APEX Programme are essential.
“Graduates leave university and enter a tough environment, where expectations are high and competition is fierce. The ones who do best are those who can get the necessary real-life work experience in their area of expertise.
“Randox believes in giving young people a chance to make their mark by taking on real responsibilities right from the start. Undergraduates will work side-by-side with our top teams in science research, manufacturing, engineering, business, marketing and many other disciplines who are working on ground-breaking diagnostic innovations and campaigns which will make an impact globally.
“As a result, the APEX programme gives our recruits incredible confidence in their abilities. It’s also very important to us that the programme offers paid placements which last for the duration of their degree, so they are able to focus on their studies while working towards a graduate position with a world-leading company after graduation.”
Lee Armstrong, who is studying chemistry at Ulster University, completed his first placement with the APEX Programme in summer 2016 and is now back completing his placement year in the clinical chemistry team. He said:
“I was attracted to the APEX Programme because it was completely different from any other company’s placement – nowhere else do you get a summer placement, a year placement and then a job after graduating if I achieve a 2:1.
“I am currently on my one-year placement, which has allowed me to gain experience with real-life projects. I’m not treated like a student at all – I’m treated like another scientist in the team and I get to work on real projects.
“I would recommend students to apply for the APEX Programme because you gain invaluable experience throughout your degree, there’s the possibility of a job in your field at the end of it – and the application video is much easier than labouring over a CV!”
In 2015, 5% of the world’s population received a diagnosis using a Randox product. It is a world-leading diagnostics company which is developing state-of-the-art facilities at the Science Park in Antrim. It has 1400 employees and operates in 145 countries.
More information about the APEX Programme can be found at http://iamtheone.randox.com
Acusera Internal Quality Control Analyte List
Quality Control is our passion; we believe in producing high quality material that can help streamline procedures, whilst saving time and money for laboratories of all sizes and budgets. With an extensive product offering comprising third party controls and calibrators, interlaboratory data management, external quality assessment, and calibration verification, you can count on Randox to deliver trustworthy results time and time again. Just ask one of our 60,000 users worldwide.
Our Acusera Internal Quality Control A – Z analyte list highlights how comprehensive our Acusera product portfolio is. Search through the list to see if we have the analyte you require.
Acusera Parameter List
5-HIAA
17-OH-progesterone
17β Clostebol
1-25-(OH₂)-Vitamin D
25-OH-Vitamin D
α-1-Acid Glycoprotein
α-1-Antitrypsin
α-1-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
α-2-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
α-2-Macroglobulin
α-Fetoprotein (AFP)
α-HBDH
ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme)
Acetaminophen
Acid Phosphatase (Non-Prostatic)
Acid Phosphatase (Prostatic)
Acid Phosphatase (Total)
ACTH
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
AHD
Albumin
Albumin (Electrophoresis)
Aldolase
Aldosterone
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
ALT (GPT)
AMH
Amikacin
Ammonia
AMOZ
Amylase
Amylase (Pancreatic)
Androstenedione
Anti-HAV
Anti-HBc
Anti-HBe
Anti-HBs
Anti-HCV
Anti-HIV 1 / 2
Anti-HTLV 1 / 2
Anti-SARS-CoV-2
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike
Anti-Streptolysin (ASO)
Anti-Thyroglobulin (Anti-TG)
Anti-Thyroperoxidase (Anti-TPO)
Anti-Thrombin III (AT III)
AOZ
Apolipoprotein A-I
Apolipoprotein A-II
Apolipoprotein B
Apolipoprotein C-II
Apolipoprotein C-III
Apolipoprotein E
AST (GOT)
β-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
β-2-Microglobulin
BASO-X
BASO-Y
Basophils (BASO)
Basophils % (% BASO)
Bicarbonate
Bile Acids
Bilirubin (Direct)
Bilirubin (Total)
Blood
Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (B-ALP)
Borrelia burgdorferi IgG
Borrelia burgdorferi IgM
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
C-Peptide
C-Telopeptide
CA 15-3
CA 19-9
CA 72-4
CA 125
Caffeine
Calcitonin
Calcium
Carbamazepine
CEA
Ceftiofur
Ceruloplasmin
Chloramphenicol
Chloride
Cholesterol (HDL)
Cholesterol (LDL)
Cholesterol (Total)
Cholinesterase
CK-MB
CK (Total)
Complement C3
Complement C4
Copper
Cortisol
CRP
Creatinine
Cyclosporine
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM
CYFRA 21
Cystatin C
D-3-Hydroxybutyrate
D-dimer
Deoxypyridinoline
DHEA-Sulphate
DIFF-X
DIFF-Y
Digoxin
Dopamine
E-Selectin (E-SEL)
Eosinophils (EOS)
% Eosinophils (% EOS)
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Epinephrine
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) EBNA IgG
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) IgM
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) VCA IgG
Estriol
Ethanol
Ethinylestradiol
Ethosuximide
Factor II
Factor V
Factor VII
Factor VIII
Factor IX
Factor X
Factor XI
Factor XII
Ferritin
Fibrinogen
Folate
Fructosamine
FSC-X
FSH
G-6-PDH
γ-Globulin (Electrophoresis)
γGT
Gastrin
Gentamicin
Gestagens (Generic)
GLDH
Glucose
Glutamate
Glutathione Peroxidase (Ransel)
Glutathione Reductase
Glycerol
GM-CSF
Growth Hormone (GH)
Haematocrit (HCT)
Haemoglobin (HGB)
Haemoglobin (Total)
Haemolysis (H)
Haemopioetic Progenitor Cell (HPC)
Haptoglobin
HAV IgM
HbA1c
HBc IgM
HBeAg
HBsAg
hCG
Free β-hCG
Total β-hCG
HDL-3
Helicobacter pylori IgG
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) IgG
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) IgM
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) IgG
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) IgM
HIV-1 P24Ag
Homocysteine
Icterus (I)
IMIDC
IMIRF
Immature Granulocytes (IG)
% Immature Granulocytes (% IG)
Immature Myeloid Information (IMI)
Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF)
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
High Sensitivity Immunoglobulin A (hsIgA)
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
High Sensitivity Immunoglobulin G (hsIgG)
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
High Sensitivity Immunoglobulin M (hsIgM)
Inhibin A
Insulin
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-I (ICAM-I)
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)
Interleukin-Ia (IL-la)
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
Interleukin-4 (IL-4)
Interleukin-5 (IL-5)
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Interleukin-8 (IL-8)
Interleukin-10 (IL-10)
Interleukin-15 (IL-15)
Iron
Iron (TIBC)
Iron (UIBC)
Kappa Light Chain
Ketones
L-Selectin (L-SEL)
Lactate
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
Lambda Light Chain
Lambda Light Chain (Free)
LAP
Leptin
Leukocytes
Lipase
Lipemia (L)
Lipoprotein (a)
Lithium
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Lymphocytes (LYMPH)
% Lymphocytes (% LYMPH)
Magnesium
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)
Measles IgG
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
Metanephrine
Methandriol
Methotrexate
Methyltestosterone
Microalbumin
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1a (MIP-1a)
Monocytes (MONO)
Monocytes % (% MONO)
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1)
Mumps IgG
Myoglobin
Methyltestosterone
MDMA
Microalbumin
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α (MIP-1α)
Monocytes (MONO)
Monocytes % (% MONO)
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1)
Morphine (Opiates)
Myoglobin
N-MID Osteocalcin (OC)
N-Telopeptide
NEFA
Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE)
Neutrophils (NEUT)
Neutrophils % (% NEUT)
Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL)
Nitrite
Norepinephrine
Normetanephrine
NT-proBNP
Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBC)
Nucleated Red Blood Cells % (% NRBC)
Nucleated Red Blood Cells X (NRBC-X)
Nucleated Red Blood Cells Y (NRBC-Y)
Oestradiol
Osmolality
Osteocalcin
Oxalate
Oxyhaemoglobin
P-Selectin (P-SEL)
Paracetamol
PAPP-A
pCO₂
pH
Phencyclidine
Phenobarbital
Phenylpiperazines
Phenytoin
Phosphate (Inorganic)
Plasminogen
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor
Platelet Distribution Width (PDW)
Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR)
Plateletcrit (PCT)
Platelet (PLT)
Platelet Optical Count (PLT-O)
pO₂
Potassium
Prealbumin
Primidone
Procalcitonin
Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP)
Progesterone
Prolactin
Protein C
Protein S
Protein (Total)
Prothrombin Time (PT)
Pyridinium Crosslinks
Pyridinoline
PSA (Total)
PSA (Free)
PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)
PTH (Intact)
Quinolones
Red Blood Cell Y (RBC-Y)
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width CV (RDW-CV)
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width SD (RDW-SD)
Renin
Resistin
Retinol Binding Protein (RBP)
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Rubella IgG
Rubella IgM
Salicylate
Semicarbazine (SEM)
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
sLDL
Sodium
Soluble IL-2 Receptor α (sIL-2Rα)
Soluble IL-6 Receptor (sIL-6R)
Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)
Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (sTNFR I)
Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor 11 (sTNFR I1)
Specific Gravity
Streptomycin
Superoxide Dismutase (Ransod)
T Uptake
T3 (Free)
T4 (Free)
T3 (Total)
T4 (Total)
Testosterone
Testosterone (Free)
Tetracyclines (Generic)
Theophylline
Thiamphenicol
Thrombin Time (TT)
Thyroglobulin
Tobramycin
Total Antioxidant Status (TAS)
Toxoplasma gondii IgG
Toxoplasma gondii IgM
Transferrin
Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) IgG
Triglycerides
Trimethoprim
Troponin I
Troponin T
TSH
Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNFα)
Tylosin
Unconjugated Estriol
Urea
Uric Acid (Urate)
Urobilinogen
Valproic acid
Vancomycin
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG
Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1)
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
Vitamin B₁₂
White Blood Cells (WBC)
White Blood Cells Differential (WBC-D)
Zinc
The Evidence Evolution: The world’s most advanced immunoassay analyser
What sets the Evidence Series apart from its competitors is its flexibility across the range of immunoassay analysers. No other range of analysers has the capability in terms of throughput in comparison to the Evidence Series. With this established, we are delighted to introduce the latest in the Evidence Series range, the Evidence Evolution.
Join the Evolution
We believe that the Evidence Evolution is the world’s most advanced immunoassay analyser. The Evidence Evolution is the most versatile analyser Randox has ever produced. By utilising the same multiplex technology as the other Evidence Series analysers, the Evidence Evolution can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2640 tests per hour. With such a high volume of potential throughput, you may think that reporting time will be compromised, that is simply not the case. The Evidence Evolution can produce the first set of results in less than 36 minutes, with one sample of up to 44 results reported every minute after. The speed of reporting time distinguishes the Evidence Evolution from its competitors, and allows the analyser to further display its capabilities.
Innovation
By utilising patented Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence Evolution offers batch analysis, true random access and STAT testing capabilities. These, combined with retrospective testing, allows the user to build a more in-depth patient profile.
With such swift reporting times, the Evidence Evolution can boast of a true walkaway time of 2 hours, in a laboratory setting, this can be vital. With multiple daily tasks to be completed, time is of the essence, and the Evidence Evolution has been designed to lessen the workload of laboratory staff. By being able to offer a combination of continuous sample and reagent loading, plus automated on-board sample dilution, the Evidence Evolution will have a positive impact in busy laboratories.
Complete Picture
A fast reporting time and high throughput capabilities is just the tip of what the Evidence Evolution can offer. The analyser has the capability to test across multiple matrices, allowing for more flexibility in sampling. It also comes equipped with state of the art intuitive software and advanced precision bio-drive robotics, meaning the Evidence Evolution is an analyser that has been designed and developed to meet the needs of a modern, high throughput laboratory, by a company that has a deep understanding of laboratory needs.
About the Randox Evidence Series
The Evidence Series is set to revolutionise diagnostic testing forever. Offering unrivalled capabilities across all analysers, we truly believe that the Evidence Series range of immunoassay analysers can meet your diagnostic testing capabilities.
For more information on the Evidence Evolution, or any of the Evidence Series analysers, please visit http://www.randox.com/evidence-series/ or contact us evidenceseries@randox.com.
We Are Randox | Randox Apprentice Rory McCloskey Wins Gold at National Competition
A Randox Engineer and Northern Regional College apprentice has been recognised as one of the UK’s most talented young tradesmen at an event organised by Worldskills UK.
Rory McCloskey (21) from Antrim was a gold medal winner at the UK National finals in Birmingham. He was competing with over 500 apprentices, exponents of 55 disciplines – as diverse as Aircraft Maintenance to 3D Game Design, Cabinet Making, Plumbing to Beauty Therapy and Cyber Security.
Rory was recognised for his expertise in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling which involves programming, setting and running a modern CNC milling machine to accurately produce a component in a given timeframe.
His journey to the national finals started earlier this year with local College competitions. From here, he progressed through the regional heats and national semi-finals where he finished in the top six in the UK to qualify for the National Worldskills UK 2017 finals which were held in Birmingham from 16 – 18 November.
Rory is a Higher Level Apprentice and works in the engineering department of Randox Laboratories. As a Foundation Degree student at the College’s Ballymena campus, he was trained on state-of-the-art CNC engineering machinery and taught how to program and operate machines such as Mazek, DMG Mori and Doonson, equipment used in modern manufacturing companies throughout Northern Ireland. The College provides education and training in this technology to a wide range of companies, including Ryobi Aluminium Cating, Linamar Montupet, Hutchinson Engineering, Randox Laboratories, McAuley Engineering.
Congratulating Rory on his success, Professor Terri Scott, Chief Executive of Northern Regional College said:
“The award is a great credit to Rory and all the engineering staff at the College and is just reward for all Rory’s hard work and dedication.
“The College has a proud and prestigious tradition of education and training in the field of engineering and I am delighted to see that our provision continues to deliver a consistently high standard.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“We are incredibly proud of Rory and what he has achieved at the National Worldskills UK 2017 finals. Our apprentices from both the Northern and Southern Regional College are such talented individuals and so we are delighted to be able to offer them the opportunity to carry out ground-breaking research and development with us as they grow and develop in their careers.
“And the apprenticeship scheme is highly valued by the company – just as our students benefit from the time they spend with us, so too do we as a modern and innovative healthcare firm benefit from the fresh perspectives and forward-thinking ideas these students bring to Randox.
“Passionate and hard-working people like Rory make Randox what it is today. We’re extremely grateful for his contributions to the engineering team here and equally proud of his achievements. Congratulations Rory.”
Northern Regional College was well represented at the National Worldskills UK finals. Rory was one of seven students from the College’s Ballymena, Coleraine and Newtownabbey campuses to qualify for the final stage of the competition.
The other College finalists were: Dean Boyle, who was rewarded a bronze medal in CNC Milling; Matthew McLaughlin, who was highly commended in Graphic Design; Ryan Moon and Richard Woods (Mechatronics); James McCaughey (IT Software); Patrick McCloskey (Carpentry).
For further information about Rory’s award or to find our more about our apprenticeship programme please email randoxpr@randox.com
Diagnosing diabetes with the RX series
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
If you have diabetes, your body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there’s either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly [1] which can lead to serious health complications.
The RX series range of analysers have one of the largest test menus available on the market which includes an extensive diabetes testing panel. Tests within the RX series diabetes panel allow for Diagnosis, Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Diabetes.
Adiponectin
An adiponectin test system is a device intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of adiponectin concentration in human serum or plasma.
Adiponectin is a protein hormone, produced and secreted by fat cells (adipocytes), which is normally found in reasonably high concentrations within the blood. Adiponectin regulates the metabolism of lipids and glucose and influences the body’s response to insulin and inflammation.
Adiponectin levels are inversely correlated with abdominal visceral fat (AVF) levels, which have proven to be a strong predictor of several pathologies including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancers and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is widely recognised that people who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing T2DM, however measure waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI) are not enough. As such adiponectin levels are a much more reliable indicator of at-risk patients.
A number of key publications have advocated the testing of adiponectin in clinical settings and concluded that higher adiponectin levels are associated with a lower risk of T2DM across diverse populations.[2]
Fructosamine
A fructosamine test system is a device intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of glycated protein (fructosamine) concentration in human serum or plasma.
Fructosamine is a mid-term indicator of diabetic control as it can provide information on a person’s averge blood glucose levels over the preceding 14-21 days.
Due to the shorter time span of fructosamine, it is often used to evaluate the effectiveness of medication changes and to monitor the treatment of gestational diabetes.
HbA1c
A Haemoglobin A1c test system is a device intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of Haemoglobin A1c concentration in whole blood.
In a diabetic patient, where blood glucose levels are abnormally elevated, the level of HbA1c also increases proportionally to the level of glucose in the blood and has been widely accepted as an indicator of the mean daily blood glucose concentration over the preceding 6-8 weeks. It is therefore, a long term indicator of diabetic control.
Diagnosing diabetes with the RX series
The RX series range of clinical chemistry analysers have many benefits when testing patients for diabetes. With analysers ranging from the RX misano semi-automated analyser to the RX modena which can perform up to 1200 tests per hour the RX series analysers offer a suitable platform for your laboratory, ensuring results are received in a time efficient manner. Windows based software and easily recognisable icons ensure that the RX series analysers are easy to use and allows for an enhanced laboratory productivity. Laboratory cost savings can also be achieved with a low water consumption available on each RX series analyser.
Other RX series analyser features include:
Diabetes Test Menu:
Consolidate your testing with a comprehensive diabetes testing panel available on the RX series analysers. A large number of tests can be carried out on one platform, including direct HbA1c testing, providing consolidation opportunities and real cost savings.
Accurate Testing:
High quality results are achieved first time, every time. This saves operator time and avoids unnecessary additional costs of repeat testing and reduces the possibility of patient misdiagnosis.
Unrivalled performance:
Built in inventory management system automatically calculates remaining reagent volume and the number of tests available. Superior performance means minimal downtime and swift reporting of results.
If you would like more information in relation to the RX series testing capabilities please contact us by emailing: theRXseries@randox.com
Product Spotlight: Maternal Screening
Maternal Screening Control
Background
A maternal serum screening test (MSS) is a blood test offered to pregnant women that helps determine the risk of Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal conditions, further testing can be offered if the patient is found to be high risk. It can be performed at 10 weeks (combined first trimester screening test), and 14-20 weeks (second trimester maternal serum screening test).
MSS is generally offered to all pregnant women, but the decision to have the test is a personal decision.
Quality Control is an important part of any diagnostic test but is of particular importance in screening methods, when a disorder must be detected without the presence of symptoms. In such screening methods, errors can present as false negative or false positive results both of which can have devastating consequences. In the case of maternal screening a false positive result could mean additional and often invasive procedures which can carry risk of harm to the unborn child. The accuracy and reliability of the laboratory test results are extremely important in minimising both false positive and false negative results.
Product Overview
The Randox Acusera Maternal Screening quality control is the only commercially available control which covers all six analytes used during first and second trimester screening of Down’s syndrome and Spina Bifida.
Instrument specific target values and ranges are provided for AFP, Inhibin A, PAPP-A, β hCG, Total hCG and Unconjugated Estriol. The inclusion of PAPP-A and Inhibin A eliminates the need to purchase additional controls at extra expense.
Key Benefits & Features
- Lyophilised for enhanced stability
- 100% human serum
- Assayed target values provided for 6 parameters
- Suitable for double, triple and quad screens
- Unconjugated Estriol present at clinically significant levels
- Reconstituted stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
- Stable to expiry date at 2°C – 8°C
Consolidation
As a leading provider of multi-analyte, third party controls, Randox helps busy laboratories significantly reduce the number of controls needed to cover their test menu. Combining multiple analytes into a single control reduces cost, preparation time, and required storage space without sacrificing quality.
Analytes at key decision levels will not only ensure test system performance across the clinical range but will further aid consolidation and maximise laboratory efficiency by eliminating the need to purchase additional and often expensive low or high level controls.
First and second trimester
As the only control on the market to cover all first and second trimester analytes, you can be sure that your lab is covering all bases.
True third party control
The Acusera Maternal Screening Control is a true third party control designed to provide an unbiased assessment of performance with a range of instruments and methods, helping your laboratory meet the ISO 15189 requirements.
“the use of third party control materials should be considered,
either instead of, or in addition to, any control materials
supplied by the reagent or instrument manufacturer”.
Analytes
- AFP
- PAPP-A
- Free Beta hCG
- Total hCG
- Inhibin A
- Unconjugated Oestriol
Related Products:
Download some of our related brochures below and broaden your understanding.
Randox Health Holywood offers FREE prostate testing during Movember
Global healthcare firm Randox Health is celebrating Movember 2017 by offering free prostate health tests for every man who comes to its flagship clinic in Holywood. Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men. If it is detected early enough, it has a 90% cure rate.
During the month Randox Health hopes to raise awareness of prostate health and to encourage men to take their health into their own hands, while also raising funds for the mental health charity Inspire NI, as an additional focal aspect of men’s health.
PSA screening is not carried out routinely on the NHS as the standard test is thought to be unreliable. However the Randox Health prostate blood test, worth £130, is more advanced and can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Typical testing measures the total Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood, however PSA can come in two forms: free and bound. Using the Randox Health PSA test, the amount of ‘free’ PSA is measured and compared to the amount of ‘bound’ PSA. Understanding this enables clients to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their prostate health.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director, Randox Health, commented;
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, and usually develops slowly. Many of us don’t know much about it and would rather not talk about it but it’s very easy to get information which can ultimately save your life. So throughout Movember I’d like to encourage men to come to our flagship clinic in Holywood to get our free test, and take control of your health. It’s our aim to help people live healthier for longer.”
Partnering with Randox Health to raise awareness of the importance of prostate checks are Garry’s Barber Shop in Holywood, the Belfast Harley Davidson’s Owners Club and the Harlandic Male Voice Choir.
The members of the choir, which was formed in 1944 by labourers of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, have this week each had their bloods taken in the Randox Health Clinic in Holywood, and in two days’ time will receive a comprehensive profile of their prostate health, enabling them to take appropriate preventive action should any problems be found. The check includes a complementary consultation where clients can discuss their results with one of Randox’s scientific experts.
Ken Banford, Chairman of the Harlandic Male Voice Choir, explained;
“As a male choir, we know all too well the reluctance to discuss our health, to open up about any issues we may be having, or even to book an appointment with our GP to do something about it. A more proactive approach to our health is needed and we hope that by doing this with Randox Health, we can encourage others to take their health into their own hands.”
Free prostate testing at Randox Health Holywood must be booked in advance. No fasting required. Results available after two working days.
To book your Free Prostate Test with Randox Health in Holywood, please call 0800 2545 130
For further information please contact the Randox PR Team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
