Randox Academy will ensure Ulster University Biomedical students don’t miss out on COVID-hit lab sessions
Randox Academy will ensure Ulster University Biomedical students don’t miss out on COVID-hit lab sessions
Tuesday 29 June 2021
Randox Academy will ensure Ulster University Biomedical students don’t miss out on COVID-hit lab sessions
Global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories is this summer hosting a Student Training Academy for Ulster University Biomedical Science students who have been unable to complete practical laboratory classes due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being held at the company’s headquarters, the Randox Science Park in Antrim, each rotation of the Biomedical Science Student Training Academy for Key Laboratory skills takes place over 2 weeks to cover key laboratory techniques and technologies, as well as industry standard practices and employability skills.
Modules range from Chromatography and Spectrophotometers to Robotics, PPE Awareness and PCR, the testing method currently employed by Randox’s team of COVID-19 scientists to detect the virus for the UK’s National Testing Programme.
Elizabeth Ferguson, Randox Training Specialist commented;
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on all of us, and particularly on Biomedical Science Students who during the 2020/21 academic year were unable to experience the hands-on lab practicals they would usually be afforded during their studies at Ulster University.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership with Ulster University for many years, including but not limited to our university-wide sports sponsorship and the recently announced Randox Professor of Medicine post, and are delighted that our collaboration with this renowned university has grown further in the form of this Randox Student Academy.
“We are proud to be able to offer Ulster University students the chance to gain practical lab experience in a world-leading life sciences company and pleased that our first group of students so thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the programme.”
Dr. Valerie Hinch, Course Director for the BSc Hons Biomedical Science programmes at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus said;
“The School of Biomedical Sciences is delighted to partner with Randox Laboratories to provide this important learning experience for our students. The work experience and practical skills they have gained will be invaluable to them as they continue their studies and target a career in the Life Science industry.
“This training will help us to inspire a new generation of scientists who can make a real impact on healthcare in our society, with benefits for researchers, clinicians and patients alike.”
Coleraine-based Ulster University Biomedical Science Student Aimee Stitt, who won the Randox Training Academy “Stellar Student” Award at the June session, added;
“I’ve always had such a keen interest in science, and so I was really excited for the practical and hands-on elements of my first year of studies of Biomedical Science at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus – but COVID had other ideas!
“As I hadn’t been in a lab for so long I wasn’t really sure what to expect and had forgotten in a way how interesting it is, but the experience of the Randox Student Training Academy exceeded all my expectations and reignited my passion for science. I’m so grateful to the team at Randox for giving us the opportunity to not only gain key lab skills, but also to meet real-life scientists and to learn from them and ask them for advice about what it’s like to work in the industry.
“I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get an insight into the Randox COVID-19 labs, and it was the icing on the cake, at the end of an incredibly enjoyable two weeks, to win the Stellar Student award. Thank you Randox and Ulster University for a very rewarding experience which has made me so excited for what is up ahead – at university and in my career as a scientist.”
Ulster University Biology Student Tom Prokop, who won the Randox Training Academy “Stellar Student” Award at the September session, added;
“The most enjoyable part was probably just going inside the labs because obviously we have not experienced this before. It was insightful seeing the full process of Covid testing. The only time I have seen something like this before has been in the movies. It was very enjoyable.
“I have gained a lot of experience from using various equipment and developing essential lab skills like pipetting techniques. This experience will be great for my CV as I now have experience in a real life lab and have learnt a lot.”
The first rotation of the Randox Student Training Academy took place from Monday 14th – Friday 25th June, with the second session from 6th – 17th September 2021.
For press enquiries please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team on amy.millar@randox.com or 028 9442 2413
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit Ulster University.
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The use of DNA, Drug and Alcohol Testing in Medico-Legal cases
18 September 2020: The use of DNA, Drug & Alcohol Testing in Medico-Legal cases
Drug and alcohol testing may be required by various professional bodies involved in child custody cases, care proceedings or child protection cases. In cases regarding divorce and children, a dispute may arise during the process of discussions involving the custody of children. In these cases, drug and alcohol testing may be sought if there has been a substance abuse claim against a parent fighting for custody or visitation. In cases relating to child protection, social services may seek drug and alcohol testing if child welfare claims have been made regarding suspected substance misuse.
Why is Drug and Alcohol Testing in Medico-legal Cases Important?
Drug and alcohol testing is important to ensure child protection from the detrimental effects of parental substance misuse and to ensure they have the quality of life they deserve. In addition, it is also important to allow parents the opportunity to get the help and support they need and begin rehabilitation treatment.
Doing the right thing by the child is the main priority, and where possible parent and child relationships are sought to be maintained. Drug and alcohol testing assists in these efforts and in such cases abstinence monitoring testing may be required to assess a parent’s recovery e.g. if a visitation case is being reassessed.
Our Expertise
At Randox Testing Services we provide drug and alcohol testing to all professionals within the medico-legal sector. Our testing service utilises accredited testing methods and is made more cost-effective through patented testing methods developed by Randox.
We understand the impact a positive result can have on a parent, child, and extended family and ensure results are of the highest precision and accuracy. With over 35 years’ experience in the diagnostic industry we have gained reputation as a trusted provider.
Our drug and alcohol testing solutions are flexible and can be tailored to our customer needs with a choice of testing methods. We offer a comprehensive drugs of abuse test menu and our service also includes the use of an Expert Witness Statement where applicable.
Range of Testing
We provide a range of testing to suit the requirements for any medico-legal case. Read more below to find out what is available.
Alcohol Testing
PEth
PEth (Phosphatidylethanol) is a direct alcohol biomarker that only forms in the body when ethanol is present, making it the most sensitive and specific test to assess alcohol consumption levels.
- PEth test involves spotting a drop of blood from a small finger prick onto a test card. The dried blood spot (DBS) is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- PEth testing will differentiate between abstinence or light alcohol consumption, social alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse for up to a month prior to the test.
Benefits of PEth Testing
- Accurate blood alcohol test
- Detect chronic and single-drinking episodes of alcohol consumption
- Monitor abstinence, drinking behaviour and identify relapse
Hair Alcohol Testing
Testing for alcohol in head hair works by detecting two metabolites of alcohol: ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and the fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE). Both EtG and FAEE can be measured in hair providing an insight into alcohol consumption over the previous period of months. Concentrations can be influenced by cosmetic treatments and products and as such it is always advisable to test in conjunction with PEth or LFT/CDT blood testing.
Benefits of Hair Alcohol Testing
- Assessment of alcohol consumption for up to 6 months
- Collected by fully trained Collection Officer
- History of alcohol consumption can be established
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood alcohol testing is used to measure the level of alcohol in an individual’s blood. When alcohol is consumed, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, with approximately 90% being broken down into the liver. RTS offer the following blood alcohol tests:
- Liver Function Test (LFT) – The blood is examined for specific enzymes which can indicate damage to the liver caused by alcohol consumption. However, other factors can lead to increased levels of liver enzymes.
- Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) – Looks at specific protein which can become elevated because of heavy alcohol consumption. However, other factors can lead to increased levels of CDT.
Benefits of Blood Alcohol Testing
- Collection by a fully trained phlebotomist collection officer
- Assessment of alcohol consumption for up to 1 month
- Determine drinking behaviour and patterns of use
Drug Testing
Urine
Urine drug testing is used to determine whether someone is misusing drugs by taking a sample of their urine. We offer a 12 panel that covers the major drug groups, including:
Opiates, MDMA/Ecstasy, Cocaine, Tramadol, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ketamine, Amphetamine, Cannabinoids, EDDP, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine
Benefits of Urine Drug Testing
- Assessment of substance consumption for up to 12 days, drug dependent and quantity ingested
- Confirmation of presumptive positive available on request
- Fully accredited LC mass spectrometry confirmatory analysis
Hair
Hair drug testing is a useful form of testing and can be used to support other methods such as oral fluid and urine testing. Our standard panel for hair drug testing includes:
Opiates, Methadone, Tramadol, Cocaine (inc. Crack Cocaine), Amphetamines, (inc. Methamphetamines and “ecstasy” type drugs), Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Ketamine
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing
- Detection window of 0-12 months dependent on length (1cm roughly 1 month) – Can be an overview of 3 monthly periods or segmented into monthly periods.
- Head hair & body hair (except axillary & pubic)
- Body hair – Up to a 12-month overview. Unable to be segmented
- Bespoke hair drug panel with other substances available on request
DNA Testing
We provide a range of DNA Testing services to suit your requirements.
- Paternity testing
- Maternity testing
- Sibling DNA testing
- Grandparent DNA testing
- Aunt/Uncle testing
Benefits of DNA Testing
- Fully trained collection officer
- Legally accepted results
Want to find out more?
To speak to one of our experts about how our range of testing and services can help with your medico-legal testing enquiry, contact us today by emailing testingservices@randox.com or by phoning +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our website to read more.
Drug and Alcohol Training from Randox Testing Services
10 August 2020: Drug and Alcohol Training from Randox Testing Services
As well as providing a fully managed drug & alcohol testing service, RTS provide a range of training and education services to help inform and educate regarding the issue of drug & alcohol use in the workplace.
Alcohol use increases the risk of problems in the workplace, such as absenteeism, presenteeism and inappropriate behaviour. Use of alcohol or illicit drugs can impair a person’s performance at work through poor decision making and impaired reaction times causing lost productivity, inferior goods/services, errors and accidents.
Certain working situations and conditions are associated with use of alcohol and illicit drugs (i.e. shift or night work, travel away from home, working remotely, business meals, poor communications and job stress, etc). There are many factors within the workplace culture that present an increased risk for the use of substances including availability, work/peer-group pressures, lack of supervision, physical danger and interface with a demanding or aggressive public. International evidence also indicates that longer working hours are significantly associated with higher rates of alcohol use and related problems.
Professional Services
Randox Testing Services offer professional training services to ensure efficient implementation of workplace drug and alcohol testing. The training services confirm employer confidence to carry out workplace drug and alcohol testing and management competence in enforcing the process. There are a range of tailored training programmes to educate employers and their management staff.
Range of Courses
Our range of competency courses are designed to train employees who will be responsible for carrying out self-collection in accordance with company policy. Anyone involved in self-collection needs to be suitably trained and certificated to follow set procedures that ensure all testing can be legally defended. We provide competency courses for the following matrices:
- Alcohol Testing
- Instant Urine Testing
- Instant Oral Fluid Testing
In addition to the above, we also provide a portfolio of other training and education presentations that enable employers to enhance awareness of substance misuse & understand the various processes involved when implementing a workplace testing programme. These options include:
- Chain of Custody Training
- Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training
- Employee Briefings
- Bespoke Training Courses
All training courses are fully recorded, regularly reviewed and include an assessment of the effectiveness of training. Upon completion, all attendees are granted a Certificate of Attendance at the end of each completed training course.
Randox Testing Services
Randox Testing Services are a specialist in the workplace drug & alcohol testing sector. We provide a wide range of testing for companies who want to reduce the impact of substance misuse in the workplace. With a range of service options and expert staff on hand to provide help and training, our services will help to eradicate the impact of drugs and alcohol.
If you have any questions regarding drug & alcohol testing and how we can provide your company with training and education services, please use the below details to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss requirements.
Email – testingservices@randox.com
Phone – +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
Want to know more?
Contact us or visit our website to read more.
Randox launches Chinese market growth initiative in Shanghai
Following 18 months of extensive market research and infrastructural developments, global healthcare diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has this week launched a new market expansion programme in Shanghai in China, to help develop and strengthen business relationships and increase exports.
To mark the roll out of the initiative, Randox is hosting a conference in Shanghai for its most recently acquired distributor networks, who will benefit from training on Randox’s latest healthcare technologies, designed to facilitate early and accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes.
Susan Hammond, Global Product Manager at Randox Laboratories, commented on Randox’s Chinese expansion plans at the company’s Shanghai training conference;
“China is one of our most important markets and we have been exporting our world-class diagnostic products there for over 20 years. With increased output from our innovative R&D programmes, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, including new facilities at Randox Science Park, we have an increasing range of high quality products, which are in demand in growing and dynamic markets such as China. We are now actively growing our market presence in order to improve our penetration and subsequent support to customers.”
As well as providing education on the latest diagnostic developments to conference attendees, Randox are also hosting over 300 guests at Camerata Ireland Concerts in Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan over the coming week. Randox are Global Sponsors of Camerata Ireland and are delighted to showcase to Chinese audiences not only the science and innovation that come from our shores, but also the breadth of cultural talent.
Susan continued;
“Our infrastructural changes within the Chinese market have been in planning and development for the last 18 months and we are delighted that our support of the talented Camerata Ireland orchestra on their Chinese tour this month gives us the opportunity to visit key business partners while simultaneously supporting our young musicians in their careers.”
The Camerata Ireland Orchestra, whose joint patrons are Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and Queen Elizabeth II, begin their tour on the 9th December in Shanghai, when the all-Ireland orchestra will perform a diverse tapestry of classical music, led by Camerata Ireland founder and 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition Winner Barry Douglas.
Barry Douglas, Founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Ireland said;
“Following a successful tour in China last year we are delighted to be back, and it is particularly special for our Solo Flautist Eimear McGeown as this tour marks her Chinese debut. On behalf of everyone in Camerata Ireland I would like to take this opportunity to thank our global sponsor, Randox, without whom our international touring would not be possible. We are delighted to be able to work together across the world to showcase our musical and business talent to a global audience.”
The Camerata Ireland tour of China is as follows: Friday 9th December in The Shanghai Grand Theatre in Shanghai, in the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Bejing on the 10th and for the final installment of their China tour, Camerata Ireland will perform in the Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall in Wuhan.
For more information about the launch of our Chinese market growth initiative, please contact randoxpr@randox.com
