Aldolase: A Myositis Biomarker

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Aldolase: A Myositis Biomarker

Posted on 29th May 2019 at 8:29 am.

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29 May 2019

Aldolase: A Myositis Biomarker

The month of May is devoted to myositis awareness, a muscle-wasting disease resulting in reduced muscle strength and fatigue. The term ‘myositis’ is an umbrella term referring to the “general inflammation or swelling of the muscle”. However, myositis is more often referred to as a disease involving chronic inflammation of the muscles which does not improve with rest. This condition is also known as idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) ¹.

Myositis is an autoimmune disease characterised by pain, muscle weaknesses, swelling and extreme fatigue which often gradually appear. Myositis can be potentially life-threatening, especially dermatomyositis which affects the heart muscle and lungs. Whilst a rare disease, it is estimated that 75,000 Americans suffer from myositis, however, many are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with more common autoimmune diseases. Most physicians are unfamiliar with the disease and symptoms and so the consequences of this can be catastrophic in terms of long-term physical muscle damage, disability and even death ^{1, 2, 3}.

Did you know?

5,000 to 6,000 people in the UK have a form of myositis ³.

Table 1 reviews the different forms of myositis

A table comparing the different types of Myositis

Table 2 reviews complications with or due to myositis

It is vital that physicians are educated to include myositis despite it being a rare disease as it is essential that myositis patients are diagnosed quickly to ensure appropriate treatment plans are implemented.

Aldolase Testing

Aldolase testing has been recognised as a marker in the differential diagnosis of muscle weakness as aldolase levels remain consistent where weakness is caused by neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Aldolase is an enzyme specifically found in skeletal muscle and the liver. When either the muscle or liver are damaged, aldolase is released into the bloodstream ¹³. A few studies support aldolase testing in the diagnosis of myositis:

1. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2012): Aldolase predicts subsequent myopathy occurrence in systemic sclerosis ¹⁴

Objective:

A French monocentric 4-year study prospectively evaluated n=137 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients without proximal muscle weakness to assess the risk of myopathy related systemic sclerosis (Myo-SSc) according to the European Neuro Muscular Centre criteria. Aldolase, creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were evaluated.

Conclusion:

Aldolase is a valuable diagnostic tool in the identification of SSc patients at a high risk of developing subsequent Myo-SSc. This enables clinicians to monitor at-risk patients as well as identifying Myo-SSc in its earliest stages, enabling the effective and swift implementation of an appropriate treatment plan when the muscle damage is still in a reversible stage.

Findings:

2. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology (2013): Isolated elevation of aldolase in the serum of myositis patients: a potential biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells ¹⁵

Objective:

The in vitro analysis of the gene and protein expression levels of aldolase and CK during muscle cell differentiation.

Conclusion:

Aldolase A is expressed in the absence of CK in undifferentiated muscle cells and in the early differentiation process. Isolated elevated serum aldolase A in myositis patients reflects preferential immune-mediated damage of early regenerative cells. Aldolase is a biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells.

Findings:

Myositis can be a potentially life-threatening disease when undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Aldolase is recognised as a biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of myositis. Randox are one of the only in-vitro diagnostic manufacturers to offer the aldolase assay in an automated and manual biochemistry format. Not only does the Randox methodology have an excellent correlation coefficient to r=0.9917 when compared against standard methods, the Randox assay is lyophilised for enhanced stability with an excellent measuring range of 1.73 – 106U/l. Moreover, applications are available detailing instrument-specific settings for the convenient use of the Randox aldolase assay on a wide range of clinical chemistry analysers.

Find out more about the Randox Aldolase Assay

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References
[1] The Myositis Association. About Myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/.

[2] Kobert, Linda. Myositis, a rare muscular inflammatory disease that ofen goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, disproportionally impacts women of color. s.l. : The Myositis Organisation.

[3] Muscular Dystophy UK. Myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 6, 2019.] https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/about-muscle-wasting-conditions/myositis/.

[4] The Myositis Association. Types of Myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/.

[5] —. Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/sporadic-inclusion-body-myositis/.

[6] —. Dermatomyositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/dermatomyositis/.

[7] —. Polymyositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/polymyositis/.

[8] —. Necrotizing Myopathy. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/necrotizing-myopathy/.

[9] —. Juvenile Myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/types-of-myositis/juvenile-myositis/.

[10] —. Cancer-associated myositis. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/cancer-associated-myositis/.

[11] —. Infection. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/infection/.

[12] —. Cardiovascular Disease. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/cardiovascular-disease/.

[13] —. Blood Tests. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2019.] https://www.myositis.org/about-myositis/diagnosis/blood-tests/.

[14] Aldolase predicts subsequent myopathy occurrrence in systemic sclerosis. Tolédano, Cécile, et al. Faubourg Saint-Antoine : Arthritis Research & Therapy, 2012.

[15] Isolated elevation of aldolase in the serum of myositis patients: a potential biomarker of damaged early regenerating muscle cells. Casciola-Rosen, Livia, et al. Baltimore : Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 2013.

Link between cocaine and disorder at football games

Posted on 27th May 2019 at 11:38 am.

Written by Randox Communications

There has been an established link between disorder at football games and increasing cocaine use in society, according to Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the UK’s lead on football policing. Over the past two seasons, disorder at football matches has increased (45%), and has been linked to the increase prevalence of cocaine use inside stadiums.

According to the Home Office, 2.6% of 16 – 59 year olds took cocaine in 2017-18, up 2.4% in 2013-14. The drug in the UK is becoming cheaper, purer and more accessible than before. A senior football official said, when speaking with The Independent, that it is the “massive elephant in the room”, with police sources claiming that it is “rife” at football grounds across the country.

Football policing units carry out drug checks inside football stadiums with drug detection dogs and swabbing areas such as toilets. Arrests are made at the football grounds for drug possession. In 2017, cocaine related arrests at football grounds more than doubled from 32 to 68. These numbers may seem small, however DCC Mark Roberts says a reduction in match day policing, due to budget constraints, is the reason for these low numbers. 50% of games are either police-free (11.3%) or spotter only (39.3%).

Inspector Andy Bridgewater, the head of West Midlands’ Police football unit, believes there is a real cocaine problem stating that “there is a really strong correlation today between cocaine use and football-related violence.”

Overall disorder incidents at matches jumped 36% in 2016-17 and again last year, while cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales increased in 2017 for the sixth year in a row, from 112 in 2011 to 432 in 2017.

Using Randox Toxicology’s revolutionary Biochip Array Technology, the Evidence MultiSTAT is an automated analyser that enables detection of a wide variety of multiple drug groups and provides simultaneous on-site screening with our CE marked urine and blood panels. As minimal sample preparation is required, qualitative results can be provided in less than 20 minutes, offering an effective toxicology screen for cocaine and other drugs/drug metabolites.

To find out more about the Evidence MultiSTAT and our Biochip Array Technology visit www.randoxtoxicology.com or get in touch at info@randoxtoxicology.com.

Why is testing for Acetic Acid important in winemaking?

Posted on 27th May 2019 at 10:36 am.

Written by Randox Communications

Acetic Acid in winemaking

When it comes to winemaking, the acidity in wine is an important component for the quality and taste. It adds a sharpness to the flavours and is detected most readily by a prickling sensation on the sides of the tongue and a mouth-watering aftertaste.

Acetic acid is a two-carbon organic acid produced in wine during or after the fermentation period. It is the most volatile of the primary acids associated with wine and is responsible for the sour taste of vinegar.

During fermentation, activity by yeast cells naturally produces a small amount of acetic acid. If the wine is exposed to oxygen, Acetobacter bacteria will convert the ethanol into acetic acid. This process is known as the “acetification” of wine and is the primary process behind wine degradation into vinegar.

Randox Food Diagnostics offer multiple tests for wine analysis including Acetic Acid on both the RX misano and the RX monaco.

Acetic Acid

Method	Sensitivity	Linearity
Manual	N/A	0.3 g/l
RX misano	0.117 g/l	Conc. Of standard
RX Monaco	0.03 g/l	Conc. Of standard

For more information about our food testing for winemaking please contact us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com

Trade Release – Randox RX daytona+ (FDA) 510 (K) Clearance

Posted on 24th May 2019 at 8:43 am.

Written by randoxlaboratories

RX series Overview RX daytona+ RX series Resource Hub

24th May 2019

(FDA) 510 (K) Clearance

Randox RX daytona+ (FDA) 510 (K) Clearance

Randox Laboratories a world leader in the in-vitro diagnostic industry with over 35 years’ experience is pleased to announce 510K clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the RX daytona+ clinical chemistry analyzer. Renowned for quality and reliability, the RX series leads the way with the world’s most extensive dedicated clinical chemistry test menu comprising routine chemistries, specific proteins, lipids, therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse, antioxidants, diabetes and veterinary testing. Guaranteeing real cost savings through consolidation of routine and specialized tests onto a single platform, the RX series of analyzers offers excellence in patient care, delivering unrivalled precision, accuracy and reliability.

The RX daytona+ fully automated, benchtop, clinical chemistry analyzer is capable of performing high quality testing including emergency STAT sampling and boasts a combined throughput of 450 tests per hour including ISE. The most versatile chemistry analyzer in its class, the RX daytona+ presents laboratories with a range of benefits offering optimum performance, unrivalled uptime, flexibility, efficiency and functionality.

Randox have a long history of being at the forefront of diagnostic testing and have brought to market a range of innovative and versatile clinical chemistry analyzers developed to revolutionize patient testing in a variety of laboratory types including; Clinical Laboratories, University & Research Institutes, Veterinary Laboratories and Food & Wine Laboratories. The capabilities of the RX daytona+ exceed in any laboratory setting regardless of size, boasting an array of innovative features, including a significant reduction in sample volume of just 1.5-35 µl with a sample dead volume of 150 µl for standard and 100 µl for pediatric samples.

The RX daytona+ presents excellent functionality with easy to use Windows 10 based software, minimal maintenance and advanced QC capabilities generating Levey-Jennings charts, calibration curves and QC statistics all contributing to the increased precision, accuracy and reliability the RX series is famed for. As a performance advantage, the RX daytona+ provides laboratories with the ability to consolidate a wide variety of routine and specialized tests onto a single platform with excellent correlation to gold standard methodologies. Providing laboratories globally with efficiencies in time, money, ease of use, unrivalled uptime and superior technical support, the RX daytona+ is the most advanced and versatile clinical chemistry analyzer available.

Timothy Lenz – Regional Sales Manager USA

“The RX Daytona+ receiving FDA 510K clearance will provide a much-needed addition to the US clinical laboratory market. The RX Daytona+ serves the needs of lower throughput, moderate complexity labs, while still offering many of the features found on larger floor-standing analyzers – full automation, ability to process bar-coded samples in primary tubes, variable speed paddle mixers, and dedicated sample and reagent probes, all on a versatile platform with low operating costs and maintenance requirements. The high-quality construction of the RX Daytona+ ensures an incredibly reliable platform with the lowest downtime figures in its class. The wide testing menu of the RX Daytona+ allows labs to bring additional profitable testing in-house, so that results can be returned more quickly, and diagnoses/treatment plans formulated without delay. Randox is the only company that can truly provide a single-vendor solution for clinical chemistry testing – reliable analyzers, dedicated reagents, and third-party QC materials, all from the same provider.”

About Randox Laboratories

As a world leader in the in-vitro diagnostic industry with over 35 years’ experience, Randox is leading the charge in moving from a one-size-fits-all approach towards decisions, practices and products tailored to the needs of the individual. This innovative approach to diagnostics has facilitated the development of revolutionary products designed specifically to enhance a patients’ quality of life.

Learn more about the RX series

Want to know more?

RX daytona+

Testing for STIs with Confidante At Home Testing Kit

Posted on 22nd May 2019 at 3:42 pm.

Written by Randox Communications

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another typically through unprotected sex or genital contact.¹Some of the most common STIs are Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Herpes, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Viral Hepatitis. Over one million STIs are acquired every day worldwide.²

Not all STIs cause noticeable symptoms. You could have an STI and not know. Therefore it is essential to get regular health checks. Some STIs, like chlamydia, can be asymptomatic – i.e. they display no symptoms but can cause long-term complications like infertility.³

STI symptoms in women

yellow or green vaginal discharge
smelly discharge (often fish-like)
bleeding between periods
bleeding after sex
pain during sex

STI symptoms in men

discharge from penis tip
irritation of the urethra
swollen testicles

STI symptoms in both genders

pain when urinating
itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
blisters, sores, lumps or a rash around genitals or anus

Confidante At-Home STI Testing Kit

If you have recently entered a new relationship, experienced unprotected sex or are planning a family you should get tested for STIs, and may want to avail of our 10-plex STI test.

We offer a home testing sexually transmitted infection kit called ‘Confidante’ which enables you to be tested for 10 of the most common STIs. Confidante is designed to ensure a simple, hassle-free process where you will receive your results in 7 working days of posting your sample via email or telephone.

The process is straightforward and so simple: Buy Online / Register Kit Online / Collect Sample / Post / Receive Results.

For healthcare professionals, we also offer a Multiplex Sexually Transmitted Infection Array allowing you to outsource samples for STI testing. The CE-marked STI Array provides excellent precision, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for STI diagnoses, which reduces the risk of false reporting and unnecessary confirmatory tests. Our simultaneous multiplex testing means smaller sample volumes are required, enabling faster throughput and rapid patient diagnosis saving you time and money.

STI Multiplex Array detects the following;

Chlamydia Trachomatis
Neisseria Gonorrhoea
Herpes Simplex 1
Herpes Simplex 2
Treponema Pallidum
Mycoplasma Hominis
Ureaplasma Urealticum
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Haemophilius Ducreyi
Trichomonas Vaginalis

Randox Clinical Laboratory Services

Tests for each of the STIs detailed above are run in Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS) in Antrim, Northern Ireland. RCLS is built upon Randox’s 35 years of experience and provides a clinical laboratory service designed to meet the time-sensitive, bespoke requirements of clinical and research projects globally.

RCLS have 4 UKAS ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratories No. 9329 – with unrivalled facilities across the UK. They are situated in Liverpool, London, Holywood and Randox Science Park Antrim. Within each of the locations there are a team of experienced scientists to support your project while you save money, time and labour.

There are a variety of analyser platforms available across the RCLS laboratories including the RX series of clinical chemistry analysers, along with our Evidence Series of multiplex immunoassay/molecular diagnostic systems, which utilise our intelligent Biochip Array Technology. Each site also offers alternative third-party analysers.

To find out more information about Confidante sexual health testing, or RCLS, visit: https://www.confidantetest.com/ or email info@rcls.com. To find out more information about our STI Array visit: https://www.randox.com/sti-array/ or email info@rcls.com

Alzheimer’s Disease testing on the Randox Evidence Series

Posted on 20th May 2019 at 11:03 am.

Written by Randox Communications

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive disease and is one of the most common kinds of dementia.

Our brains are made up of billions of tiny nerve cells which connect to each other. However, if you have Alzheimer’s Disease the connections between the cells are lost, which results in the loss of brain tissue and causes nerve cells to die¹.

The brain is responsible for sending signals between cells. Those who suffer with Alzheimer’s have less ‘chemical messengers’ in their brain, so the signals are not passed on as well¹.

The statistics of those who suffer with dementia is increasingly high and the figure is set to rise in the foreseeable future. Over 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK. Studies states that one million people in the UK will have dementia in 2025 and this will increase to two million by 2050.²

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are divided into 3 main stages; early symptoms, middle-stage symptoms and later symptoms.

In the early stages, the main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory lapses which can increase anxiety or agitation. In the early stages, it is often mistaken that the person is forgetful and aren’t aware they are suffering with Alzheimer’s. The typical signs are listed below:³

forget about recent conversations or events
misplace items
forget the names of places and objects
have trouble thinking of the right word
ask questions repetitively
show poor judgement
become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things

As the disease progresses, the symptoms will gradually get worse. Memory problems will get worse which can make it difficult for the person who suffers with the disease to remember names of their loved ones, recent events and even remember birthdays and anniversaries. More symptoms such as the following will develop;³

increasing confusion and disorientation – for example, getting lost, or wandering and not knowing what time of day it is
obsessive, repetitive or impulsive behaviour
delusions or feeling paranoid and suspicious about carers or family members
problems with speech or language
disturbed sleep
changes in mood
difficulty performing simple tasks and may need additional support e.g. help with eating, getting dressed etc.

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms become increasingly severe and patients will need full-time care and assistance. It will be problematic for the individual to do basic everyday tasks such as getting changed, going to the toilet, getting washed and feeding themselves. They could lose their speech, and have difficulty eating and swallowing which can result in severe weight loss.

How Randox can help

Randox want to help. Our Evidence immunoanalyser has revolutionised laboratory screening worldwide with the capability to process 3,960 tests per hour and a sample capacity of 360. We offer the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) Array for Alzheimer’s genetic risk assessment, which is a research use-only product developed for the Evidence Investigator. The ApoE4 Array measures both total ApoE protein levels and ApoE4 protein levels directly from plasma samples and using a ratio can classify patients as negative or positive for ApoE4. In turn we can then assess their risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

For further information about the Randox Alzheimer’s Array or our Evidence Investigator, please email info@randoxbiosciences.com

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month at Randox Biosciences

Posted on 13th May 2019 at 4:58 pm.

Written by Randox Communications

May is National Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. The purpose of having the awareness month is to educate and raise additional awareness to the public about the horrible disease and how it affects those who suffer. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, more than 30,000 people are living with cystic fibrosis. More than 75% of these people are diagnosed in their early childhood ¹.

What is CF?

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease which affects the respiratory and digestive system. A person with CF is born with the condition and therefore it is not possible to catch it from someone else. The gene affected by CF controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, which results in a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs. This causes a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body.²

Symptoms of CF:

There are many symptoms to Cystic Fibrosis which can make life for someone who suffers with CF challenging. The build-up of sticky mucus in the lungs can make breathing difficult and clog up the pancreas which as a result can increase the risk of developing a lung infection or worse, death. This can make it difficult for those who have CF to absorb nutrients from food properly and therefore they must eat more calories to avoid malnutrition. Other symptoms include the following:³

recurring chest infections
wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways (bronchiectasis)
difficulty putting on weight and growing
jaundice
diarrhoea, constipation, or large, smelly poo
a bowel obstruction in new-born babies (meconium ileus) – surgery may be needed

Complications of CF:

³People with CF also have a higher risk of developing other conditions. These include:

weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)– medicines called bisphosphonates can sometimes help
diabetes– insulin and a special diet may be needed to control blood sugar levels
nasal polyps and sinus infections – steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics or sinus flushes can help
liver problems
fertility problems – it’s possible for women with CF to have children, but men won’t be able to father a child without help from fertility specialists (see a doctor or fertility specialist for more advice)

⁴There is no cure for CF, but with improved treatment and management people with Cystic Fibrosis are living longer. It’s thought that children born with CF nowadays are likely to live to an average age of over 50 years old.

How we can help:

Randox Biosciences offer the Vivalytic with the Chronic Lung Disease cartridge, in combination with our intelligent Biochip Array Technology which detects 132 pathogens. The 132 species are simultaneously detected across this 320 Array including bacterial, viral, fungal targets and an antibiotic resistance marker from a single sputum sample!

For more information at info@randoxbiosciences.com or visit us at: wwww.randoxbiosciences.com

Wild Atlantic Adventure Race draws the crowds in Donegal as 2019 winners are crowned

Posted on 13th May 2019 at 2:14 pm.

Written by Randox Communications

The sun came out for the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race (WAAR) on Saturday 11th May 2019 as brave competitors once again took to the sea and shore to take on the iconic race.

The event started early in the morning with individuals being tasked to complete a 10k run, 42.5k cycle, 2k hike and 1k kayak along one of Ireland’s most beautiful coastlines – the run even featured a stint on the live runway of Donegal airport!

Cheered on by crowds of spectators along the challenging route, over 600 participants battled against eachother to be crowned WAAR winner.

Congratulations to Shaun Stewart who was the first male across the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 5 seconds.

Congratulations to Siobhan Gallagher who was the first female across the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes and 48 seconds.

Dr. Ciaran Richardson, Head of Research & Development at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, said:

“We are delighted to have partnered with the WAAR event, in our ongoing work to promote positive physical and mental health in the wider Donegal community.

“The race was an outstanding success, and we even had our own Randox Teoranta employees taking part – congratulations to Noel, Donal, Eibhlin, Nadine, Rosemary, Ernest, Michael, Claire, Michelle, Robert and Breid.

“This race is a test of both physical and mental strength. Indeed, in the last number of years at Randox Teoranta we have developed ground-breaking innovations aimed at the diagnosis of a broad spectrum of conditions including kidney disease, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders and stroke.

“As headline sponsor of the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race and on behalf of everyone here at Randox Teoranta, I would like to say a massive congratulations to all WAAR participants, organisers and those who helped in any way on the day – what a fantastic achievement! You should all be very proud of yourselves.”

All the results from WAAR 2019 can be viewed here.

For more information on Randox Teoranta, please contact the Randox PR team at RandoxPR@randox.com or phone (+44) 28 9442 2413.

Successful IT skills scheme enters its second phase

Posted on 10th May 2019 at 10:40 am.

Written by Randox Communications

A recent initiative by Randox and eight other companies in Northern Ireland to address local IT skills shortages has proved such a success that nine more companies are now being asked to come on board.

Randox and the eight other businesses (Specialist Joinery Group, FP McCann, Bloc Blinds, CDE Global, Mallon Technology, Acorn IT Solutions, Spatialest and SDC Trailers) all of whom invest heavily in IT, collaborated with Northern Regional College to launch Career Encode, an innovative Earn As You Learn Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing for school leavers.

Over 85 school-leavers and individuals considering a career change applied, exceeding all expectations. Due to the high calibre of applicants a total of 10 apprenticeships have been offered and are due to begin as early as June 2019.

Camilla Long, Director of Bespoke Communications, which specialises in training and leadership development, is acting as an independent facilitator for the nine employers. She explained why more companies should embrace innovative approaches of this nature to plug the skills gap;

“Recruiting new staff, and in particular IT staff, is one of the major challenges facing businesses today. The companies who took part in the Career Encode pilot were finding it increasingly difficult to find the right skills in their local area. As a result, they decided to take steps to develop their own labour force via this innovative Earn as You Learn Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Computing.

“We had a phenomenal response to the launch of the initiative. Over 85 young people applied, and the calibre of the applicants was exceptionally high. The young people who were interviewed were interested, engaged, motivated and willing to learn. There is clearly a need for opportunities of this nature.”

Ms Long added; “We are now looking for a further nine companies to join the second phase of the programme. If you are wondering why your business should join, the answer is simple. Career Encode will alleviate your technology staffing problems. It will allow you to grow your own skilled staff in a tight labour market, so you can develop employees with the skillset that you need.

“It will also further build your employer brand, so you can differentiate yourself and attract the very best candidates. We support you all the way, offering specialist workshops to help your team leaders mentor and manage your new apprentices. By working in collaboration with other like-minded companies you will be in a position to build a talent pipeline, so skill shortages are no longer an issue.”

Discussing the calibre of individuals that applied for the Career Encode apprenticeships, Jolene Carey, Randox Human Resources Officer, commented;

“Randox is a global provider of revolutionary medical diagnostics, and as such, IT underpins the delivery and support of all our mission-critical services. Our IT team are constantly exposed to the latest innovations and the Career Encode programme is an important part of our development plan for new talent.”

For further information about the Career Encode Programme please visit www.careerencode.com

Randox IT are recruiting! Join our cutting-edge team at the Randox Science Park

Posted on 9th May 2019 at 10:38 am.

Written by Randox Communications

Do you know your JavaScript from your C#? Randox IT are looking for candidates like you!

Randox IT are recruiting and are looking for enthusiastic team players. Here at Randox, our IT team work from the state-of-the-art Randox Science Park in Antrim, only a short walk away from the town centre and Antrim Train Station.

Whether you’re interested in a placement or graduate position, or are already experienced in your IT field, there are roles at Randox IT for you.

Randox IT staff work in the following areas;

Infrastructure
Security
Software Testing
Software Development
IT Operations
Web Development
IT Support

Randox IT are in a unique position to work in a company that helps people to live healthier for longer. The vision of Randox is one of ambition, innovation and commitment to improving health worldwide. We firmly believe that the healthcare of tomorrow depends on the innovations developed today. We are advancing cutting-edge science and technologies that hold the key to groundbreaking improvements in diagnostics and healthcare.

In recent years, we’ve developed diagnostics tests for stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many more, as well as the development of workplace drug testing kits, animal feed tests and food tests for milk, wine and honey. Randox IT are key to making this all possible.

Every day is different here but, ultimately, our teams are working to constantly evolve and improve our diagnostic capabilities around the world so that we can help to make a difference to global healthcare.

Randox is a global company with its roots firmly in Northern Ireland. Randox IT work with the latest technologies and software developments, allowing staff to even get to grips with unreleased prototypes. We always strive to expose our staff to the latest in IT innovation, not only to improve healthcare worldwide, but to continually expand the skills of all our teams.

If working in a close-knit, friendly team with access to cutting-edge technology sounds like the kind of place you’ve been looking for, why not get in touch?

Visit https://www.careers.randox.com to see all our current vacancies or email your CV to recruitment@randox.com.