Troponin T Quality Control
Intended for use with the Roche system, this control is manufactured using only the highest quality material and offers an unrivalled 7-day thawed stability at +2ºC to +8ºC.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid frozen for enhanced stability
- Aqueous based material
- Ultra low levels of Troponin T
- Stable to expiry date at -18-24ºC storage
- Thawed stability of 7 days at 2°C – 8°C
| Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troponin T Control | 6 x 3 ml | 1 | CQ10450 | |
Analytes
- Ultra low Troponin T
Ethanol Calibrator/Control Set
Dedicated calibrator and control set designed for the calibration and quality control of the Randox Ethanol assay.
Features & Benefits
- Liquid ready-to-use
- Human urine
- Stable to expiry date when capped and stored at 2oC – 8oC
- Open vial stability of 28 days at 2oC – 8oC
| Description | Size | Analytes | Cat No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethanol Calibrator/Control Set | 4 x 10ml | 1 | DA2703 | |
Analytes
Ethanol
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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.
Flu Season
Molecular Respiratory Testing
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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.
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)
Related Products
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
Protected: QCMD – Molecular External Quality Control (NEW)
Product Spotlight: Respiratory Controls – Molecular Infectious Disease Testing
Product Spotlight
Molecular Controls for Respiratory Infection Testing
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness cause by influenza viruses that infect the throat, nose, and sometimes lungs. It can cause illness and sometimes death. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent catching flu [1].
There are four types of seasonal flu, A, B, C, and D. Types A and B cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Illnesses range from severe to mild and can even result in death in high risk groups. High risk groups include, pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and people with chronic or immunosuppressive medical conditions [2].
Flu season begins as early as October, reaches its peak in February, and ends in March. In the southern hemisphere, flu season falls between June and September. Wherever it’s cold, it’s flu season.
Diagnosing Flu
A test to detect Influenza viruses can be used to determine whether a patient has the flu. A swab is taken from either the nose or back of the throat and sent for testing. Molecular assays can be used to detect genetic material of the virus [3]. Molecular methods play an important role in the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza viruses. Molecular diagnostics allow timely and accurate detection of influenza and are already implemented in many laboratories. The combination of automated purification of nucleic acids with real-time PCR should enable even more rapid identification of viral pathogens such as influenza viruses in clinical material [4].
The Qnostics range of complete molecular controls for infectious disease testing can be used in the daily monitoring of assay performance, linearity assessment, assay evaluation, validation/verification of new assays and staff training. As whole pathogen controls, the range is designed to mimic the performance of patient samples and can be used to effectively monitor the entire testing process including extraction, amplification and detection.
Qnostics offers a range of solutions for molecular respiratory testing:
Q Controls
Independently manufactured, these positive and externally run controls are designed to be treated as a patient sample within an assay run. Helping to support a laboratory’s accreditation requirements in line with ISO 15189:2012, Q Controls are supplied in an unassayed, liquid frozen format delivering accurate and reliable test results.
Analytical Q Panels
Each Analytical Q Panel consists of five or more individual samples including a negative and is designed to cover the dynamic range of individual infectious disease assays, in a linear progression. Analytical Q Panels are intended for use in the validation and verification of new assays with the main purpose of helping to ensure assays are linear throughout the dynamic range. In addition, Analytical Q Panels will support a laboratory’s accreditation requirements, in line with ISO 15189:2012.
Evaluation Panels
Evaluation Panels may be used to evaluate assay characteristics, confirm performance claims and ultimately ensure the assay is fit for purpose. Evaluation Panels may also be used in the validation of clinical assays and the development of diagnostic tests.
Flu Season
Molecular Respiratory Testing
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References
[1] “Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC”, Cdc.gov, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. [Accessed: 25- Sep- 2018].
[2] “Influenza (Seasonal)”, World Health Organization, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal). [Accessed: 27- Sep- 2018].
[3] “Diagnosing Flu | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC”, Cdc.gov, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/testing.htm. [Accessed: 25- Sep- 2018].
[4] J. Ellis and M. Zambon, “Molecular diagnosis of influenza”, Reviews in Medical Virology, vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 375-389, 2002.
Infection: Making Sure You Get the Right Treatment
When you have an infection, it’s important to receive the correct diagnosis in order to access appropriate treatments. Misdiagnosis can not only lead to the prolonging of the infection, but could also prove detrimental to your long-term health, such as if you become resistant to certain anti-biotic strains through mistaken prescription.
Throughout this month, we’ve been highlighting how the Randox clinical product range can assess the impact of infection. The RX series’ dedicated testing panel comprises of IgA, hsCRP and ASO which are also available for third-party use. The extensive QC range caters for assessment of infectious disease testing in both liquid and lyophilised formats.
Reagents
The Randox range of third-party reagents enables the clinical analysis of 113 different analytes with comprehensive range measurements and excellent correlations to reference methods.
IgG (the most abundant antibody) and IgM (the first antibody made in response to infection) can be used in the diagnosis of Dengue Fever. This is significant as more than 40 % of the global population, in more than 100 countries, are at risk of the Dengue Virus.
IgA is an antibody that lines the mucous membranes lining the mouth, airways and digestive tract. A deficiency in IgA is common in patients with bronchitis, conjunctivitis and otitis media.
Other Randox assays that may be used to detect differing infections include: albumin, ferritin, alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), complement C3, complement C4, haptoglobin, CRP, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and anti-streptolysin (ASO).
RX series
The RX series range offers the most comprehensive testing profile for assessing infectious diseases within an individual. The RX series test menu possesses the most extensive infectious disease testing panel available to give an expansive picture of an individual’s health. The RX series zinc test will assess the levels of zinc in an individual, Zinc plays a significant role in an individual’s health s it’s functions include cell and enzyme production as well as wound healing.
To view the full RX series test menu click here.
Internal Quality Control
Randox has partnered with Qnostics to provide a wide range of molecular controls for infectious disease testing. Designed to meet the demand of today’s molecular diagnostics laboratory and laboratories carrying out Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), the Qnostics Molecular Infectious Disease range comprises hundreds of characterised viral, bacterial and fungal targets covering a wide range of Transplant Associated Diseases, Respiratory Infections, Blood Borne Viruses, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Gastrointestinal Diseases and Central Nervous System Diseases.
External Quality Control
Randox have also partnered up with QCMD to offer a vast array of molecular EQA programmes for infectious disease testing. With an extensive database of over 2000 participants in over 100 countries, QCMD is one of the largest providers of molecular EQA in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Frequent challenges, comprehensive reports and international accreditation ensures the best assessment of test system performance.
For more information on how Randox is helping to diagnose infection accurately and effectively, visit www.randox.com.
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
Cardiac Controls
Cardiac EQA
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September focus: Infection
Throughout the month of September, we will be highlighting on our social media channels how the Randox clinical range can help combat infections and infectious diseases through accurate and swift diagnosis, allowing the necessary steps to be taken in order to improve individual health.
What is infection?
Infection is the infiltration of an organism’s body tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agents and toxins they produce. Infectious disease can also be known as communicable disease and transmissible disease.
How is the Randox helping to diagnose infection?
The Randox portfolio comprises of a wide range of products to combat infections including the RX series’ dedicated infectious disease testing panel, diagnostic reagents such as copper, potassium and sTfR and an extensive QC range catering for infectious disease testing in both liquid and lyophilised formats.
How can I limit my risk of contracting infection?
- The most important way to reduce the spread of infection is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- If you have an infection, get the appropriate vaccine and do not take antibiotics when they are not needed. This will only increase antibiotic-resistance
- Stay at home if you are sick to limit the spread of infection
- Use single-use tissues and dispose of them immediately after use
- Do not share cups, glasses or cutlery
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth as viruses can transfer from your hands and in to the body
How can my workplace limit the spread of infection?
- Have an infection control plan
- Provide clean hand washing facilities
- Offer alcohol-based hand sanitisers when regular facilities are not available
- Provide boxes of single-use tissues and encourage their use
- Remind staff not to share cups, glasses or cutlery
- Remove newspapers and magazines from waiting areas
- Encourage staff to regularly disinfect their workspaces
- Make sure ventilation systems are working properly
For more information on how Randox is helping to diagnose infection, visit www.randox.com/infections.
