Our Technology
Our Technology
Genomic Laboratory Technologies
Relatively new to the Randox Group is our Randox Genomics Services department, having been hugely successful in aiding the COVID testing programme, our established sequencing laboratory has been specifically designed and set up to fulfil a unique range of testing from our specialised laboratory in Northern Ireland.
Nucleic Acid Extraction and Isolation
Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex
Automated nucleic acid extraction instruction that provides high throughput purification of up to 96 samples per run within 40 minutes.
Sample Quality Control
ThermoFisher Scientific Qubit 3.0 & Qubit Flex
Capable of fast and specific nucleic acid quantification using fluorescence-based dye application, suitable for a lower throughput. More sensitive and accurate protocol than UV absorbance.
ThermoFisher Scientific Varioskan LUX
Capable of rapid fluorescence-based UV absorbance nucleic acid analysis, suitable for high throughput of processing samples.
Agilent 4200 TapeStation System
An automated electrophoresis solution that with a scalable throughput (1-96 samples) can provide results in 1-2 minutes per plate with excellent reproducibility for sizing, concentration and integrity assessment.
Liquid Handling
Tecans
Freedom EVO 150 base unit tecans, are automated liquid handling machines, enabling fully traceable, scalable (1-96 samples) automated library preparation including QC and library pooling.
Integra Viaflo 384
Viaflo 384 enables transfers of 24, 96 and 384 samples in a single step, thus increasing pipetting throughput and reproducibility significantly.
Integra Assist Plus
Pipette adapter: accommodates all Integra electronic multichannel pipettes- with fixed and adjustable tip spacing and the D-One single channel pipetting module.
Sequencing
Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyser
Low-throughput benchtop system that delivers gold-standard Sanger sequencing technology and fragment analysis, easily used across a broad range of applications.
Next Generation Sequencing
MiSeq
The MiSeq System is capable of automated paired-end reads and up to 15 Gb per run, delivering over 600 bases of sequence data per read.
NextSeq 2000
NextSeq 2000 System supports emerging and mid-throughput sequencing applications as well as a broad range of methods such as exome sequencing, target enrichment, single-cell profiling, transcriptome sequencing, and more. It offers an intuitive workflow with load-and-go ease and visual cues about run status. The NextSeq 2000 allows whole-exome sequencing of up to 48 samples in 33 hours.
NovaSeq6000
The most powerful sequencing instrument Illumina produce with the ability to provide scalable throughput for efficient whole-genome, whole exome and whole-transcriptome sequencing through sequencing by synthesis and patterned flow cell technology.
Genotyping
Illumina iScan
An innovative array scanner that supports rapid, sensitive, and accurate imaging of Illumina BeadChips for exceptional genetic analysis results. The iScan System can scan thousands of array samples per day, without sacrificing data quality or reproducibility. It supports an expansive portfolio of genetic analysis assays, from high-throughput genotyping to DNA methylation analysis.
Useful Resources
CDx & Biopharma Services
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Next Generation Sequencing
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a sequencing technology that offers speed, scalability and ultra-high throughput. The technology can be used to determine the order of nucleotides in entire genomes or targeted regions of DNA or RNA. NGS has applications in environmental, agricultural and forensic science as well as genomic and clinical research.
NGS Capabilities
Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) is a wildly used NGS method that involves sequencing every protein coding region (approximately 21,000 genes) to identify any variants that may increase the risk of developing certain conditions or impact health/lifestyle. WES can be used across a broad range of applications including genetic disease, population genetics and cancer studies.
Advantages
- Attains widespread coverage of coding regions
- Cost effective alternative to Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Smaller data set provides faster and easy data analysis compared to WGS approaches
Human Whole Genome Sequencing (hWGS) involves sequencing very single base in your DNA (approximately 3.2 billion) to identify any variants that may increase the risk of developing certain conditions or impact health/lifestyle. This sequencing method has many applications including identifying genetic disorders, mutations responsible for cancer progression, as well as monitoring disease outbreaks.
Advantages
- High-resolution view of the genome
- Detection of all variant types
- Low cost, fast library preparation
16s rRNA gene sequencing involves the analysis of the prokaryotic 16s ribosomal RNA gene which is found in all bacteria and archaea. This sequencing approach is extremely useful for microbiome research studies. 16s rRNA gene sequencing has a number of applications including, environmental, clinical and food
Advantages
- Identification and taxonomic classification of bacterial species
- Fast speed and cost efficient
- Discovery of novel pathogens
Shotgun sequencing reads all the genomic DNA in the sample, rather than just one specific region. This sequencing method provides a vast amount of genetic information as it can identify archaea, bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Advantages
- Less labour intensive than other sequencing methods.
- Faster process than clone-clone sequencing
- Requires less DNA
qPCR
qPCR allows for the analysis of particular variants of specific locations. It is a good choice when interrogating a small region of DNA on a limited number of samples. Real-time PCR can be used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Advantages and Applications of qPCR
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Advantages
High sample throughput
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High sensitivity
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Comprehensive genomic coverage
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Can sequence thousands of genes simultaneously
- Low sample input required
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Fast turnaround time for high sample volumes
Related Services
CDx & Biopharma Services
Genotyping Services
Genotyping Services
The Randox Genomics Services Department currently has target genotyping solutions in multiple areas. Genotyping is the process of analysing DNA to detect SNPs of interest. These SNPs are compared to reference SNPs, available from years of genetic research, to determine differences in genetic makeup.
Genotyping Advantages and Applications
Clinical Diagnostics
Clinical Research
Food & Agriculture
Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how a person’s DNA effects their drug response. This is a relatively new field in science but it is expected to be the future of medicine as it focuses on personalised medicine and treating every patient individually.
Microarray Technology for PGx
At Randox we use Illumina’s Infinium Global Diversity Array with Enhanced PGx microarray to test for pharmacogenomic markers. This is the most comprehensive genotyping microarray on the market for pharmacogenomic research. The microarray features over 44,000 genome-wide PGx markers which span more than 20000 pharmacogenomic targets and gives 100% coverage of priority level A and B CPIC genes.
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CDx & Biopharma Services
Genomics Services
Genomics Services
An End-to-End Genomics Solution
Randox Genomics Services department is fitted with specialised, fully equipped, state of the art testing facilities, designed and set up to fulfil a unique range of end-to-end sequencing solutions inclusive of in-house bioinformaticians and data analysts.
Why Randox?
Randox Laboratories is a global market leader within the in vitro diagnostics industry. Utilising a multitude of platforms, our sequencing and genotyping facility is suited to a wide range of areas of genome sequencing.
Our team of genetic scientists and bioinformaticians provide customisable sequencing and genotyping services for research, development, validation and running of different genomic tests to generate high quality data in line with modern healthcare and future disease insights.
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A dedicated team of genetic scientists including automation specialists, enabling adaption to testing throughputs changes from call small projects to large scale testing.
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Huge capacity for storage and accessioning of multiple sample types with fast turnaround times.
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Specific customised project planning and validation of services, tailored to the needs of each Randox customer.
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Multiple options for variable throughput from low throughput instruments, to the largest sequencer on the market with targeted solutions in multiple areas.
- Targeted genotyping solutions in multiple areas
Our Services
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CDx & Biopharma Services
OLINK
OLINK® | Comprehensive Biomarker Discovery
Let Experts at Randox Run Your Samples
As one of the UK’s first commercial partners of Olink® Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, a sensitive and high-throughput technology. In PEA, pairs of oligonucleotide-labeled antibodies are used to capture and detect target proteins, and the proximity of the antibodies leads to the formation of a DNA amplicon that can be quantified by qPCR or Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Randox offer scientists involved in drug development, clinical, or basic life science research, the service they need to run large-scale discovery proteomics.
Considered as a next-gen proteomics platform, Olink® technology is widely recognised and extensively cited in various research fields for protein profiling and biomarker development.
As an Olink® Certified Service Provider, Randox are experts in generating high-quality data using all Olink® proteomic platforms.
Supported Olink® Platforms
Proteomics are critical for understanding disease pathology and accelerating protein biomarker discovery.
Randox Service portfolio includes high throughput protein analysis using cutting-edge Olink® technology, a significant leap forward in next generation, disruptive proteomics with proven specificity. We are experts in generating high-quality data using all Olink® proteomic platforms.
Allow the Randox team to assist you in discovering how this versatile assay can advance your research by getting in touch.
Olink® Explore HT
Proteins (per panel): 5,400 + with proven specificity of 99.5% negligible cross-reactivity
Sample: 2 µL
Multiplex Panels: 1
Quantification: Relative with NGS automated workflow readout
Olink® Explore 384
Proteins (per panel) ~3000 high-multiplex biomarker discover with uncompromised data quality
Sample: 1 µL
Multiplex Panels: 8
Quantification: Relative
Olink® Target 96
Proteins (per panel) ~ 1100 covering 15 panels for biological processes and disease areas
Sample: 1 µL
Multiplex Panels: 15 with 92 proteins per panel
Quantification: Relative
Olink® Target 48 Cytokine
Proteins (panels): Each panel contains up to 45 immune-related proteins. These two panels can be combined and processed simultaneously.
Sample: 1 µL
Multiplex Panels: 1
Quantification: Relative
Olink® Flex
Proteins (per panel) ~200 within the complete protein library. Each panel contains between 15-21 proteins.
Sample: 1 µL
Multiplex Panels: Mix & Match with combinability of 99% compared to industry-leading standards.
Quantification: Relative or absolute
Olink® Focus
Proteins (per panel) 5400+ with proven specificity. Custom panels with up to 21 proteins for actionable clinical breakthroughs, designed to empower biomarker utility.
Sample: 1 µL
Multiplex Panels: Custom
Quantification: Relative or absolute
Features and Benefits
- Covers all major biological pathways with ~5400 + validated protein assays
- High sample throughput for large scale proteomic studies and research
- Minimal sample volume with just 60uL for the complete library
- Exceptional specificity in comparison to mass spec utilising PEA technology
- Compatible with a wide variety of sample types
Olink® Workflow
Randox Successfully Completed Olink® Concordance Testing
Randox successfully completed the Explore Concordance challenge as beta testers of the Concordance program, certifying the ability to operate the PEA with the same level of competency as the Olink® Analysis Service.
| Randox Summary Report | Acceptance Criteria | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| QC Warnings | 0% | Max 16% allowed | Passed the QC warning criteria |
| Detectability | 97.2% | Min 85% allowed | Passed the detectability criteria |
| Intra CV | 9% | Max 15% allowed | Passed the CV criteria |
| Median correlation coefficient (r) | 0.98 | Min 0.9 allowed | Passed the correlation criteria. |
| Coefficient of determination (R2) | 0.96 | Min 0.9 allowed | Passed the correlation criteria. |
Overall, Randox passed all QC criteria, successfully passing the Olink Concordance Test on Explore 3072.
Related Services
CDx & Biopharma Services
Evidence Series ā Investigator and Molecular testing
Evidence Investigator | Adaptable, Efficient & Comprehensive
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop analyser that offers efficient and comprehensive testing across a range of applications including clinical diagnostics, molecular, research, toxicology and food diagnostics.
Renowned for its versatility, robustness and effective reporting methods, the Evidence Investigator has been used in a wide range of laboratory settings for over 15 years. This highly advanced yet simple to use analyser has only one moving part, giving the user peace of mind.
The Evidence Investigator contains a host of innovative on-board data analysis features ensuring manual processes are kept to a minimum.
By utilising the same multiplex technology as the other Evidence Series analysers, the Evidence Investigator can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2376 tests per hour. Offering efficiency without compromising on accuracy, the Evidence Investigator is the perfect fit for medium throughput laboratories seeking maximum use of bench space.
Molecular Testing
Our molecular product range offers diagnostic, prognostic and predictive solutions across a variety of disease areas including sexually transmitted infection (STI), Respiratory tract infection, colorectal cancer, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, we can provide a wide range of assay formats including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyping, pathogen detection and mutation detection.
Pathogen Detection
STI and Respiratory Arrays
Both arrays detect the most common and frequently requested infections in sexual and respiratory health. These comprehensive, highly sensitive and specific tests enable identification of co-infections simultaneously, often in asymptomatic patients and enable antibiotic stewardship.
Mutation Detection
KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA array and Familial Hypercholesterolemia Arrays I & II
These unique biochip assays permit high discrimination between multiple targets in a number of genes with a rapid turnaround time (3 hours). The arrays enable detection of the most frequently occurring mutations known to cause disease (FH) and adversely affect patient treatment (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA). A unique primer set is designed for each target which will hybridise to a complimentary oligo-nucleotide probe spotted on a biochip discrete test region (DTR).
SNP Genotyping
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Array
This array identifies individuals with a genetic predisposition to coronary heart disease (CHD). The innovative multiplex primers are designed to discriminate DNA sequences which differ only at one base.
For more information on our Evidence Series or Molecular range of Assays, contact us at EvidenceSeries@randox.com
