RCLS and Drug Induced Kidney Injury Array (DIKI)
RCLS and Drug Induced Kidney Injury Array (DIKI)
Drug Induced Kidney Injury (DIKI) panel is the latest innovative panel created by Randox Laboratories. It has been developed to identify four early stage markers of DIKI by screening for the biomarkers KIM-I, NGAL, Cystatin C, and Clusterin.
Drug induced nephrotoxicity is a common problem in clinical trials and clinical medicine and the incidence of drug-related acute kidney injury may be as high as 60%.1 With the success rates of phase I clinical trials sitting at just under 10% and 75 – 80 % of failures, from phase I – III, resulting from problems with efficacy and/or safety the need to improve patient safety and detect kidney injury as early as possible is vital.2
The novel Randox Drug Induced Kidney Injury Array (DIKI) test allows superior monitoring of nephrotoxicity for enhanced safety in drug development. The biomarkers have been identified as more sensitive than transitional testing methods to enhance accurate diagnosis of DIKI. The DIKI test will be able to identify the levels of toxicity present in the kidneys which is classified as one of the most common side effects of drug development trials.
In 2017, 75% to 80% of clinical trials failed due to unacceptable safety.2 The four biomarkers on the DIKI panel are recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. The biomarkers have been acknowledged as more sensitive than traditional creatinine and more specific for diagnosis and prediction monitoring. DIKI has a faster turn-around time than creatinine. The levels of serum creatinine take a lengthy 48 hours to rise in the urine of someone with Drug Induced Kidney Injury. Whereas the biomarkers, such as NGAL, on the new DIKI biochip from Randox, can be present in urine within hours following initial kidney insult. The Randox Biochip test is performed in under 3 hours. Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS) is a state of the art ISO 17025 accredited central laboratory with unrivalled facilities built upon Randox Laboratories experience and is Randox’s latest offering, dedicated to providing a clinical laboratory service designed to meet the time sensitive, bespoke requirements of clinical and research projects globally.
If you are facilitating a clinical trial and want to test for drug induced kidney injury RCLS is your out-sourcing testing solution. RCLS can assist you to ensure the toxicity and efficacy of your drug helping you to save money and time. With a greater understanding of human complexity, pharmaceutical companies are now focusing on developing safer drugs. The early detection of DIKI can reduce cost and time and will allow a safe drug in the market
If you are conducting a clinical trial or would like more information on RCLS contact info@rcls.com.
Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) with RCLS
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is an illness where plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. The arteries play an important role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles, however, over time plaque builds up and can harden. This results in the arteries becoming narrow due to not being able to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart which causes angina or a heart attack to occur.1
BHF highlighted that Coronary Heart Disease was one of the UK’s biggest killers in 2010 resulting 46,000 premature deaths of which 68% were men.2
CHD is more likely with increasing age, particularly in men. These risk factors cannot be changed, however, there are other risk factors that can be modified such as blood cholesterol, being overweight or obese, smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet and stress.
You can prevent and control many CHD risk factors with heart-healthy changes and medication. Some lifestyles often increase the chance of developing the disease such as smoking, poor diet, adequate exercise therefore, there are many lifestyle changes to help control several CHD risk factors at the same time, such as physical activity which may reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, help control diabetes and help control your weight.3
Currently, there are four state of the art, fully functional ISO12025 accredited laboratories, located in Liverpool, London, Holywood and the Randox Science Park in Antrim giving RCLS the power to output to pharmaceutical, health and research markets.
Specialising in biomarker and multiplex testing in addition to standard safety and clinical testing, RCLS provides a full laboratory service to accelerate laboratory projects to completion. Our experienced project management teams are available to provide support and guidance from initial biomarker selection through to the design of a comprehensive results data package to deliver against your project aims and timelines.
Renowned for quality and reliability, the Rx Series and Evidence series are utilised by all RCLS Laboratories, guaranteeing real cost savings as well as highly-accurate flexible testing solutions. Furthermore, RCLS perform sample testing on numerous third-party analysers situated in our laboratories dependent upon the testing which is required by the customer.
RCLS can outsource the Cardiac Risk Prediction Array in their laboratory on the Evidence Investigator. We developed a rapid array which will allow all 19 SNPs to be genotyped simultaneously on one single sample. The RCLS team aim to save your laboratory time and money. By utilising our multiplex panels including the Cardiac Risk Prediction Array Panel, RCLS can offer labour saving, time reducing and cost-effective solutions for all your laboratory testing.
If you would like to find out more information about RCLS and what it has to offer contact info@rcls.com
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/coronary-heart-disease
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/causes/
Breathe Easy with Randox Clinical Laboratory Services
Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is defined as any infectious disease of the upper or lower respiratory tract. Some infections can affect the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs.1 Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) include the common cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis and acute otitis media.2Whereas lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) include acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and tracheitis.2
Every five minutes someone dies from lung disease in the UK lung disease and are responsible for more than 700,000 hospital admissions and over 6 million inpatient bed-days in the UK each year. (BLF)3
The typical symptoms of respiratory tract infections include the following:4
- a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm)
- sneezing
- a stuffy or runny nose
- a sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing
- a high temperature (fever)
- feeling generally unwell
The lungs are a vital organ to the human body as they keep us alive and functioning. Our bodies are designed to protect the lungs, keeping dirt and germs at bay. There are many tips on how to keep your lungs healthy to reduce the risk of developing lung disease or respiratory tract infections:
One of the main advices to reduce any sort of lung disease is to not smoke. Smoking cigarettes are the major cause of lung disease. Research have stated there is one in five deaths annually or 1,3000 deaths every day because of smoking.5 On average, smokers would have a shorter life span and die 10 years earlier. Cigarettes cause the air passages to narrow making breathing difficult.6 Overtime it will destroy the lung tissue which can result long-term illness such as cancer. It is also important to avoid second-hand smoking as even though the person isn’t physically smoking a cigarette they can still inhale the toxic chemicals from being near a smoker.
Minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution can improve lung health because certain air pollution can affect the lungs making it more difficult to breathe.6 Getting involved in regular exercise will strengthen the lungs and keep them healthy.
An important key point to prevent lung disease is to prevent infection. A simple cold can cause serious complications to the lungs. It is essential to take care of your hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water to get rid of any bacteria. Avoid crowds during flu season and get vaccinated every year against influenzas. Finally, regular healthcare check-ups is essential to allow early diagnosis and treatment if needed.
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS), provides a clinical laboratory service designed to meet the time sensitive, bespoke requirements of research and clinical projects globally. We provide a trusted and checked testing service as all our clinical laboratories hold numerous accreditation’s ensuring your patient samples are tested to the highest standard.
If your laboratory is outsourcing Respiratory testing, Randox Clinical Laboratory Services offers the Respiratory Multiplex Array with the ability to test your patient samples for you!
We detect 22 bacterial and viral pathogens from a single sample! Our experienced project management teams are available to provide support and guidance from initial biomarker selection through to the design of a comprehensive results data package to deliver against your project aims and timelines while you save money, time and labour.
To find out more email info@rcls.com or visit the Randox Biosciences website: https://www.randoxbiosciences.com/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-tract-infection/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53632/
- https://statistics.blf.org.uk/?_ga=2.81947295.84851403.1555489235-765926956.1555489235
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-tract-infection/
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/index.htm
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/protecting-your-lungs/
Molecular Testing on the Evidence Investigator
The Evidence Investigator is a compact, semi-automated benchtop analyser which is renowned for its versatility, robustness and effective reporting methods. The Evidence Investigator has offered efficient and comprehensive testing in a wide range of laboratory settings for many years including, clinical diagnostics, molecular, research, toxicology and food diagnostics.
The Evidence Investigator is the perfect fit for medium throughput laboratories seeking maximum use of bench space and can process up to 44 results from a single sample, with a maximum throughput of up to 2376 tests per hour.
It is extremely well equipped to provide reliable and accurate results because results are generated using Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera, which quantifies chemiluminescent light. The light then measures the degree of binding between the sample and specific biochip bound ligands. The Evidence Investigator image processing software translates light signal generated from chemiluminescent reactions into analyte concentrations which removes the need for any manual processing of data.
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. The technology allows simultaneous detection of multiple analytes from a single sample for efficient and cost-effective testing.
Pathogen Detection
STI and Respiratory Arrays
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect more than 1 million people every day and each year 500 million new cases of STIs occur.1 Therefore, it is vital for early and accurate detection. Randox’s Sexually Transmitted Infections Multiplex Array simultaneously detects 10 bacterial, viral and protozoan including primary, secondary and asymptomatic co-infection for a complete infection profile. The assay is based on a combination of multiplex PCR and biochip array hybridisation. Innovative PCR priming technology permits high discrimination between multiple targets.
Respiratory tract infections are caused by many viral and bacterial pathogens and are the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.2 The Respiratory Multiplex Array is the most comprehensive screening test for infections of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, simultaneously detecting 22 bacterial and viral pathogens from a single sputum lavage or nasopharyngeal sample.
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
The colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women.3 The KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA Array simultaneously detects 20 point mutations within the KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes. The assay is validated for use with the DNA extracted from fresh/frozen and formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. The array is CE marked for routine clinical use.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. 4It is the most common autosomal dominant, or inherited disease and affects the plasma clearance of LDL-cholesterol, resulting in premature onset of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality risk.5 Early diagnosis is crucial as by the time the FH sufferer enters early adulthood they will have accumulated >20 years of continuous exposure to build up of fatty or lipid masses in the arterial walls and are at the hundred-fold greater risk of a heart attack than other young people. The Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Arrays I & II are rapid, simple and accurate detection of 40 FH-causing mutations within the LDLR ApoB and PCSK9 genes.
These unique biochip assays permit high discrimination between multiple targets in several 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
Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world and its prevention is a core activity for public health systems worldwide.6 Randox have the Cardiac Risk Prediction Array which will allow for 19 SNPs to be genotyped simultaneously, which incorporate a test to identify patients predisposed to statin-induced myopathy.
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 info@biosciencesrandox.com
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25189349
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4472364/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK395572/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864143/
RCLS on National Heart Month
Randox Clinical Laboratories Service (RCLS) has been built on 35 years of Randox Laboratories experience. The aim of our RCLS team is to meet the time sensitive, custom-made requirements of research and clinical projects. They specialize in biomarker and multiplex testing to provide full laboratory services to aid the project aims and timelines whilst saving time and money. Currently, there are four laboratories across the UK located in Liverpool, London, Holywood and the Randox Science Park in Antrim where knowledgeable and proficient teams are situated and are available accordingly to provide support and guidance.
Continuing with National Heart Month, RCLS would like to take the opportunity to reinforce the importance of taking care of your hearts health. (WHO) highlighted Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the world’s biggest killers. An estimated 17 million people die of cardiovascular disease particularly heart attacks and strokes every year.1
Lipoprotein (a) which is also known as Lp(a) consists of two protein molecules, apolipoprotein (a) or apo(a). It is a large lipoprotein particle made by the liver. The Apo(a) particle is a very sticky protein particle, thought to be involved in the clotting system and its addition can be likened to adding a patch of Velcro on to a normal LDL particle. 2 Having some cholesterol and Lp(a) in your blood is normal however, high levels of LDL cholesterol would increase your risk of having some serious heart implications.
It has been highlighted in recent research that blood levels of Lp(a) could be an important indication as it is currently the strongest inherited risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. Globally, one in five people have high levels of Lp(a) greater than 50mg 3. As a result, gradually narrow the arteries, limiting blood supply to the brain, heart kidney, legs and can also increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
High Lp(a) can also be related to other common risks factors of cardiovascular diseases for example, smoking, diet, diabetes, high blood pressure and lack of exercise. Therefore, it is possible that those who appear “healthy” can have high Lp(a) in their genes and still be at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Lipoprotein(a) Foundation strongly emphasized that the Lp(a) test would be advised if you have the following:
- If there is a family who has history with cardiovascular disease including stroke, heart attack, circulation problems in the legs and/or narrowing of the aorta, at a young age. If someone in your family has high Lp(a), their children have a 50/50 chance inheriting it.
- Stroke or heart attack are classical risk factors including high LDL-cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and smoking have been eliminated
- High levels of LDL-cholesterol following treatment with statins or other LDL lowering medications
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services offer you our Lipoprotein (a) assay as well as our variety of analysers across all RCLS laboratories including our RX Series and Evidence Series as well as third party analysers ensuring the testing abilities are diverse. The Randox Lp(a) assay is one of the only methodologies on the market that detects the non-variable part of the Lp(a) molecule providing accurate and consistent results.
If you would like more information on RCLS please contact info@rcls.com
Randox Biosciences Launch New Website
Randox Biosciences is delighted to officially announce the launch of our new website which offers a sleek, simple yet informative platform to further your knowledge of our product range and how we can assist you.
After six months of hard work and dedication the website has a fresh look. The interactive aspect of the website provides an easy way for our visitors to learn about Randox Biosciences products and services.
The improved interactive navigation ensures the user enjoys a seamless transition through Randox Biosciences extensive range of products and services with a better experience for both mobile and desktop versions. Potential customers will be able to identify with ease which client segment they fit into – whether it be Academic Research, Biopharma or Clinical Laboratory, enjoying a fully responsive experience.
During the redesign of the Randox Biosciences website we ensured that the brand identity remained consistent throughout, incorporating the brand colours across the site. We in cooperated GIFS (Graphics Interchange Format or moving images) on the top of the homepage as the main header of the website to automatically attract visitors with a moving graphic.
The GIF represents the Biochip Array Technology and the two different diagnostics testing we offer at Randox Biosciences. The GIFs images were continued throughout the website to highlight the three industries we cater for. Brochure downloads are also available on the new website for customers to enhance their knowledge with more in-depth information of Randox’s products and services.
The incorporation of an overview video on the homepage enables website users to gain a snapshot view of Randox Biosciences products and services. The idea of presenting the video first is to allow the visitor to understand our company from a visual method rather than processing a lot of written information.
73% of consumers worldwide would prefer seeing a video than text because they are more “entertaining”.1 The video itself, captures exactly what Randox Biosciences is and what we do. A short yet effective video clearly illustrates the science behind of Randox Biosciences and how this reaches the patient through drug discovery and development.
Julie-Ann O’Hare, Director of Randox Biosciences, commented:
“I am thrilled with the final product of the website, which I hope our current and potential customers will utilise it with ease. The website is another aspect of aligning our marketing strategy and branding to ensure our messaging is clear, concise and consistent across the board. We look forward to the continuation of promoting Randox Biosciences in the digital landscape throughout 2019.”
An e-commerce section of the website is under construction for the sale of our BioReagent products, which they are very excited to launch upon completion in Q3.
Check out our new and improved website for yourself. It is available at: https://www.randoxbiosciences.com/. Also, to find out more email us at info@randoxbiosciences.com
- http://rocketium.com/academy/6-reasons-why-customers-prefer-video-ads-to-the-text-ones
RCLS and Multiplex Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Randox Clinical Laboratories Services (RCLS) team strives to meet the time sensitive, custom-made requirements of research and clinical projects. Accordingly, RCLS is also able to provide support and guidance. They specialise in biomarker and multiplex testing which provide full laboratory services to aid project aims and timelines whilst saving time and money. Currently, there are four laboratories across the UK located in Liverpool, London, Holywood and the Randox Science Park in Antrim.
In 2017 approximately 422,000 diagnoses of STIs were made in England1 and over one million STIs are acquired every day 2.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a viral or bacterial infection passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact.3 Most STIs are curable however, it takes time for the symptoms to appear or show up in tests. Others have no cure, such as HIV, but can be treated to prevent the disease getting worse. Common symptoms of STIs include vaginal discharge, urethral discharge or burning in men, genital ulcers, and abdominal pain 2 although, a person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms of disease.
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services offers a multiplex sexually transmitted infection array allowing you to outsource sample STI testing. It includes common STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex I, Herpes Simplex II. The full Multiplex Array can be seen below.
The simultaneous detection is made possible by our award-winning and innovative Biochip Array Technology which utilises multiplex testing methodology in a rapid and accurate format. The type of sample which is sent to our RCLS lab is determined by the visibility of the symptoms. Non-visible symptoms will require a urine sample whereas visible symptoms will require a swab sample.
There are many benefits to outsourcing your STI samples with RCLS, which include the following:
- CE-marked
- ISO17025 Accredited Laboratories
- Excellent precision, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosis
- Reduced risk of false reporting and a reduced number of unnecessary tests
- Smaller sample volumes are required therefore enabling faster throughput and rapid patient diagnosis
STI Multiplex Array:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoea
- Herpes simplex 1
- Herpes simplex 2
- Treponema pallidum
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Ureaplasma urealticum
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Haemophilius ducreyi
- Trichomonas vaginalis
If you would like more information on RCLS or our STI testing please contact info@rcls.com
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-data-reveals-420000-cases-of-stis-diagnosed-in-2017
- http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- https://sexualhealthdorset.org/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis
To find out more about our Biochip Array Technology and our Evidence Series analysers, visit www.randoxtoxicology.com, or email us at info@randoxtoxicology.com
RCLS and the detection of Gastric Cancer
Randox are producing high quality IVD products based the 36 years’ expertise and knowledge they have built. RCLS specialises in biomarker and multiplex testing to provide full laboratory services. Currently, there are four laboratories across the UK located in Liverpool, London, Holywood and the Randox Science Park in Antrim. Overall, the RCLS team aim to save your laboratory time and money.
The NHS states that every year, over 6,000 people are diagnosed with Gastric Cancer in the UK 1. Gastric Cancer is the world’s 5th most common disease which cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. There are many symptoms of stomach cancer including indigestion, heartburn, trapped wind and many other syndromes.
However, often this type of cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage when the treatment is less effective. Matt Atherton emphasises the importance of diagnosing stomach cancer early as the overall patient experience would be easier and more effective. 2 Dr Shekhar Patil explained that as a result, early diagnoses lead to increased survival rates 3. Identifying cancer at an early stage also benefits the patient financially impact as less expensive treatment can be carried out. The World Health Organisation4 has said that, overall, detecting cancer early is more effective, less complex and less expensive.
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS) offers a Gastro Panel Array which encompasses two quantitative arrays, a H. pylori assay for the detection of antibodies produced in response to a H. pylori infection, a common cause of gastric cancer as well as a 3plex GastroPanel assay, for the detection of pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII) and gastrin 17 (G17).
Our Gastro Panel Array offers patients a comprehensive patient profile of gastric health through a single blood sample and can increase survival rates! RCLS offers accurate, rapid and precise results while improving patient care.
If you would like more information on RCLS please contact info@rcls.com
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/
- https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1034791/cancer-symptoms-signs-stomach-pain-tumour-tummy-ache
- https://www.deccanherald.com/living/stomach-cancer-695525.html
- http://www.who.int/news-room/detail/03-02-2017-early-cancer-diagnosis-saves-lives-cuts-treatment-costs
RTS: Back-to-Lab Testing
Randox Testing Services offers high quality drug testing with use of our revolutionary Biochip Array Technology specifically optimised for drugs of abuse testing. This technology allows multiplex back-to-lab testing of different drugs from one sample and offers test consolidation for comprehensive testing at an affordable price.
With a comprehensive drugs of abuse test menu we are able to test for a range of different drugs. Drug testing packages can be customised to include multiple different drugs to test per sample.
Our drug testing methods ensure fast and simple sample collection. We have a variety of non-invasive methods for patient comfort including use of a urine sample, hair strand or oral fluid sample to test for specified drugs. Utilisation of different testing methods also ensures flexibility of drug abuse profiling with the ability to offer short-term drug abuse profiling via oral fluid and urine testing, long-term drug abuse profiling via hair testing or a combination of both.
Oral Fluid Testing
An oral fluid test can detect drugs for up to 48 hours after consumption. Providing analysis of short-term drug abuse, an oral fluid drug test is used by employers conducting for-cause and post-incident testing, as well as medico-legal solicitors who may require testing for abstinence of drugs.
An oral fluid test consists of obtaining a saliva sample from between the cheek and gums to analyse traces of drugs. This sample method is reliable due to the high concentrations of drug components which remain in the oral cavity for a period of time after drug consumption. Sample collection is taken quickly, easily and is non-invasive. The sample collection is also observed which ensures samples are not tampered with.
Urine Testing
A urine test offers short-term detection of substance abuse. Alcohol is detectable in urine for less than 12 hours, and a urine drug test can detect traces of drugs from between 4 hours and up to 8 days (this may be extended for regular cannabis users to around 30 days). It is often used in a combination with hair testing to provide an enhanced time-line for drug and alcohol detection; therefore allowing analysis of chronic substance abuse.
As a simple and practical method it is used as the most common sample type for workplace drug and alcohol testing. It is also utilised when conducting family law testing to ensure no alcohol intake by someone who has been forbidden to consume alcohol by a court of law or someone who is on a drugs or alcohol rehabilitation program.
A urine test consists of gaining a urine sample from the individual securely. Due to the nature of the urine sample being deposited privately by the sample donor, measures need to be taken to ensure the sample is not tampered with. At Randox Testing Services samples are collected under strict chain of custody protocols to guarantee sample integrity for legally defensible testing. We also increase accuracy of results by testing for creatinine which is a simple method of testing the authenticity of the sample given and reduces false-negative results giving you confidence in these testing methods.
Hair Testing
Hair testing is a long-term substance abuse profiling with a detection window of 90+ days. It is commonly used by recruiters and employers conducting pre-employment screening and is the most common sample type used for substance abuse assessment in child protection and medico-legal cases.
Hair testing involves taking a hair stand sample from an individual to detect if and approximately when someone has consumed drugs or alcohol. A 3cm sample is generally used to obtain a longer analysis of substance abuse.
When a drug is taken it is absorbed into the blood stream and circulated around the body. As a result it is incorporated into the hair follicle meaning that as the hair grows, drugs are transferred into the hair strand. It can take up to 2 weeks for drug components to enter the hair and therefore analysis of a 3cm sample is recommended.
Analysis of the hair strand allows traces of drugs to be detected to provide an overall picture of drug abuse or a month by month analysis. Segmentation of the hair sample to provide a detailed month-on-month view is advantageous as it can highlight trends of drug use and identify periods of abstinence or high level use. Body hair can be used in special circumstances however segmentation into a month by month analysis is not possible.
Randox Testing Services
Through utilising innovative multiplex drug and alcohol screening methods as well as LC/GC mass spectrometry confirmatory analysis our complete service guarantees reliable and accurate results.
For more information on our back-to-lab testing services contact us at testingservices@randox.com to speak with one of our experts.
RCLS: The Future of Outsourcing
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS) utilises the expertise and knowledge that Randox has built up over 35 years producing high quality IVD products. We strive to provide a clinical laboratory service to meet the time sensitive, bespoke requirements of research and clinical projects globally.
Moving away from traditional single analyte assays, Biochip Array Technology (BAT) boosts cutting edge multiplex capabilities. Biochip Array Technology provides a unique platform for assessment of biological samples in a rapid, accurate and easy to use format and users can have the utmost confidence in this proven technology.
Our technology facilitates the simultaneous quantitative or qualitative detection of a wide range of analytes, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis from a single patient sample. As well as having time and cost saving benefits, which drive towards an increase in clinical performance, testing for multiple markers given a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s condition.
By RCLS utilising the innovative Biochip Array Technology that Randox have created, we are able to avail the Evidence Evolution. The Evidence Evolution is the world’s first fully automated random access biochip testing platform. It sets new standards in diagnostic quality and efficiency to deliver precise results quickly and economically. With the capability to process up to 2,640 tests per hour, the Evidence Evolution offers complete system integration, as well as the most comprehensive multiplex test menu on the market.
Overall, the Evidence Evolution provides benefits that allows us to offer you a cost effective, labour saving and time reducing solution for your sample testing. Randox Clinical Laboratory Services also utilise the wide array of Randox analysers, both clinical and Immunoassay, several third party analysers are also used by RCLS.
To find out more information on what Randox Clinical Laboratory Services has to offer email us at info@rcls.com
