RCLS on National Heart Month
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
GLDH Outsourcing from Randox Clinical Laboratory Services
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services offer an array of common and novel assays, with a large test menu of over 220 tests, across multiple platforms including our RX Series of clinical chemistry analysers and our Evidence Series Immunoassay analysers.
GLDH measurements can be taken to evaluate the liver function. Elevated blood serum levels indicate liver damage. GLDH also plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of liver disease, especially in combination with aminotransferases.
Liver diseases such as toxic liver damage or hypoxic liver disease are characterised by high serum levels. In clinical trials, GLDH can also be used as a measurement for the safety of a drug.
The Randox GLDH is an optimised standard method according to the recommendations of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie. This procedure measures the nonspecific creep reaction.
Key Benefits
Wide measuring range
The Randox GLDH (DGKC) assay has a wide measuring range of 2.90 – 77.3 U/l which will comfortably detect levels outside of the healthy range
Exceptional correlation
The GLDH (DGKC) assay showed a correlation of r=0.99 against another commercially available method
Excellent stability
Stable to expiry when stored at 2-8⁰C
RCLS currently has four state of the art, fully functional ISO17025 accredited laboratories across the UK. They are situated in Liverpool, London and two in Northern Ireland, Hollywood and Randox Science Park in Antrim. RCLS looks to expand their team of experienced scientists, working towards further accreditations and furthermore setting up two additional labs in Dubai and Los Angeles. The addition of these purpose-built labs will give RCLS the ability to increase output to both the pharmaceutical, health and research market.
The RCLS laboratories offer unrivalled sample management and workflow with a unique identifier and sample traceability allowing patient history to be 100% accurate and guaranteed. The storage locations of sample are located separately with a duration of 15-25 years in fire proof cabinets. The sample rejection criteria and sample destruction processes are different from diagnostics standards as we offer multiple bar coding, sample manifests dictated by LIMS and double blinding of samples undergoing genomic testing.
If you would like more information on RCLS please contact info@rcls.com
RCLS: Flexibility and Quality at the Core of Service
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services is a dedicated group of laboratories across the United Kingdom with plans to expand across the world. All of the clinical laboratories are purpose built to deal with the bespoke needs of research and clinical projects. Currently we have laboratories situated in Antrim, Holywood, Liverpool and London.
Flexibility and quality are at the core of our service offering and our experienced team are available to support and advise at each step of a project to ensure deadlines are met and high quality data is delivered in the most cost efficient manner.
Specialising in biomarker and multiplex testing in addition to standard safety and clinical testing, RCLS provides a full laboratory service to accelerate your project to completion. Our patented and globally recognised Biochip Array Technology (BAT), provides multiplex testing solutions in an accurate and precise format. Vast expertise in in-house antibody and assay development also allows for customised assays to be incorporated into your testing.
A key focus for RCLS, utilising this technology (BAT) and the ability to customise, is esoteric/niche biomarker analysis within clinical trials. Randox has been providing custom assay design, development and manufacturing services to the diagnostic, pharmaceutical, contract research and biotech industries for many years. This also includes fully customised human and animal quality control sera. We have the facilities to design a novel multiplex biochip tailored to each customer’s requirements taking into account sample types, available sample volumes and expected ranges for various analytes of interest.
Our assay development specialists will endeavour to work with you to ensure your needs are constantly met and provide a smooth process from the time of your first enquiry through to final delivery.
If you would like more information on RCLS please contact info@rcls.com
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services: Accelerating Your Clinical Trial
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services is built upon Randox’s 35 years as an invitro diagnostics company, and is on hand to assist your drug discovery ensuring the toxicity and efficacy of your drug before proceeding to Phase 1 of your clinical trial.
RCLS currently has four state of the art, fully functional ISO12025 accredited laboratories across the UK. They are situated in Liverpool, London and two in Northern Ireland, Hollywood and Randox Science Park in Antrim.
RCLS looks to expand their team of experienced scientists, working towards further accreditations and furthermore setting up two additional labs in Dubai and Los Angeles. The addition of these purpose-built labs will give RCLS the ability to increase output to both the pharmaceutical, health and research market.
The RCLS laboratories offer unrivalled sample management and workflow with a unique identifier and sample traceability allowing patient history to be 100% accurate and guaranteed. The storage locations of sample are located separately with a duration of 15-25 years in fire proof cabinets. The sample rejection criteria and sample destruction processes are different from diagnostics standards as we offer multiple bar coding, sample manifests dictated by LIMS and double blinding of samples undergoing genomic testing.
A variety of analysers are situated across all RCLS laboratories not only including our RX Series and Evidence Series of multiplex immunoassay analysers but also third party analysers ensuring the testing abilities are diverse. The equipment covers chemistry, haematology, urinalysis and immunoassay testing capabilities.
With a greater understanding of human complexity, pharmaceutical companies are now focusing on developing safer drugs tailored to specific patient groups or sub-groups and the expansion plans in motion at RCLS will help these organisations bring new drugs to the market quicker.
If you would like more information on RCLS please contact info@rcls.com
Reconstituting Lyophilised Controls
What is Lyophilisation?
Lyophilisation or ‘freeze drying’ is the process by which water is removed from a product after it is frozen and placed under a vacuum, allowing the ice to change directly from solid to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. The process consists of three separate processes:
- Freezing
- Primary Drying (Sublimation)
- Secondary Drying (Desorption)
There are many benefits to using a lyophilised control including; improved product shelf-life and enhanced stability of volatile analytes. For example, many lyophilised controls have a shelf life of up to four years from the date of manufacture resulting in a reduction of costly new lot validation studies. Furthermore, lyophilised controls can be aliquoted and refrozen to extend the working stability of the product.
Reconstituting Lyophilised QC Material
The process of reconstitution involves adding a specified volume of distilled water to lyophilised QC material. The water should completely dissolve the lyophilised contents, giving a liquid solution, which is ready for analysis.
Reconstitution is a straightforward process, but requires a high level of precision. Small errors can have serious implications to the reconstituted material:
- If too much water is pipetted during reconstitution, the material will be heavily diluted and results will be lower than expected
- If too little water is pipetted during reconstitution, the material will not be sufficiently diluted, and results will be higher than expected
- If the correct volume of water is pipetted, but a small amount of water gets stuck in the pipette tip due to poor pipetting technique, results will be higher than expected
If a lyophilised control has been reconstituted incorrectly the contents of the vial will be wasted. It is therefore vitally important that controls are reconstituted with care.
Materials and Methods Required
The list of requirements for an accurate and consistent reconstitution technique is not extensive, but each requirement is vital. Labs should have:
- Calibrated volumetric pipettes
- Sterile, appropriately sized pipette tips
- Distilled water, or other reconstitution fluid as specified
- Technician with good pipetting technique
- Lyophilised QC stored according to manufacturer’s specifications
How to Reconstitute Lyophilised QC Material
Each different lyophilised control may require slightly different preparation, always refer to the instructions for use before reconstituting control material. The below guide provides a general overview of the reconstitution process, using the Randox Human Assayed Chemistry Premium Plus control (HN1530) as an example
- Place the vial of lyophilised QC on a flat surface, carefully remove the lid and the rubber stopper making sure not to spill any material
- Using a calibrated pipette and sterilised pipette tip, add exactly 5ml of distilled water directly into the QC vial, ensuring no water is left in the pipette tip, or on the rim/side of the vial
- Place the rubber stopper and lid firmly back onto the QC vial, and leave to stand for 30 minutes
- After 30 minutes, gently invert the QC vial 10-15 times to ensure the contents is completely dissolved, making sure to avoid the formation of foam. It is important that you DO NOT SHAKE the vial. Alternatively place the vial on a roller for 30 minutes to ensure the contents is thoroughly mixed
- Once satisfied all material has been completely dissolved, proceed to use the QC product in accordance with the ‘Control’ section of the individual analyser application
- Once finished, refrigerate any unused material. It is good practice to label the vial with the date of reconstitution to prevent the use of material outside of the recommended stability period
- Prior to reusing lyophilised material, mix the contents thoroughly by gentle inversion, as highlighted in Step 4
Additional Considerations
It is important to remember that there may be slightly different reconstitution requirements for different QC material. For this reason, it is vital that the instructions provided on the QC Kit Inserts are closely followed.
Reconstituting lyophilised QC can be time-consuming. Therefore, Randox Acusera offer convenient 5ml distilled water serum diluent to assist laboratories with reconstitution of lyophilised controls. These user-friendly pour over vials streamline the reconstitution process and eliminate the risk of pipetting errors.
If you have any further questions regarding lyophilised controls or would like to contact us, please do so by emailing us at acusera@randox.com or use the contact us button provided.
