Renal Testing
Renal Testing Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has continued to burden the global population as illustrated through its increasing contribution to mortality and morbidity rates and the associated financial costs. In Europe, it is estimated that CKD accounts for 1.3% of total healthcare costs. Between 9.1% and 13.4% (700 million and one billion) of the global population have CKD. These estimates combined with the increasing global health burden of CKD, highlights the need for a superior marker for CKD classification for early diagnosis and treatment interventions 1. CKD Classification The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the creatinine-based estimate of glomerular
The Importance of HIV Testing
The Importance of HIV Testing In 2021, 1.5 million people became newly infected with HIV, bringing the grand total of people living with HIV to 38.4 million. Of this, 36.7 million are adults, aged 15 years and older, and 1.7 million are children, aged 0 to 14 years. 54% of the 38.4 million are women and girls. 70% of all HIV infections in 2021 affected the key populations: sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have intercourse with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender women 1. Did You Know? The risk of acquiring HIV is: 35 times higher
Love Your Liver
Love Your Liver This January, Biorex Diagnostics are supporting Love Your Liver Month. Did you know that “9 in 10 cases of liver disease could be prevented” 1? There are various types of hepatic disease which are caused by various factors, including: alcohol misuse, inherited conditions, infections and obesity. Over time, hepatic disease can result in scarring and serious complications. It is imperative that heaptic disease is diagnosed early for early treatment implementation to aid in healing the damage and preventing the liver from failing 2. Liver Disease Hepatic disease can be inherited or the liver can be damaged from other factors, including: alcohol
Influenza Co-Infection in COVID-19 Patients
Influenza Co-Infection in COVID-19 Patients Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major public health burden which can be devastating 1. Influenza on the other hand remains as one of the world’s greatest health concerns, with an estimated 1 billion cases every year. Of these cases, 3 - 5 million are severe, resulting in approximately 290,000 - 650,000 deaths per year 2. Whilst influenza is commonly discussed with regards to past or future pandemics, seasonal influenza is responsible for the substantial burden of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and other respiratory
NEW PRODUCT: Anti-CCP
NEW PRODUCT: Anti-CCP - A Biomarker of Rheumatoid Arthritis Several diagnostic tests are utilised in the diagnosis of RA, including rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclin citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Whilst ESR and CRP measurements are imperfect, both do continue to play a role in the diagnosis and management of RA 1. Anti-CCP Anti-CCP assays are widely available clinically for the detection of autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPA) and offers an excellent diagnostic and prognostic value 1. Several studies support the clinical use of anti-CCP as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of RA and prognostic prediction of joint
National Diabetes Month
National Diabetes Month Diabetes is a chronic disease characterised by insulin resistance either due to the pancreas’s inability to produce enough insulin or due to the body’s inability to use the insulin it produces effectively. Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for the regulation of blood glucose 1. Approximately 537 million adults, aged 20-79 years of age, are living with diabetes and is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Moreover, 240 million (1 in 2) adults are living with diabetes but it is undiagnosed and 541 million adults are at an increased risk
The Role of Light Chains in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
The Role of Light Chains in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) This year Biorex Diagnostics are celebrating Lupus Awareness Month, placing a focus on the most common form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a complex and chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the appearance of autoantibodies against cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens and multi-organ inflammation 1. SLE affects 20-50 in every 100,000 individuals and is more commonly observed in women, with more than 90% of cases occurring in women, and begins at childbearing age 2, 3. Pathogenesis of SLE The etiopathogenesis of SLE is controversial, limiting therapeutic interventions. What is understood is that
The Role of Lipoproteins in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)
The Role of Lipoproteins in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Lipids and lipoproteins significantly contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a specific type of arteriosclerosis, whereby the arteries harden and plaque formations, or atheroma occur. The plaque build-up causes the arteries to narrow, restricting and eventually blocking blood flow. If the plaque bursts, this results in a blood clot. Whilst atherosclerosis is commonly perceived as a vascular issue, it can affect any artery in the body 1,2. Atherosclerosis is responsible for arteritis, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and
Adverse Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Adverse Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major public health burden which can be devastating 1. As of 27th July 2022, there has been a total of 577,475,769 COVID-19 cases of which 6,407,989 have died. At this time, 27th July 2022, there are currently 23,803,240 infected patients of which 99.8% (23,761,474) of cases are in mild condition and 0.2% (41,766) of cases are serious or critical 2. The clinical severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptotic to life-threatening illnesses 3. Today we will dive into some
The Mysterious Child Hepatitis Outbreak
The Mysterious Child Hepatitis Outbreak There has been an outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children since 5th April 2022. 1,010 probable cases have been reported from 35 countries in five WHO Regions, as of 8th July 2022. Three additional countries have reported cases, however, as they are pending classification, they have not been included in the probable case count. On reviewing the probable cases, 2% (n=22) of children have died and 5% (n=46) of children have required liver transplants. There are possible links between severe acute hepatitis and a couple of respiratory illnesses, including the adenovirus with