Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, UK, has launched a new test that looks for the presence of cytokines, a method that can be used to monitoring treatment efficacy and recovery from covid-19. The test is performed on Randox’s patented biochip technology, which can detect up to 12 cytokines and growth factors from a single patient sample. The cytokine testing menu from Randox comprises of 26 different cytokines, across four different biochip panels.
Cytokines, a type of small protein, play a vital role in the immune system and are known to be involved in the body’s response to a variety of inflammatory and infectious disease, such as covid-19.

“Cytokine storms, which are the overstimulation of cytokines in response to infection, are a common complication of severe cases of covid-19 and can trigger excessive, uncontrolled systemic inflammation,” says Lynsey Adams, marketing manager with Randox. “The monitoring of cytokine proteins therefore offers a unique opportunity to identify patients who, as a result of this viral sepsis, are at risk of poor disease outcomes including pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, shock, or even organ failure.

“Treatment for any infection, covid-19 included, is most effective when administered at an early stage,’ says Adams, “and so the detection of cytokine storms within covid-19 patients could provide vitally important information that will direct the appropriate patient care pathway and facilitate improved patient outcomes.”

In addition to covid-19 risk stratification, cytokine testing has also been linked to monitoring for allergies, vascular diseases, cancer, and a range of autoimmune diseases.

Benefits of Randox cytokine testing include the following:

  • Simultaneous detection of up to 12 cytokines and growth factors from a single patient sample.
  • Fully automated and semiautomated testing platforms available to suit all laboratory throughputs.
  • Comprehensive test menu comprising 26 cytokines, cytokine receptors, and growth factors.
  • Suitable for use with serum and plasma samples.
  • Excellent analytical performance.
  • Availability of complementary quality controls for a complete testing package.

For further information visit Randox Laboratories.