Randox has used biochip array technology to develop a rapid screening-test for thyroid function.
The thyroid arrays use a single patient sample to simultaneously test for three analytes, providing more information in a single step.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the rate of metabolism and affect the development and function of other body systems.
The Randox thyroid arrays screen for the two most common thyroid disorders, hyper and hypothyroidism, as well as other diseases such as thyroid cancer.
Two thyroid arrays are available; the Free Thyroid Array and the Total Thyroid Array, both measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3).
Randox biochip array technology is based on tried and tested Elisa principles.
Only 100ul of serum is required to test all three hormones concurrently.
Two biochip analysers are available; the fully automated Evidence and the semi-automated Evidence Investigator.
The Evidence can generate 270 thyroid results in two hours and offers a retrospective reporting facility.
If the TSH result is normal, the laboratory only pays for one test.
If TSH is outside the normal range, T4 and T3 are automatically reported.
This reduces the need to order follow up tests and saves the laboratory time and money.
