Routine C-Reactive Protein Testing With Randox

Randox Laboratories produce diagnostic tests for C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a
general marker of inflammation. Elevated CRP levels occur due to
infections, tissue injury, inflammatory disorders and associated diseases.
Variations within the normal range can be used in the risk assessment of
cardiovascular disease.


The clinical significance of CRP levels both above and within the normal
range has led to increased CRP analysis in many clinical laboratories.
Randox responded to this demand with the introduction of a Full Range CRP
assay combining sensitivity in the low CRP range with high linearity at
elevated levels.


CRP levels are elevated in viral infections such as upper respiratory tract
infections and viral meningitis. More pronounced elevations are seen in
chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory
bowel disease and autoimmune diseases. CRP can be used to monitor the
progression of flare-ups and the effect of treatment on these conditions.


Inflammatory conditions are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis
and there is a strong correlation between persistent inflammation and
cardiovascular disease. CRP has an established association with
cardiovascular disease, making it a candidate as an emerging risk factor.
Studies have shown that some individuals have normal levels of
LDL-cholesterol but also have elevated CRP levels, indicating an increased
risk of cardiovascular disease that cannot be detected by cholesterol
testing alone.


CRP also has applications in the secondary prevention of cardiac events.
Slightly elevated CRP levels can predict future cardiac events in patients
with previous myocardial infarction, stroke or stable angina. Research is
ongoing to determine the value of CRP in establishing cardiovascular disease
diagnosis and prognosis.


About Randox


Randox is an international diagnostics company, headquartered in the UK.
Randox develop, manufacture and market clinical diagnostic products
worldwide. Core products are: Biochip Array Technology; clinical chemistry
analysers and reagents; quality controls and EQA; environmental diagnostics;
recombinant proteins and antibodies.


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