An innovative method of monitoring treatment efficacy and recovery from COVID-19 has been unveiled by global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories. The test detects the presence of cytokines, and is performed on the company’s Biochip Technology.
Cytokines play a vital role in the immune system and are known to be involved in the body’s response to various inflammatory and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
Randox Marketing Manager Lynsey Adams commented: “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.
“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, 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.”
The comprehensive cytokine testing menu from Randox comprises 26 different cytokines, across four different biochip panels. Designed to make cost, time and resource savings for a range of diagnostic laboratories, the company’s Cytokine Biochips can detect up to 12 cytokines and growth factors from a single patient sample.