A Biochip For The Simultaneous Detection Of All Fertility Hormones Has Brought Cost And Time Savings To Routine Diagnostics

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Endocrinology
Article Date: 21 Dec 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Measurement of all fertility hormones is usually performed between day 3 and 5 of a women's hormonal cycle for the diagnosis of menorrhea problems, onset of menopause and infertility. Having to perform each test separately has cost and time implications.

Randox has developed a platform where multiple analytes can be tested simultaneously on a biochip with a small quantity of blood. The Randox fertility panel includes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and prolactin. FSH and LH, produced in the hypothalamus, stimulate the ovaries and the uterus to prepare the female body for ovulation and implantation. Estradiol and progesteroneare also involved in this process, but are produced mainly in the ovaries. All hormones are interdependent on a classic negative feedback mechanism. Testosterone is the main male hormone, but also produced by women in small quantities. Prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of the mammary glands and the production of milk after childbirth.

Biochip technology enables simultaneous testing of all co-dependent hormones and can give valuable information of a woman's hormonal status. Diagnostically significant values can indicate the cause of the underlying problem, and will instigate further relevant investigation.

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 for life sciences.

http://www.randox.com

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