New Hep C point of care test launched.

INTENDED USE

The MHS HCV test is a rapid, fourth generation, qualitative Immuno-assay for detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human serum / plasma.   The test employs a cocktail of genotype cross-reactive recombinant antigens derived from the core, NS3, NS4, and NS5 regions of multiple HCV genotypes.

HCV test summary and explanation.

HCV is a single-stranded RNA virus containing a linear genome with a length of about 9,600 nucleotides with positive polarity. It is now recognized that HCV Infection is the major etiological agent of post transfusion hepatitis type non-A, non-B. HCV Infection frequently progresses to chronic liver disease. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, HCV has been grouped into six major genotypes, each of which contains one or more subtypes. The distribution of HCV genotypes varies in different geographical areas.

The first and second generation HCVtest

The first generation antibody test became commercially available in early 1990s and was widely used. As more reactive recombinant antigens were identified from conserved regions of the HCV genome, newer serologic assays were introduced.

Third generation HCV Test

Third-generation assays were introduced in the late 1990s. In these assays, a recombinant NS5 antigen has been added to the antigens used in the second-generation assays. These third-generation assays have higher sensitivities and specificities than second-generation assays and are much less strongly influenced by the Infecting genotype.

The first, second and third generation HCV antibody assays still lack sensitivity in seroconversions or show inexplicable discrepancies with confirmatory assays. This is primarily due to poor cross-reactivity with the current HCV genotype 1 antigen-based assays. To solve this problem fourth generation assays using antigens from multiple HCV genotypes that includes genotypes 2 & 3 apart from genotype 1, containing universally conserved epitopes, are been developed and evaluated.

Fourth generation HCV Test

The MHS Hep C test is a fourth generation assay that uses a cocktail of recombinant antigens that is broadly cross-reactive to all major HCV genotypes. The antigens are derived from multiple HCV genotypes apart from genotype -1.

Call us now for more information:

01274 591792

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5005

This CE Marked alcohol screen gives a rapid read out for the presence of alcohol in the urine sample.

Alcohol test on-line store

The alcohol screen shows the presence of alcohol at levels greater than 0,2% in a sample.

Ideal for workplace testing where drug and alcohol screening programmes are already in  operation.

Used by drug and alcohol clinics for testing clients in an accurate and cost effective format.

Alcohol test simple to use.

Simply dip the test strip into the sample and observe the colour change.

Once there is a reaction the sample could be sent off to a laboratory for further analysis and measurement of the exact alcohol levels detected.  A certificate of analysis can then be provided.

This simple alcohol urine test is an exteremply cost effective method of screening clients in clinics and rehabilitation services.

Easy to follow instructions together with sample cups are included from

The on-line store.

Over the years MHS has developed strong links with parent companies in the USA who require drug testing services for employees in the UK.  Often there is a requirement to provide pre-employment or scheduled drug testing to meet the company requirements.

We have supplied drug testing technology to leading US companies including Amazon.

MHS provides a bespoke drug testing service for screening prospect employees for evidence of substance misuse.  This can be either through traditional urine screens or oral fluid or hair tests.

We recognise how important drug testing procedures are to US companies and we offer a wide range of solutions to meet those needs.

US Enqs welcome

Call us now for further information: 01274 591792

Call 01274 591792

The Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003 provides the police with powers to use screening tests for drugs, and provides for a preliminary drug test to be given at the roadside, or at a police station.

Such a drug test is undertaken by obtaining a specimen of sweat or saliva which is subsequently analysed against Home Office approved cut-off levels.

If a driver is convicted of driving  under the influence of drugs the offence carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and six months in jail.

In order to provide the police with the most effective equipment various trials and research has been undertaken.

The Druid Project spent a number of years evaluating existing technology to ascretain their true capabilities.  They found that there was a wide variance in sensitivity levels of some of the drug testing devices.  Their report makes interesting reading  Druid final report.

Subsequently following years of research in trying to identify the most appropriate levels of drugs that should be detectable in the saliva of a driver before being considered ‘under the influence’ the Home Office as published a set of Type approval doc.   Those guidelines essentially prescribe cut off levels for the most common drug groups including Cocaine, Cannabis, Opiates etc.

Many drug testing manufacturers cannot achieve these challenging levels and some of the UK’s leading drug testing companies have withdrawn from the process.

Drugalyser Meets the Challenge.

The haulage industry is particularly important in ensuring that all drivers meet the government driving standards.  The Drugalyser ready for the road.

Hauliers preparing for change

MHS is launching a roadshow demonstrating the latest Drugalyser drug testing technology that meets government cut off levels.

For a free demo and policy review contact us now:

Appointment for free demo 01274 591792

MHS has recently announced the launch of a  TB POC Test images

The TB test can provide a positive /negative point of care reading from a small drop of blood or serum on a cassette.

The rapid TB test has been developed in response to the growing need for a fast and effective TB screening service.

HIV/TB Cross Infections

People living with HIV/AIDS are up to 50 times more likely to develop active TB.   Roughly a third of the 33m people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are infected with latent TB.

There are about 8,000 cases of TB are reported each year in the UK and this number is rising slowly

It is estimated that over (two billion people) are infected with the tuberculosis bacterium world wide.

Fewer than one in 10 of these infected people will go on to develop the full disease.

The vast majority of cases of TB occur in developing countries in Africa and South East Asia. .

What is TB

TB or tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The condition affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin and other organs.

TB is usually contracted person to person by coughs and sneezes through the droplets carried in the air.  The anti-bodies in the immune system usually destroy the germs once they are inhaled.

However on occasions when the immune system fails to destroy the bacteria, latent TB becomes active sometimes years later.

Symptoms of TB

Depending on how the body fights the infection TB infections can show:

• no symptoms at all
• minor symptoms, which then go as you fight the infection off
• symptoms that develop in the months following infection
• symptoms that develop years after you were infected

Other symptoms of tuberculosis infection may include:

• a persistent cough – there may also be lots of phlegm, sometimes   containing blood
• fever
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• night sweats
• chest pain when you breathe in, caused by inflammation of the       membranes lining the
• lungs (pleurisy)

If TB has infected other parts of the body, other symptoms may arise including swollen glands in the neck, pain in your joints or a headache.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

The diagnoses of active TB infection are usually undertaken by at least three separate samples of phlegm for testing. These are examined in a laboratory followed by a chest X-ray that can also be used to diagnose active TB.

To diagnose latent TB patients undergo a skin test called a Mantoux test. This test involves injecting the tuberculin protein just under your skin, usually on the inside of your forearm. Over the next two to three days a reaction to the injection will develop. This reaction is then graded.

The greater the reaction the more likely it is that you have TB infection. If this is the case your doctor may ask you to have further tests.

If you are diagnosed with TB those people who have been in close contact with you, such as family members or work colleagues, may also be tested for the infection.

The Consolidated  TB Action Plan to prevent and combat multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region 2011–2015

The World Health Organisation is launching a Consolidated Action Plan to tackle drug resistant TB and other infectious diseases.

TB Screening Tests

MHS is making available a range of point of care tests, including its TB Test to enable the rapid screening of significant numbers of donors participating in the scheme.

The TB rapid tests can detect a range of markers through the TB Combo test

For further information contact our national help line:

Friendly expert advice: 01274 591792

The Home Office has issued a Type Approval Guidance document that recommends the type of drug testing testing technology that meets their standards.HO Type approval oral fluid drug test devices

For a number of years the UK Government has been working collaboratively with a number of experts in over 20 European Countries to determine what is a sufficiently robust and effective method of measuring the level of substances that can be detected in biological samples.

The DRUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines) European Integrated Druid’s Project has conducted a large scale evaluation of on-site screening devices that can effectively detect psychoactive substances other than alcohol in drivers.  It has published a report on its findings Druid final evaluation report

It found that some devices were more effective than others in detecting drugs at reasonable levels.  This study alongside other  findings has enabled key decision makers to better understand what drug testing devices are ‘fit for purpose’ in key areas such as roadside drug testing.

The Project examined the effectiveness of oral fluid drug tests and other similar devices.

The Home Office Forensic Service Guidelines provides a comprehensive document Drug test type approval what is in effect best practice, particularly in relation to testing for driving whilst under the influence of drugs.

Drug testing-Cut off levels

Detecting substance misuse by screening various samples including urine, saliva and hair presents the client with some confusing scientific data.  Drug cut off levels can vary significantly depending on the quality of the assays being used.

If the levels of sensitivity are ‘over generous’ then in all probability the tests will not  be ‘fit for purpose’

Whilst most drug tests do what the manufacturers claim they can do the key question should be ‘is it sufficient’ to provide evidence whether the donor is impaired by drugs.

Although the government guidance is not making a judgement based on the recommended cut off levels to determine if an individual is impaired, it is a very good standard to work with and is likely to be the UK standard for all drug testing.

Drugalyser® technology

Drugalyser® is the technology that has given us the edge on the drug testing industry for over 10 years.

This drug testing technology is designed to meet exacting standards of sensitivity and accuracy.  It is a system designed to enable it to meet UK government requirements for road safety and at the same time being fit for purpose in the safety critical industries.

Drugalyser launched for UK drivers

Employee Drug Testing

The new standards will for the first time enable employers to introduce drug testing which is based on independent government standards.  This will then avoid disputes as to what is a reasonable level of sensitivty.

For further advice call our national help line: 01274 591792

Friendly expert advice.

With 8 laboratories across the UK servicing the police, the armed forces and the private sector we can provide a high quality reliable laboratory service.

“These laboratories have and continue to provided a first class service for UK Police forces and for private drug testing needs. We have also used them for forensic investigations into serious crimes. Probably the best laboratories in the UK.”

Mr Les Vasey former Chief Superintendent WY Police

The laboratory maintain the following standards:-

• Formal, third party assessed and internationally approved quality systems including ISO 17025, ISO 9001, GLP, ISO 43 and ISO 34.

• Regular internal ISO 35 audits to ensure that the highest standards of quality are maintained.
• Management of, and participation in, proficiency testing  schemes.

• Production, use and sale of certified reference standards for calibration and control.

Accredited laboratory

For more information on laboratory drug testing or sample collection call us now:01274 591792

Drugalyser®  is exclusive to Modern Health Systems Ltd and is a registered trade mark.

The Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003 provides the police with powers to use screening tests for drugs, and provides for a preliminary drug test to be given at the roadside, or at a police station.

Such a drug is undertaken by obtaining a specimen of sweat or saliva for analysis.

Driving under the influence of drugs carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and six months in jail.

Former Chief Superintendent Les Vasey the MD for MHS said  ’We are very proud to be associated with the unique development of roadside drug testing technology.  We have developed and advanced the  drugalyser®  methods to meet the challenge.

We believe the rising levels of drug related accidents requires a robust and urgent response.

I anticipate it will save many lives on the UK roads’

‘I was very impressed with the drugalyser® oral fluid drug test recently launched by MHS.  The very sensitive cut off levels for cannabis and ease of use make it the clear UK market leader.  I have no hesitation in recommending MHS drug tests and services to all our clients.’

Richard Crosse MD  UKASS

Police in action.

Legal Notice:

To clarify the legal position : No other individual or company is entitled to use the registered trade mark Drugalyser®  in any form of publication or promotion without specific consent in writing.

Use of Drugalyser® and derivations of this registered trade mark is strictly prohibited.

Call – 01274 591792 for more information

The Draeger range of alcohol testing devices are the most reliable in the world and apporved by the Home Office and Department of Transport for reliability.

Home Office approved.

Draeger breathalysers are legally defensible and used extensively in the rail industry along with Ports and utility companies across the UK.

The alcohol testing equipment also comes with a portable printer to enable results to be quickly recorded on site as part of the chain of custody procedures.

Draeger 6810 Pro and printer

MHS is an approved supplier of Draeger technology and also provides an on-line calibration service through its on-line store.

Trained engineers will calibrate the equipment and return it back to you fully certified, usually within 48 hours.