DNA Clinics News

What is alcoholic liver disease?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:06:37 +0000

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to three types of liver conditions - fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Any, or all, of these conditions can occur at the same time in the same person.

Fatty liver

A build-up of fat occurs within liver cells in most people who regularly drink heavily. In itself, fatty liver is not usually serious and does not cause symptoms. Fatty liver will usually reverse if you stop drinking heavily. However, in some people the fatty liver progresses and develops into hepatitis.

Alcoholic hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can range from mild to severe.

Mild hepatitis may not cause any symptoms. The only indication of inflammation may be an abnormal level of liver enzymes in the blood which can be detected by a blood test. However, in some cases the hepatitis becomes persistent (chronic), which can gradually damage the liver and eventually cause cirrhosis.
A more severe hepatitis tends to cause symptoms such as feeling sick, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, caused by a high level of bilirubin - a chemical normally metabolised in the liver), generally feeling unwell and, sometimes, pain over the liver.
A very severe bout of alcoholic hepatitis can quickly lead to liver failure. This can cause deep jaundice, blood clotting problems, confusion, coma, bleeding into the guts, and is often fatal.
The main treatment for alcoholic hepatitis is to provide adequate nutrition (this sometimes involves passing liquid feeds through a tube in the stomach) and steroids.

What are the problems of drinking too much alcohol?

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:21:41 +0000

Your liver and body can usually cope with drinking a small amount of alcohol. Indeed, drinking a small amount of alcohol (1-2 units per day) may help to prevent heart disease and stroke.

However, drinking over the recommended limits (detailed below) can be harmful. If you drink heavily you have an increased risk of developing:

Serious liver problems (alcoholic liver disease).
Some stomach disorders.
Pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas).
Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Sexual difficulties such as impotence.
Muscle and heart muscle disease.
High blood pressure.
Damage to nervous tissue.
Accidents - drinking alcohol is associated with a much increased risk of accidents. In particular, injury and death from fire and car crashes. About 1 in 7 road deaths are caused by drinking alcohol.
Some cancers (mouth, gullet, liver, colon and breast).
Obesity (alcohol has many calories).
Damage to an unborn baby in pregnant women.
Alcohol dependence (addiction).

In the UK, deaths due to alcohol-related diseases (particularly liver disease) have risen considerably over the last 20 years or so. This is because heavy drinking and binge drinking have become more common.

Cannabis and mental health

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:37 +0000

There is growing evidence that people with serious mental illness, including depression and psychosis, are more likely to use cannabis or have used it for long periods of time in the past. Regular use of the drug has appeared to double the risk of developing a psychotic episode or long-term schizophrenia. However, does cannabis cause depression and schizophrenia or do people with these disorders use it as a medication?

Over the past few years, research has strongly suggested that there is a clear link between early cannabis use and later mental health problems in those with a genetic vulnerability - and that there is a particular issue with the use of cannabis by adolescents.

Depression

A study following 1600 Australian school-children, aged 14 to 15 for seven years, found that while children who use cannabis regularly have a significantly higher risk of depression, the opposite was not the case - children who already suffered from depression were not more likely than anyone else to use cannabis. However, adolescents who used cannabis daily were five times more likely to develop depression and anxiety in later life.

Schizophrenia

Three major studies followed large numbers of people over several years, and showed that those people who use cannabis have a higher than average risk of developing schizophrenia. If you start smoking it before the age of 15, you are 4 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder by the time you are 26. They found no evidence of self-medication. It seemed that, the more cannabis someone used, the more likely they were to develop symptoms.

Why should teenagers be particularly vulnerable to the use of cannabis? No one knows for certain, but it may be something to do with brain development. The brain is still developing in the teenage years – up to the age of around 20, in fact. A massive process of ‘neural pruning’ is going on. This is rather like streamlining a tangled jumble of circuits so they can work more effectively. Any experience, or substance, that affects this process has the potential to produce long-term psychological effects.

Recent research in Europe, and in the UK, has suggested that people who have a family background of mental illness – and so probably have a genetic vulnerability anyway - are more likely to develop schizophrenia if they use cannabis as well.

What alcohol really does to your body

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:15:16 +0000

6pm One Unit: It’s been a long day…

BRAIN: From the first sip, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain. Although you won’t be aware of it, there is an impairment of brain function, which deteriorates further the more you drink. Cognitive abilities that are acquired later in life, such as conduct and behaviour, are the first to go. Early on you will experience mild euphoria and loss of inhibition, as alcohol impairs regions of the brain controlling behaviour and emotion. Most vulnerable are the brain cells associated with memory, attention, sleep and coordination. Sheer lack of mass means that people who weigh less become intoxicated more quickly, and women will feel the effects faster than men. This is also because their bodies have lower levels of water.

HEART: Your pulse quickens after just one unit. Alcohol is a vasodilator - it makes the peripheral blood vessels relax to allow more blood to flow through the skin and tissues, which results in a drop in blood pressure. In order to maintain sufficient blood flow to the organs, the heart rate increases. Your breathing rate may also speed up.

8pm Five Units: Whose round is it then?

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: The Government advises men to drink no more than three to four units a day and women no more than two to three, so after two pints of normal-strength beer (four units) or a large glass of red wine (3.5 units) we have already exceeded our healthy guidelines. The alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine and if you are not used to it, even small amounts of alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. This volume of alcohol also begins to block absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

SKIN: Alcohol increases bloodflow to the skin, making you feel warm and look flushed. It also dehydrates, increasing the appearance of fine lines. According to Dr Nicholas Perricone, a dermatologist, even five units will lead to an unhealthy appearance for days.

11pm 10 Units: Sorry, what was your name again?

LUNGS: A small amount of alcohol speeds up the breathing rate. But at this level of intoxication, the stimulating effects of alcohol are replaced by an anaesthetic effect that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. The heart rate lowers, as does blood pressure and respiration rates, possibly to risky levels - in extreme cases the effect could be fatal. During exhalation, the lungs excrete about 5 per cent of the alcohol you have consumed - it is this effect that forms the basis for the breathalyser test.

1am 15 Units: Let me tell you about my ex…

LIVER: Alcohol is metabolised in the liver and excessive alcohol use can lead to acute and chronic liver disease. As the liver breaks down alcohol, by-products such as acetaldehyde are formed, some of which are more toxic to the body than alcohol itself. It is these that can eventually attack the liver and cause cirrhosis. A heavy night of drinking upsets both the delicate balance of enzymes in the liver and fat metabolism. Over time, this can lead to the development of fatty globules that cause the organ to swell. It is generally accepted that drinking more than seven units (men) and five units (women) a day will raise the risk of liver cirrhosis.

3am 20 Units: Where am I? I need to lie down

HEART: More than 35 units a week, or a large number in one sitting, can cause ‘holiday heart syndrome’. This is atrial fibrillation - a rapid, irregular heartbeat that happens when the heart’s upper chambers contract too quickly. As a result, the heartbeat is less effective at pumping blood from the heart, and blood may pool and form clots. These can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Atrial fibrillation gives a person nearly a fivefold increased risk of stroke. The effect is temporary, provided heavy drinking is stopped.

BLOOD: By this stage, alcohol has been carried to all parts of the body, including the brain, where it dissolves into the water inside cells. The effect of alcohol on the body is similar to that of an anaesthetic - by this stage, inhibitions are lost and feelings of aggression will surge.

The morning after: Can you please just shut up…

BRAIN: Alcohol dehydrates virtually every part of the body, and is also a neurotoxin that causes brain cells to become damaged and swell. This causes the hangover and, combined with low blood-sugar levels, can leave you feeling awful. Cognitive abilities such as concentration, coordination and memory may be affected for several days.

DIGESTION: Generally, it takes as many hours as the number of drinks you have consumed to burn up all the alcohol. Feelings of nausea result from dehydration, which also causes your thumping headache.

KIDNEYS: Alcohol promotes the making of urine in excess of the volume you have drunk and this can cause dehydration unless extra fluid is taken. Alcohol causes no damage or harm to the kidneys in the short term, but your kidneys will be working hard.

One year on: Where did it all go wrong?

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS: Heavy drinking causes a drop in testosterone levels in men, and causes testicular shrinkage and impotence. In females, menstrual cycles can be disrupted and fertility is affected. Studies have shown that women who drink up to five units of alcohol a week are twice as likely to conceive as those who drink 10 or more. It is thought it may affect the ability of the fertilised egg to implant.

BRAIN: Over time, alcohol can cause permanent damage to the connection between nerve cells. As it is a depressant, alcohol can trigger episodes of depression, anxiety and lethargy.

HEART: Small amounts of alcohol (no more than a unit a day) can protect the heart, but heavy drinking leads to chronic high blood pressure and other heart irregularities.

BLOOD: Alcohol kills the oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia.

CANCER: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increase in the risk of most cancers. Last week, Cancer Research UK warned how growing alcohol use is causing a steep rise in mouth cancer cases.

PANCREAS: Just a few weeks of heavy drinking can result in painful inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. It results in a swollen abdominal area and can cause nausea and vomiting.

Confidence in a Clinical Environment

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:02:04 +0000

More and more people and organisations are taking advantage of our unique Clinic, Pharmacy and Registered Nurse sample collection service.

Research shows that the majority of clients prefer to have samples taken in a Clinical environment and carried out by a competent health professional. Any questions or concerns can be dealt with at the point of sample collection and there is always a scientific advisor available for the more advanced technical questions.

So, we are finding that more and more people are opting for the face to face support service BioClinics offers, rather than the faceless Internet based service that our competitors offer.

It’s funny, at a time when the High Street is suffering at the hands of the .com’s, the reverse is true for the Bio Testing industry.

What is the Y Chromosome?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:02:27 +0000

The Y chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans (the other is the X chromosome). The sex chromosomes form one of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome spans about 58 million building blocks of DNA (base pairs) and represents almost 2 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Each person normally has one pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome is present in males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.

Identifying genes on each chromosome is an active area of genetic research. Because researchers use different approaches to predict the number of genes on each chromosome, the estimated number of genes varies. The Y chromosome likely contains between 70 and 200 genes. Because only males have the Y chromosome, the genes on this chromosome tend to be involved in male sex determination and development. Sex is determined by the SRY gene, which is responsible for the development of a fetus into a male. Other genes on the Y chromosome are important for male fertility.

Many genes are unique to the Y chromosome, but genes in areas known as pseudoautosomal regions are present on both sex chromosomes. As a result, men and women each have two functional copies of these genes. Many genes in the pseudoautosomal regions are essential for normal development.

Genes on the Y chromosome are among the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 total genes in the human genome.

Parental Responsibility for DNA Testing

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:19:21 +0000

The DNA Clinics is strictly regulated and exceeds regulatory requirements to maintain the UKAS accreditation the Laboratory holds.

We have developed robust paper and computer control systems to ensure correct details, consent, identity of test participants and custody of samples are accurate and dealt with confidentially.

An integral part of this process is the consent for children under the age of 16. DNA Clinics have developed clear guidelines based on UK Government advice and best practice. Whilst we will always seek correct consent for children, we also believe that alleged Fathers may also have parental responsibility which enables them to sign consent for the child to have a mouth swab taken.

For further advice on consent issues for DNA Testing, please see Ethical Considerations or call 0800 032 5945.

Contesting Paternity over a disputed Will

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:58:12 +0000

Recently, DNA Clinics has carried out a number of Paternity Tests using forensic tissue samples. The circumstances surrounding these cases tend to follow a similar pattern i.e. the death of a family member and the subsequent dispute of the Will.

Doubts about biological relationships, in particular paternity, can tend to become taboo subjects within families and become a festering unresolved issue over many years, until of course circumstances demand that the issue is confronted.

In our experience, the combination of the death of a family member, a disputed Will and the process of obtaining DNA Test forensic samples can lead to major conflict within the family and unnecessary trauma. Of course, DNA Clinics have the experience and support mechanisms in place to guide individuals and families through such traumatic circumstances. Our advice however would be to confront any doubts about paternity before families find themselves in the position outlined above.

Our confidential support and advice lines are open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. You can also contact your local DNA Clinic. Our trained science advisors and counsellors are here to help you and of course all information is treated as strictly confidential. Call Freephone 0800 032 5945 or email info@bioclinics.co.uk

DNA Tests for Immigration Purposes

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:26:42 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to use one specific DNA Testing company in the UK to have a DNA test for Immigration purposes.

The guidelines state that individuals can proceed with a private DNA Test, as long as the DNA Testing provider is on the UK’s Ministry of Justice list.

Of course, our UK laboratories are on the MoJ list and are fully accredited by UKAS. We offer the unique benefit of having unrivalled DNA sample collection option in the UK for Legal test services.

As well as DNA Clinics, local pharmacies and GP’s, we have a growing network of UK registered Nurses available for on-site visits, so your DNA Test samples can be taken in the comfort of your own home.

Having carried out hundreds of Legal DNA tests for Immigration purposes since 2005, you can be rest assured that your case will be handled in the professional and sensitive manner that DNA Clinics clients have come to expect.

A Unique DNA Testing Service

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:02:35 +0000

The DNA Testing provider market is more competitive than ever. So what makes the DNA Clinics so successful and sets it apart from the competition?

The main USP is the unrivalled DNA Test Sample Collection service that the DNA Clinics provide. The Collection centres and methods now cover the entire UK with new DNA Clinics opening in Dublin recently to provide this valuable service to the public in the Republic of Ireland.

With more collection centres, registered nurses and GP’s coming on board on a daily basis, our mission is to provide a face to face DNA Testing service with expert guidance whilst offering ongoing professional support for what is a potentially life changing event.

Resemblance isn't everything

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:49:07 +0000

On quite a number of occasions, we have had distraught mothers questioning the need for a DNA Paternity Test when the child has a very strong resemblance to the Alleged Father.

However, looks can be deceiving. There are many cases of negative results where a biological mother and other family members have convinced themselves that AF must be the Biological Father. Unfortunately, Genes are completely random and such cases where the results are negative are more wishful thinking than based on fact.

For further reading please see Understanding Genetics

Paternity Test First

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:38:23 +0000

#DNA Clinics always recommend a #Paternity Test (if possible) before a Sibling or Grandparent #DNA Test is considered.

Why? A Paternity Test will always give you a direct and conclusive result of Paternity (apart from very exceptional circumstances!).

Sibling and Grandparent Tests are normally requested as a way of proving Paternity indirectly. However, these tests come with limitations:

http://www.dnaclinics.co.uk/dna-tests-available/sibling-analysis-tests.html

http://www.dnaclinics.co.uk/dna-tests-available/grandparent-analysis-tests.html

Both of these DNA Tests are based on a probability of a relationship existing and there is also a chance of an inconclusive result.

If at all possible, always seek a Paternity DNA Test before considering the more complex relationship tests.

Beware of cheap DNA Tests

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:30:56 +0000

We get this a lot “Why is your Peace of Mind Paternity Test £259 when we can get the same test done on the internet for £99?”

Our normal response is this:

Our price includes:
- Face to face consultation in the UK with a qualified Health Professional
- Sample collection, advice and a full support service in place
- Full counselling support service available
- All DNA Testing carried out in UK Laboratories, samples never leave the UK
- Our Laboratory is UKAS accredited and authorised by the Ministry of Justice to carry
out DNA and Paternity Testing in the UK

So, as you can see, there is a big difference in the level of service and support offered by the DNA Clinics compared to our cheaper competitors. Why are they so cheap? Well, because they use cheap unregulated Laboratory facilities in places like Central America. Can you trust the results? We would not like to comment on the validity of DNA Test results outside of the UK, but these Laboratories operate outside the strict regulations imposed by UKAS (UK Accreditation Service) and obviously do not appear on the Ministry of Justice approved list, one can draw your own conclusions from these facts.

This is not a scare tactic we use when advising clients on a way forward for DNA Testing. Indeed, we are quite open about DNA Testing options and have recommended other companies when we are unable to help. It’s all part of our ethical approach and unrivalled customer service when it comes to DNA Testing.

Progress being made

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:59:26 +0000

This week sees the distribution of the new Drug Testing and Alcohol Testing Training packs to BioClinics network of sample collection centres around the UK.

It’s an exciting time at the HQ in Manchester as we gear up for delivering this new service to the public and private sectors in the UK and Ireland.

Based on the successful DNA Testing service blueprint, the Drug and Alcohol Testing service will be discreet, professional and delivered with the same ethical approach that has always been at the heart of our company mission.

Once all the centre’s and registered Nurses’s are assessed with delivering the new service, the website will go live and it will be all systems go.

Again, like the DNA Testing service, all Drug and Alcohol Testing will be carried out in UK Laboratories with UKAS accreditation.

An Ethical Approach

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:30:39 +0100

Its been a while since we posted folks - there has been a lot going on with the BioClinics with the upcoming launch of the new Alcohol and Drug testing services.

As well as the launch of this important new service - scheduled for October, the DNA testing service is going from strength to strength. We have launched many new DNA Clinics and Pharmacies across the UK, with an increasing number of registered nurses joining our network, offering on-site sample collection.

Another effect we have noticed as part of our increasing coverage in the UK, is the number of anxious phone calls from people who have had DNA tests with other DNA testing companies. Complaints about the length of time in getting results and the validity of the DNA test results they receive. Of course, we cannot comment on these matters, but we still offer genuine advice and information and seek to put peoples mind at ease.

We are the only DNA Testing company in the UK who offer ‘genuine’ DNA Clinics, Pharmacies and on-site DNA sample collection services. Our reputation is growing as experts in this field, with an ethical and empathetic approach to all clients we deal with. We are now finding that the not so reputable/genuine DNA testing companies are damaging the industries reputation.

New DNA Testing Clinics launching soon

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:41:07 +0100

To increase the DNA test collection options, a number of new DNA testing clinics will be launching soon across the UK.

The new DNA testing clinics will be launching in the cities of Glasgow and Leeds, with several new clinics opening in central London. Cheshire will also see a new DNA testing location. Dates and specific locations will be published on launch within the next month.

We continue to recruit many registered nurses and medical practitioners across the UK, increasing both coverage and DNA testing options.

We remain the only company in the UK offering face to face DNA testing services. Other companies profess to do so, but on further investigation they still only offer faceless internet only services or charge additional fees for sample collection. All of our DNA test sample collection fees are inclusive and transparent, there are NO hidden extras.

Welcome to our new look website

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:09:07 +0000

A very warm welcome to the first blog on our new website!

So, what’s new? Well firstly, a much more professional and clean look. Secondly, we have incorporated all of our experiences over the last 7 years into building a website that provides you with all the information you could ever need to know when it comes to DNA testing to determine biological relationships.

We feel that the new site also explains things in clear and simple terms, thus putting your mind at ease when it comes to what can be a very stressful time.

At the moment, we are expanding the DNA clinic UK network to give our clients even more choices when it comes to where you can have your DNA test and how. This ethos is at the heart of everything we do - maximum choice for our clients! We also pride ourselves in the professional, friendly and sensitive service we provide. We are talking potentially life changing circumstances for people - we respect and understand this.

So, keep a look out for the new Clinics, Pharmacies and Nurse DNA test collection services. We will also be updating the blog on a regular basis.

Kind regards

John McChrystal
BioClinics Director