Inside Diagnostics - Spring 2016 (EN) by nal von minden GmbH

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Inside Diagnostics Spring 2016

HAIR ANALYSIS An important part of diagnostics

ZIKA VIRUS Number of Zika virus infections continues to rise

A comparison between Germany and the UK

In this issue

P R I Z E D R AW ge 9

n Read more o

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Rapid Tests Laboratory Diagnostics Laboratory Service Consulting & Service

Inside Diagnostics

Foreword

Dear readers, In the last issue, our colleague Nicolas Kennof said goodbye to pursue new professional challenges. We sincerely wish to thank him in this way once more for his dedication and hard work, and wish him well for the future. We, at the editorial team, have great plans for future publications and would love for you to stay around. As usual, we will strive to offer you a high-quality customer magazine and in this issue, we will touch on a wide range of different topics. Our cover story deals with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The tolerance limits in Europe are not standardized and we therefore compare the system in Germany with the situation in Britain. We also inform you about the most important facts of the current Zika virus crisis, as well as the origin of this disease. In our summer issue last year, we reported in detail on another rapidly spreading viral disease: dengue. In Malaysia, one of the worst affected countries, we were able to conduct an interview with the local Ministry of Health and were

able to obtain a valuable insight and important information on the situation. On page 14 you will find a report addressing the topic hair analysis. We refer to the difference in the growth of our head and body hair and explain why laboratory analysis has proven to be a useful alternative to rapid tests for diagnosis. At the end we would like to take you on a little journey. In our article â&#x20AC;&#x17E;nal von minden around the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x153;, we will visit a variety of locations around the globe and show you where our products are used to help people - whether on water, or on land! The editorial team hopes you enjoy reading this issue and last but not least, do not forget to participate in our prize draw on page 10! Yours faithfully, Your editorial director Christopher Beiderbeck PS: In the coming issues, you will be welcomed by various members of the editorial team.

Click here and subscribe in one easy step! Executive editor: Inside Diagnostics Christopher Beiderbeck Tel.: 0941 29010-46 inside-diagnostics@nal-vonminden.com

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Inside Diagnostics

Content Themes Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs �� 4 Zika virus �� 8 Hair analysis �� 10 Dengue �� 14 nvm Inside Prize Draw �� 9 Arab Health 2016 �� 13 nvm around the world �� 16 CSR campaign �� 18 Contact/Cartoon �� 20

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS | Page 4

Roughly 1 in 10 road deaths can be traced back to an alcohol-induced traffic incident. The systems of Germany and the UK will be compared against one another.

Flag Inside Diagnostics Customer magazine of nal von minden GmbH Responsible according to press law: Thomas Zander Contact/Chief editor: Christopher Beiderbeck Editorial staff: Torsten Winkler, Christopher Beiderbeck, Anne Kaiser, Helen Murr, Connor Archer, Sonay Öktem, Britta Dinkloh, Martina Kastenmaier inside-diagnostics@nal-vonminden.com Graphics: Martina Kastenmaier

Cover © shutterstock.com/Margaret M Stewart

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Drug rapid tests Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol A comparison between Germany and the UK Roughly 1 in 10 road deaths can be traced back to an alcohol-induced traffic incident. Governments are therefore anxious to keep alcohol and drugs away from the roads through their legislation. In Europe there are no ‘country encompassing’ uniform laws on the topic, but rather each country independently governs to what extent such substances are tolerated on their roads. In the following article, the systems of Germany and the UK will be compared against one another. Driving under the influence of alcohol – Germany There is a nationwide 0.5‰ alcohol limit (50 µg/100ml), outlined in article 24a of the German Road Traffic Act. Journeys made with a blood alcohol level less than this amount are thus fully legal. With a level between 0.5-1.09‰, it is assumed that the driver could be in an unfit state to drive, which is an administrative offence correspondingly penalised with a 500 euro fine, a one month driving ban and also leads to the addition of 2 penalty points at the Central Federal Register for the Central Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg) upon the time of the first offence (the penalties are more severe with repeat offences). A breathalyser test, which is suitable to be used in court, carried out at a police station suffices in assessing the relative driving ability of somebody after alcohol has been consumed. A piece of measuring equipment, incorporating two separate measuring methods (for example fuel cells and infra-red), is necessary to carry out the measurement, such as the Dräger 7110. Juristically, a recorded breath alcohol level of 0.25 mg/l is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5‰. Further to this, the common hand equipment which is carried by policemen and women in police cars does not suffice juristically and serves merely as a ‘pre-test’. If a piece of evidence suitable to be used in court cannot be taken from the subject group, then a blood sample is obligatory. There is a nationwide 0.5‰ alcohol limit (50 µg/100ml), outlined in article 24a of the German Road Traffic Act. Journeys made with a blood alcohol level less than this amount are thus fully legal. With a level between 0.5-1.09‰, it is assumed that the driver could be in an unfit state to drive, which is an administrative offence correspondingly penalised with a 500 euro fine, a one month driving ban and also leads to the addition of 2 penalty points at the Central Federal Register for the Central Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg) upon the

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time of the first offence (the penalties are more severe with repeat offences). A breathalyser test, which is suitable to be used in court, carried out at a police station suffices in assessing the relative driving ability of somebody after alcohol has been consumed. A piece of measuring equipment, incorporating two separate measuring methods (for example fuel cells and infra-red), is necessary to carry out the measurement, such as the Dräger 7110. Juristically, a recorded breath alcohol level of 0.25 mg/l is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5‰. Further to this, the common hand equipment which is carried by policemen and women in police cars does not suffice juristically and serves merely as a ‘pre-test’. If a piece of evidence suitable to be used in court cannot be taken from the subject group, then a blood sample is obligatory. With a blood alcohol level concentration of 1.1‰ or above, it is assumed that a driver is completely unable to safely drive a vehicle. If this is the case, it no longer concerns a breach of article 24a of the Road Traffic Act, but is instead deemed a criminal offence according to article 316 of the Criminal Code. In this circumstance, a breath sample does not suffice and instead a blood sample must always be taken. The level of punishment applied lies at the discretion of the judge and can range from a financial penalty or a custodial sentence of up to one year in length, to the removal of the driver’s licence which can then only be recovered after a certain period of time. Additionally, the Driver’s Licence Agency will be informed and will then make an informed decision on whether a medicinal/ psychological assessment (“MPA”, “MPU” in German) is necessary upon returning the Licence (with an alcohol level above 1.6‰ this test is always required). In addition to these above outlined limits, someone can also be deemed to have committed a criminal offence if, according to article 315c of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch in German), they have posed a concrete risk to others, for example by having caused a road accident, with a blood alcohol level of 0.3‰ or above. An expert opinion is normally required in order to ascertain whether the influence of alcohol did have a direct impact on the cause of the accident. If this is the case, the prosecution will take place in accordance with article 316 of the above outlined Criminal Code. The maximum sentence incurred is up to 5 years.

Drug rapid tests Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Overview of consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol in Germany relative unfitness to drive

absolute unfit to drive

Misdemeanor Misdemeanor (§24a StVG)

Criminal offense (§316 StGB)

MPU essential Accident or specific threat

Criminal offense (§315c StGB)

www.istockphoto.com © niknikon

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Drug rapid tests Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

In contrast to

alcohol, there is no spoken limit for when someone is officially unfit to drive. Situation alcohol in Great Britain The law on driving under the influence of alcohol in the United Kingdom is not only different to that in Germany, but does in fact differ within the four separate countries which form the UK. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) clearly outlines the maximum amount of alcohol (in micrograms or milligrammes) which is allowed to be found in a breath, blood or urine sample if you are suspected of drink-driving. The below table contains this information;

Amount of alcohol breath blood urine

England, Wales & Northern Ireland 35 µg/dl 80 mg/dl (0,8‰) 107 mg/dl (1,07‰)

•

a maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment

•

an unlimited fine

•

a driving ban (having your licence invalidated) for at least 1 year. This penalty is extended to a 3 year driving ban if you have been caught twice within the past 10 years.

Scotland

22 µg/dl 50 mg/dl (0,5‰) 67 mg/dl (0,67‰)

As the table clearly shows, the laws are much more stringent in Scotland when compared with the rest of the country, highlighting the importance of knowing your limits when driving in different areas of the UK. If caught and convicted of drink-driving in the UK there are various penalties which can be applied, varying in severity from incurring a prison sentence, paying a fee or being banned from driving. Unusually, there is no universal punish-

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ment on drink-driving in the UK, with the penalty being given depending entirely on both the severity of your offence and the magistrate who hears the case in hand. If found to be driving a car under the influence of alcohol (exceeding the above limits) you may receive either;

Further to this, if you cause death whilst driving drunk, the penalties are understandably raised considerably, although it is still possible to continue driving in the UK after your penalty has been served (which could be as soon as 2 years after conviction). The penalties are as follows; •

up to 14 years’ imprisonment

•

an unlimited fine

•

a driving ban for at least 2 years

•

an extended driving test before your licence is returned.

*the national government website ‘gov.co.uk’ clearly stipulates the rules and regulations regarding driving under the influence of alcohol in the United Kingdom. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/drink-driving-penalties

www.istockphoto.com © powerofforever

Drug rapid tests Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Situation drugs in Germany Driving under the influence of any psychoactive substance is fundamentally forbidden when the driver “is not in the physical state to drive the car safely due to intoxication” (article 316 of the Criminal Code). Conversely to alcohol, there is no legal limit from which a complete inability to drive can be assumed for drugs. Signs of physical impairment are crucial in the assessment of somebody’s ability to drive. If the person being tested in a roadside test shows any signs of being under the influence, such as lack of balance or a false perception of the passing of time, the policeman or woman will arrange for a blood sample to be taken. If it can be ascertained from this sample that psychoactive substances are present in the blood (irrelevant of whether the substance in hand falls under the German Narcotics Act or not) then the case will be reported to the authorities (even if an accident hasn’t actually taken place) in accordance with articles 316 or 315c of the Criminal Code. To determine an appropriate punishment, the judge will ask for an expert opinion during the process. This assessment is based on three pillars: the first being the documentation of the policeman or woman’s observations, the second being the doctor’s observations who took the blood sample and lastly the laboratory results. The expert (for example a toxicologist or a forensic scientist) makes the assessment as to whether the accused individual was in fact under the influence and herein whether he or she was in fact capable of driving a car at the time or not. The assessment of the driver’s impairment plays a central role in the prosecution process when determining the influence of drugs while driving. However, it is also possible that a driver has committed an administrative offence even without any visible impairments (article 24a of the Road Traffic Act). This is the case when a drug, which is listed in the annex of article 24a of the Road traffic Act, is present in a blood sample in a quantity above the outlined acceptable cut-off level (see table 2). If, for example, the concentration of THC in a given blood sample is 1.0 ng/ ml, then no impairments need to be noticed in order for the accused to be prosecuted. Driving under the influence of drugs – UK It is illegal to drive in the UK under the influence of any drug, unless they are prescription/over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol or aspirin which do not impair your vision or, most importantly, affect your ability to drive a car safely. If you are stopped by the police (they can stop you anytime they deem

necessary in the UK) and they have reasonable grounds to believe you might be under the influence of some illegal substance then they have the full legal right to carry out a roadside drug kit test for cannabis or cocaine. Alternatively, they may carry out what is commonly referred to as a ‘Field Impairment’ roadside test in which you will be asked to carry out various exercise (such as walking in a straight line with your eyes shut) in order to ascertain if you are fit to drive. If, however, they deem you have taken an alternative substance then you will be arrested and taken to the next police station to carry out a urine test. The safest option is to always read package inserts of drugs (even ones procured over-the-counter) to check possible side-effects. You ought to always ask your doctor if you are allowed to drive whilst taking certain drugs, and ask if there is a limit on how much you can take if you are then planning to drive. The law on drug driving does not apply in Northern Ireland or Scotland, but even in these two countries you may be arrested if deemed unfit to drive by the investigating officer(s). Much like those regarding drunk-driving, there are a range of penalties which can be applied to a driver convicted of drug-driving, which are as follows; •

a minimum 1 year driving ban

•

an unlimited fine

•

maximum 6 months’ prison sentence

•

a criminal record (which will then affect your car insurance costs and job prospects in the future)

If you kill someone whilst driving under the influence of drugs, the maximum prison sentence incurred could be up to 14 years’. *the UK law on driving ‘on drugs’ changed in early March 2015, rendering it a criminal offence to drive a car under the influence of both legal and illegal drugs above the designated threshold. Find out more at: http://think.direct.gov.uk/ drug-driving.html Comparing these two examples it is easy to see that distinct differences exist between different countries of the European Union regarding driving under the influence. Both as far as legal limits and penalties are concerned, as well as in the prosecution procedure, there are marked differences. It is not only for this reason that the best solution, from both a legal and health point of view, is to avoid all alcohol and other substances when driving a vehicle. TW, CA

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Tropical medicine Zika virus

The Zika virus

How dangerous is it? Since the beginning of the year, the number of Zika virus reports has been ever increasing. Within the past few months it has rapidly spread throughout the whole of Latin America and is suspected to be the cause of microcephaly (skull malformation) in newborn babies. In particular, a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;public health emergency of international extentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 1st February 2016, due to the unprecedented number of cases in Brazil. Researchers assume that it will still take 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 months until it can really be understood, whether the Zika Virus in Latin America is responsible for the undersized heads and underdeveloped brains. The question regarding the number of babies with microcephaly is hard to answer. The biggest problem is the lack of diagnostic possibilities and means of comprehensive laboratory testing. A report from the USA that has suggested the possibility of sexual transmission of the virus has further increased concern. Yet is it really so dangerous? The pathogen, named after the Zika Forest in Uganda, was first discovered in 1947, where it was traced to a rhesus monkey for the first time. The virus also thrives throughout the tropical climate zone. Normally the disease causes no long term harm, and resembles that of a light flu: only 1 in 5 people develop symptoms: rash, fever and joint pain. Generally, the ase off again after 3-5 days. However, this situation, in relation to

daily reports and pictures of newborns with under-developed heads, and Brazilian soldiers with dowsing areas with insecticides appears to be in decline. Is a spread to Europe also possible? It is certain that the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypt) and possibly also the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), are classed as carriers. Therefore, this insect will be fought with all available means. As the yellow fever mosquito does not exist in central Europe, and the Asian tiger mosquito is only isolated to south Germany, further dissemination in Europe can be ruled out- something which has been confirmed by the Robert- Koch-Institute. Furthermore, infected travelers (roughly 20 cases in Germany) will not contribute towards a rapid spread. Because an obligation to inform of illness does not exist in Germany, there can of course be further cases. The number of unnoticed infections must also be taken into consideration. With the Olympic games taking place in Brazil this year, organizations are giving the all clear, as they would be held during the winter. During this time of year, the seasonal presence of mosquitoes is very low. The zika-Virus will remain an imminent threat for which nal von minden GmbH consequently provides the appropriate tests. We will keep you updated as further details of the virus are released.

How Zika virus spread from Africa Source: Lancaster University

1977-78: Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia 1947: Discovered in Uganda

2007: Yap, Micronesia 2013: French Polynesia

2014: Brazil BD

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nvm inside Prize Draw

Join in &

win!!!

Dear readers,

Congratulations to Martin Baier, the winner of the Bosch Tassimo coffee machine from last issue. We are happy to give you the opportunity to win a great prize again! For the spring issue we are giving away an Amazon Kindle. Just answer the following question:

What is the Zika virus named after? scoverer a) a mosquito b) its di c) a forest in Uganda

Good luck!

Participate now & win a Amazon Kindle! • Easy on your eyes-touchscreen display that reads like real paper • No screen glare, even in bright sunlight • Lighter than a paperback, holds thousands of books • Single battery charge lasts weeks

Your Inside Diagnostics team Participate under the following link: www.nal-vonminden.com/en/about-us/ prizedraw.html or send an Email to gewinnspiel@nal-vonminden.com Closing date is 27th of May 2016 Conditions of Participation 1. The Promoter is nal von minden GmbH. 2. Participation is also possible by email; please send an email with your answer and your complete address with the subject line as “Prize Draw” to gewinnspiel@nal-vonminden.com. You also can participate online: http://goo.gl/QruV82. The winner will be chosen at random and be drawn from those who have entered the correct answer. 3. This prize draw is open to European residents aged 18 years or over, with the exception of employees of the Promoter, their families, agents and anyone else connected with this promotion. Only one entry per person. No entrant may win more than one prize. 4. No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw and the participation is free. By entering the prize draw each entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entries must be received by the 27th May 2016. 5. The winner will be notified via email or post and will receive the prize by post. 6. Prizes are subject to availability. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Promoter reserves the right (a) to substitute alternative prizes of equivalent or greater value and (b) in exceptional circumstances to amend or foreclose the promotion without notice. No correspondence will be entered into. 7. The prize is an Amazon Kindle. No cash or prize alternatives will be offered. The winner‘s entitlement to the prize is not transferable. 8. The Promoter shall not be responsible for damages, losses or liabilities of any kind, including without limitation, direct, indirect or consequential loss or damages arising out of or in relation to the prize draw. 9. Any liability for damages of nal von minden GmbH and their officers, employees and agents in connection with the competition, irrespective of the legal reason, is, as far as legally permissible, limited to cases of intent or gross negligence. 10. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Legal recourse is excluded. Data protection 1. Being a responsible entity as defined by the German Federal Data Protection Act, nal von minden GmbH collects, processes, and uses personal data (first name and last name, date of birth, street address, postal code, place, country, and email address) disclosed to nal von minden GmbH in connection with the Prize Draw only in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations referring to data protection. nal von minden GmbH will not disclose your personal data to any third party. Your personal data will be collected, processed and used exclusively for the purpose of carrying out the Prize Draw. The promoter is allowed to send future issues of the “Inside Diagnostics” by e-mail. Unsubscribe at any time by sending an informal e-mail to gewinnspiel@nal-vonminden.com 2. You are entitled by law to request free information about the personal data nal von minden has stored in relation to your person, and to request that nal von minden GmbH corrects, blocks or deletes these personal data. Please contact nal von minden GmbH if you want to claim any of these rights referred to above. 3. If you request that your personal data be deleted before the Prize Draw is completed, your entry into the Prize Draw is deemed to be terminated as well. In that case, you are no longer eligible for a prize.

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Drug rapid tests Hair analysis

„I know what you did last summer“

Hair analysis: an important part of diagnostics The Ötztaler man from the glacier, commonly reffered to as ‘Ötzi’, predominantly ate vegetarian food, and Napoleon Bonaparte was not intentionally poisoned by continually being administered Arsenic. Both of these scientific findings were proven thanks to a hair analysis. But hair analysis is not only well-suited for scientific uncertainties, but also in drug diagnostics. Hair diagnostics gained particular recognition thanks to one of the biggest scandals in German football. Christoph Daum, the former Bayer 04 Leverkusen trainer, formerly denied allegations that he was a regular cocaine consumer, but was positively tested thanks to a hair analysis test and was thereby convicted. Hair as a testing substance Depending on the problem in question, there are many different testing substances available to be analysed nowadays. The differing detection times are hereby an important factor in the detection of suitable matrixes. While blood and saliva

Storage of drugs in hair

are preferably used in the detection of recently occurring consumptions, hair is better suited primarily for detecting further back in time. Hair analysis is thus used in the ‘Medical Psychological Assessment’ (MPU in German) when testing someone’s ability to drive, or whether they are eligible to keep a weapon, and is also used in work placed testing. Human hair is, however, also resorted to in cases of forensic uncertainty, such as during rape cases, poisoning, post-mortem examinations and custody battles as well as in the examination of parole conditions.

Speed of hair growth: Head hair: 0.8 – 1.2cm per month Armpit hair: 0.9 – 1cm per month Beard hair: 0.7 – 0.9cm per month Pubic hair: 0.6 - 0.9cm per month Leg hair: 0.6 – 1cm per month Eyebrows: 0.4cm per month

The storage of drugs hair shaft

hair follicles

sebaceous gland

hair root hair muscle hair bulb

hair papilla

blood vessels

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Blood plays the main role in the storage of drugs. The consumed substances, which can be consumed in various different ways (orally, inhaled, intravenously, nasally) dissolve into the blood and are thus found in the blood stream. This is in turn linked to the hair papillae, which are the first point of hair growth, meaning that the substances found in blood grow into the hair and are stored on the surface. And it is here that they are seemingly stored for a longer period of time. A further factor is the oil and sweat glands which are also located in close proximity on the head. It is through these glands that very small traces of drugs and their by-products are collected via oil (sebum) or sweat deposits and are thus found in hair. A positive hair analysis can, however, also arise from external contamination. In this situation, external substances are found in hair due to external influences. The growth of hair is a repetitive and dynamic process and is divided into different cycles. The life expectancy of head hair is between three and six years, and goes through various phases:

www.istockphoto.com © Elena Belyakova

Drug rapid tests Hair analysis

Growth phases of head hair

•

Anagen phase 2-6 years

Catagen phase 2-3 weeks

Telegon phase 2-6 month

80-90%

1-3%

5-20%

The Anagen phase (growth phase)

During this stage, a new hair root is formed and the growth begins thereafter. Between 80 – 90% of all head hair is in this stage, which is also referred to as ‘papillae hair’. Depending on the location of the hair, this phase lasts between 2 – 6 years. •

Catagen phase (transition phase)

In this transitional phase, the cell production ceases and the hair gradually separates from the papillae and is pushed further in the direction of the scalp. The Catagen phase lasts roughly 2 – 3 weeks and constitutes approximately 1 – 3% of all hair, which is now referred to as ‘beet hair’. •

Telegon phase (quiet phase)

After the hair has separated from the root and thus its nutrient supplier, it takes approximately 2 – 6 months before the old hair falls out. Roughly 5 – 20% of all hair is in this end phase, now called ‘piston hair’. Hereafter, the hair follicle regenerates again and the papilla begins once more with cell division, through which a new hair is produced. The cycle thus begins once again from the beginning. Body hair grows slower The process is somewhat different with body hair. Although the speed of body hair growth can reach up to 1cm per month, the same as that of eyebrows, only 10 – 70% of body hair is in the Anagen phase, which additionally lasts only 3 – 7 months.

New anagen phase

After the short transitional phase of roughly one month, roughly 90% of body hair thereafter is in this Telogen phase. On average, this lasts 9 – 12 months and is herein considerably longer than with head hair. In the analysis of body hair in a laboratory, the detection of previous substance consumption can be determined and traced back longer than with head hair (1cm per month hair). A further point to note is the possibly higher concentration of the tested substance because of an external urine contamination. An analysis of several hair sections, like with head hair, is not possible in this circumstance. A minimum amount of 2 tablespoons of body hair is necessary for a successful investigation, contrasting to a head hair sample (where roughly a pencil thick strand is required).

Traceability in the sample urine blood saliva sweat hair breath nails teeth

minutes

hours

days

weeks

month

years

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Drug rapid tests Hair analysis

The implementation of a hair analysis As part of a drug analysis, a liquid spectrometry and mass spectrometry combination is often implemented together with a gas chromatography and mass spectrometry combination, in order to determine a possible drug consumption from the past. In the latter stages of the process of a drug analysis, the sample is prepared and its characters noted upon receipt. Details such as length, weight and colour are documented. After this, the hair is washed (sometimes multiple times) in order to remove any foreign substances. For the decontamination, the collected washing liquid is also analysed throughout the process in case of any possible external contamination. Through this, a sufficient decontamination of the analysed substance is weighed up against the extraction of the sample. The washed sample is cut up into centimeter long pieces or completely pulverised (according to the purpose of the investigation in hand). With a hair sample which is analysed in segments, the monthly progression of somebody’s drug consumption can be documented.

Did you know? •

One hair root produces roughly ten to twelve new hairs.

•

Armpit hair is not permitted for the detection of EtG in a German Medical Psychological Assessment.

•

Men can usually grow hair up to a length of roughly 50cm, with women being able to reach up to 80cm. Anything longer than this occurs rarely.

•

The longest hair in the world was that of 79 yearold Tran Van Hay, whose hair was 6.8 metres in length.

•

People lose between 80 and 100 hairs every day.

•

Approximately 30 metres of hair grows every day on your head.

•

Hair growth is also stimulated by warm weather.

•

Cutting hair regularly has no influence at all on hair growth.

Hair type determins hair amount: •

Roughly 140,000 blonde hairs

•

Roughly 100,000 brunette hairs

•

And roughly 85,000 red hairs

That’s not the end of the story The investigated substance is thereafter dissolved in acids before the gas spectrometry/mass spectrometry (with detection cut-offs of roughly 0.1pg substance per mg) equipment is used. The interpretation of results requires experts In order to analyse the result outcome, both good instrumental equipment and particularly experience are necessary in this field. Three points must be interpreted: the measured concentration, the time frame of the consumption as well as the consumed amount. It is absolutely vital to pay attention to external conditions when interpreting the results. For example, there is generally a lower concentration of basic drugs such as Amphetamines and Cocaine in grey or white hair than in dark pigmented hair. Furthermore, case specific pieces of information for the experimentee are important in order to ascertain when abstinence began, or to determine the length of consumption of the investigated substances. When choosing a laboratory to carry out the investigation, both a forensic accreditation for blood alcohol and narcotic substances, under the regulatory number DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005, as well as experience and laboratory ‘know-how’, play a very important role.

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nvm inside Arab Health

Trade fair in Dubai

nal von minden at the Arab Health

Like last year, nal von minden was allowed to travel to Dubai in January again to participate as an exhibitor at the Arab Health Convention and Exhibition. Our two representatives Steven Landgren, Team France (left) and Sewan Matousian, Team Netherlands (right) welcomed our customers and visitors this year, in Hall New Zabeel stand Z6B18. Arab Health is considered the largest congress and exhibition for medical technology and products in the Middle East. Starting in 1975, the trade fair is now in its 41st year. The 2016 trade fair took place in the Dubai World Trade Centre, which is now part of the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The main focus of exhibitors includes, but is not restricted to the fields of medical technology, diagnostics, laboratory equipment, physiotherapy / orthopedic technology, consumables to hospitals, information and communication technology in health, medical care, building healthcare, radiology and cardiology. In 2016, 130,000 visitors and 11,000 delegates from all over the world visited the booths of over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and listened to presentations by internationally recognized experts. We also partook in engag-

ing conversations with our customers and were able to introduce our products to a wide audience. We are obviously very pleased with the great interest shown and moreover, hope to welcome you on the spot with a smile again, next year. Furthermore, we would like also to thank the organizers, informa exhibitions, for the possibility to participate in this event and the effort spent organizing on such a grand scale. Once again, we are already looking forward to playing our small part in the large scheme of things for next year. CB

ÂŠ www.arabhealthonline.com

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Tropical medicine Dengue

Dengue

Gaining control? In our summer 2015 issue, we discussed in detail the developing dengue situation in Malaysia and neighbouring countries. Last year, many major South East Asian nations reported a significant rise in dengue fever cases, with infection rates in Malaysia and Thailand each topping 100,000 and over 150,000 cases documented in the Philippines (WHO). With a continued trend expected in 2016, and the El Nino weather phenomenon currently work in favour of the mosquitoes, what is being done right now to try and turn things around? With the kind help of one of our local distributors, we were able to ask the Ministry of Health in Malaysia some important questions. nal von minden: Why do you think dengue has become such a problem in Malaysia? Ministry of Health: Dengue has become a problem in Malaysia because of many contributing factors. Climate change and the alternate hot and rainy seasons, has facilitated the increased breeding of the Aedes mosquito, because during the rainy season, places which collect water provide the perfect place for the mosquito to breed. Community behavior of littering and poor environmental cleanliness has also further contributed to this, by creating even more potential breeding places for the mosquito. Changes in the virus serotype, the so called serotype shift is another well know reason for the occurrence of a dengue surge. Usually four to five months after the shift, increased cases of dengue are observed, due to a lack of immunity to the new serotype in the community. Finally, increased travel has also aided the spread of dengue virus to dengue free areas; because when an uninfected mosquito bites an infected traveller, it can itself become infected with Dengue and thus continue the cycle of infection. nvm: How much publicity does dengue get in Malaysia? MOH: The Ministry of Health Malaysia collaborates with the Ministry of Communications and other multimedia agencies in order to increase health education and to advocate dengue prevention and control activities to the public. Television,

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radio and newspapers are all utilised. Dengue issues are also shared in social media networks such as facebook, whatsapp and twitter. nvm: What else is been done in Malaysia to deal with the problem? MOH: To address the current dengue problem, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has implemented and intensified a number of strategies. 1. In order to strengthen early diagnosis of dengue cases, the MOH recommends the use of combo rapid test kits as a diagnostic tool to confirm clinically suspected dengue cases. These kits provide a test for NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG. Every patient who attends a service, with complaints of fever with two other symptoms of dengue such as a headache, vomiting, body ache, diarrhea and rashes or who is coming from an outbreak area or with history of other recently infected family member, should be tested for confirmation. 2. To improve the quality of dengue, management extended hour clinical services have been established, and dengue clerking sheets and dengue home based cards are used in hospitals and clinics. 3. The establishment of a National Dengue Task Force through collaborative efforts with seven other relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia and the Ministry of Home Affairs. This

Tropical medicine Dengue

National Dengue Task Force is lead by the Deputy Prime Minister and was established in July 2014, as part of the implementation of the National Blue Ocean Strategy.

tion for Behavioral Impact (COMBI) project. As of December 2015, there are 3,007 COMBI projects implemented in communities.

4. The strengthening of partnerships with non-governmental organizations and companies via corporate social responsibilities such as the formation of the Dengue Free Malaysia Movement and Dengue Patrol. The Ministry of Health also collaborates with 17 medical faculties as an initiative to overcome dengue problems in selected dengue hotspot areas.

9. Intensified enforcement of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975, which is aimed at controlling the breeding of the Aedes mosquitoes. Any individual, who allows their premise to become a breeding ground for the mosquito, will be charged a maximum of RM 500 (approx 100 euros) and court action will be taken for repeated offenses.

5. The intensification of dengue prevention and control activities through the implementation of mega operations especially in problematic states.

10. The improvement of dengue surveillance data monitoring for healthcare personnel through a online systems, namely eDengue and Dengue Outbreak Monitoring System. The public, can also access dengue statistics via Dengue.

6. The implementation of new control strategies such as Outdooor Residual Spraying (ORS) using Deltametrine in selected dengue hotspot areas in Petaling, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Klang districts, which was started on February 11, 2015.

11. In the future, the Ministry of Health will focus on new directions in dengue control, as well as environmental cleanliness in collaboration with other relevant ministries and agencies.

7. To increase health education and advocacy activities on dengue prevention through the mass media. 8. The heightening of community participation in

dengue prevention and control activities, especially in dengue hotspot areas via the establishment of the Communica-

nvm: Can the problem effectively be controlled or is it likely to continue? MOH: A key strategy to reduce the dengue burden is community empowerment. Weekly source reduction activities and clean-up campaigns are actively encouraged amongst communities. Global evidence conclusively shows that dengue control can never be achieved or sustained without community involvement. Until vaccines become available, dengue control activities must be a synergistic combination of multi-sector activities alongside the active participation of individuals, families and communities, in order to reduce the sources where the mosquitoes breed. The battle against dengue can be won only through concerted actions by all. We would like to thank Darren Soh and Dr Rose, Head of Vector Borne Disease Sector, and her team at the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Their cooperation and insight is greatly appreciated.

www.istockphoto.com ÂŠ iJacky

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nvm inside nvm around the world

nal von minden

Around the World – Part 1 of the series Wussten Sie, dass wir unsere Produkte in über 100 Ländern weltweit anbieten? Von Australien über Österreich, Marokko über Malaysia und von Togo bis Taiwan sind unsere Tests in jedem Winkel der Erde zu finden und stellen sich als wertvolle Hilfsmittel in verschiedensten Einrichtungen

und Organisationen dar. Weltweit helfen unsere Tests mit der schnellen Diagnose Leben zu retten und ebnen den Weg für den Beginn wichtiger Behandlungen, sei es in der Notaufnahme, am Arbeitsplatz, in Fachkliniken, RehaZentren, Krankenhäusern, Arztpraxen oder Gefängnissen.

Malaysia

Congo ) nnien/Irland m Großbrita a e (T e in in a s est Freddie Sw rer Schnellt nktion unse Fu riums ie d is rt in lä erk r des M te te re rt e V r e ieber it d Anwesenhe wo Dengue-F , ia ys la a M t sind. eit in eit verbreite für Gesundh w rs e d n so e lose b sts” bieten und Tuberku ue-Schnellte g n e D n e d tmenge “nal von min winzigen Blu r e in e it m se eine Diagno n. n 10 Minute vo lb a innerh

Eine spanische Kundin (zweite von links) samt Kollegen an eine m katholischen M issionszentrum in de r Demokratischen Republik Kong o.

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nvm inside nvm around the world

Mali

Das Gesicht von felicia, a ls flavienne in Französisch sprachigen Ländern beka nnt, posiert in M ali mit einer Packung unserer Ovu lationstests.

Mercy Ships Ein Mitarbeiter von Mercy Ships an Bord der Africa Mercy verteilt Bilharziose Tests in Madagaskar.

Patienten auf Blutungsneigungen zu untersuchen. Ein Mitauslöser dafür kann eine Bilharziose Infektion sein.

Mercy Ships ist die größte gemeinnützige Schiffsflotte der Welt, gegründet um Menschen in einigen der ärmsten Regionen der Welt zu erreichen, die lediglich ein schwaches oder gar kein Gesundheitssystem haben. In Bezug auf unsere Tests erzählt uns Mitarbeiterin Colleen Conley von Mercy Ships:

Unser Labor verwendete die NADAL® CCA Bilharziose Schnelltests, die wir von nal von minden mit dem Geschenkpaket zu Weihnachten erhalten haben. Diese Tests waren sehr hilfreich! Eine andere Methode der Diagnose für Bilharziose ist sehr zeitaufwendig und erfordert die subjektive mikroskopische Beurteilung von Urin oder Stuhl. Da wir Hunderte von Frauen testen, ist es sehr schwierig für das Laborpersonal dieses Volumen an Tests zu schaffen, neben der allgemein hohen Arbeitsbelastung. Zudem ist die Chance, dass die Infektion unter dem Mikroskop nicht gefunden wird sehr groß. Die Empfindlichkeit der NADAL® Tests liefert dagegen ein sicheres Ergebnis.“

“Wir stellen eine große Anzahl an Bilharziose (Schistosoma) Infektionen bei chirurgischen Patienten in der Bevölkerung fest, die wir auf dem Schiff behandeln. Dies gilt vor allem für die vielen Frauen, die in den Reisfeldern von Madagaskar arbeiten. Sie sind für die Behandlung von gynäkologischen Fisteln hier und haben nun nach der Operation Probleme mit erhöhten Blutungen. Es ist nun wichtig, diese chirurgischen

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nvm inside CSR

nal von minden & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

What you need to know

Firstly, what exactly does Corporate Social Responsibility entail? Engaging with charitable projects closely linked to nal von minden and the services which we provide is an integral part of our company policy, whether they be environmentally, community or health related. It is around this theme that we have based our CSR strategy for 2016. Why is CSR a part of our company? Through our social engagements we want to highlight the ongoing global fight against avoidable fatalities caused by preventable health deficiencies, while also upholding our core company value: to help you care. As part of our CSR campaign for the upcoming year we will be focusing on the theme ‘World Health Days’ and the issues that they raise awareness of. Specifically, there are three world health days which we will be directing our efforts towards during this year, which are as follows;

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Anytime, anywhere, we help you care! nal von minden

1. World Drug Campaign: 26.06.2016 – United Nations 2. World Heart Day: 29.09.2016 – World heart Foundation. 3. World Health Day 2017: 07.04.2017 – World Health Organisation It is through this understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility that we, as a small company, are acutely aware of the issues which these days raise and thus understand the importance of CSR and the purpose it serves to the wider community. Why these days? Health and wellbeing are at the core of what we do, and it is through the company-wide promotion of the above outlines health days that we want to get involved in health issues outside those directly concerning nal von minden

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs317/en/

nvm inside CSR

GmbH, and to also raise awareness to our worldwide customer base of the most current health issues across the globe. The days which we have chosen aim to highlight the worldwide battle for improved global health; collectively, the three health issues targeted by these days are attributed to millions of global deaths every year, with figures from the World Health Organisation showing that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), for example, are in fact the leading cause of death globally; their figures show that roughly 17.5 million people died from CVDs in 2012 alone, constituting almost one third (31%) of all global deaths.1

Want to get involved?

Our CSR strategy

2. http://www.un.org/en/events/drugabuseday/

For this year, our main aim is to really raise awareness and promote the issues raised by these health days. We believe that through an increased awareness the health issues concerning these days can be significantly combatted, and would love for our customers to get involved with us as well. Each of our teams will be getting involved to ensure that the whole of nal von minden GmbH maintains our core company value: to help you care.

3. http://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/ world-heart-day/

If any of our chosen health days are of particular interest or concern to you, then please help us contribute to raising awareness of the diseases and health issues they highlight. At the following links you will be able to find more information on all of the days, including what’s going on in and around your local area; 1. http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-healthday/2016/event/en/

Here at nal von minden we don’t only want to satisfy you, we want to inspire you.

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Contact nal von minden GmbH Carl-Zeiss-Straße 12 47445 Moers Germany Friedenstraße 32 93053 Regensburg Germany Tel.: +49 941 29010-0 Fax: +49 941 29010-50 info@nal-vonminden.com www.nal-vonminden.com Commerical Reg: HRB 5679 Steuer-Nr. 244/133/00130 UST-ID-Nr. DE 189 016 086

Discover our comprehensive product range! For all products and innovations please visit: www.nal-vonminden.com

The Adventures of Medical Man a Hairy Problem! Recently at DR. fRÖHLICHS lABORatory...

ZZZZZZZ

mEDICAL mAN TAKES A HAIR SAMPLE SECRETLY ...

though he is never at a loss for words, OUr SUPERHERO is humming and hawing.

„With its meow all the time she causes me sleepless nights.“ OW

ME *

HE F HUT T

Well, I don‘t know what to say, but the analysis of your hair clarified, that you took a hell of a lot of ketamine. mAybe you should see a drug counsellor! *harrumph*

UP!!!!

UUUUU

But it‘s actually nice to see how much you care about me, old Friend!

O ME

Ketamine? you probably took the wrong hair, old friend. I currently take care of my sisters cat and it makes me literally crazy!! So i had to stunn it to make it calm down for a little while!!!!

HUmph grmbl garr..!!!

MEOW

Rapid Tests A GODDAMN CAT?!!!

sERIOUSLY???????

Laboratory Diagnostics Laboratory Service Consulting & Service

www.nal-vonminden.com/inside-diagnostics

Rev 01 / IMAGE-DE / 01-13

lET‘S SEE WHAT‘S GOING ON WITH THIS POOR WRETCH!

Nooo wayyy! he fell asleep again!!!!

Rev 01 / INSIDE-DE / 03-16

ZZZZ

... to carry out a hair analysis at his secret laboratory.

It‘s the third time this week already. tHERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG!