Bedfont has signed an exclusive deal with Factair to supply the new F8004 Multi-Air Tester to the GCC, launching the new product at Arab Health 2020

Leading breath and gas analysis manufacturer and supplier, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., returns to the largest healthcare exhibition in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab Health, in 2020 with a brand new product – the F8004 Multi-Air Tester.

With a number of standards already pre-set in the F8004’s memory (BS EN12021, HTM02-01, EU Pharmacopeia, and AS/NZS 1715), the new multi-air tester is ideal for both medical and dental air testing for a wide range of gasses and contaminants all within one device. Designed to provide a quick and easy method for carrying out accurate testing of breathing-air supplies, the Multi-Air Tester is the latest addition to their Medi-Gas Check range of portable medical gas analysers for pipelines, which also includes the G200 and G210.

Matthew Skinner, Sales Manager, said, “We’ve signed an exclusive deal with Factair to be the sole supplier of the F8004 in the Middle East and the UK and we couldn’t be more excited to launch this product at the GCC’s largest exhibition. This product really is the one-stop-shop for all your medical air testing needs and we believe Arab Health is the perfect place to showcase this.”

Alongside the new F8004, Bedfont will also be exhibiting its wide range of breath analysis medical devices; this includes the Smokerlyzer®, used for smoking cessation, and the ToxCO®, used by emergency services, to screen for CO poisoning. The Gastrolyzer® range aids in the detection of gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances, and the NObreath® FeNO monitor aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma.

This year, Arab Health is taking place now until 30th January in Dubai and Bedfont can be found at Stand C07, Hall 3.

Bedfont has donated a monitor designed to improve asthma care to local charity and asthma advice service, Medway Asthma Self-Help (MASH)

With asthma becoming an increasing concern, medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., has donated a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) monitor to local charity MASH, which specialises providing information and support to asthma sufferers and their families.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that causes difficulty in breathing1, is estimated to affect 5.4 million people in the UK, which is among the highest asthma rates in the world, and was responsible for more than 1400 deaths last year; an increase of 8% on equivalent Asthma UK figures for 20172. Further data from The Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows deaths from asthma attacks are at the highest point for a decade and have increased by more than 33% over the last ten years3. The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD), commissioned 5 years ago, found that two-thirds of asthma deaths could have been prevented by better basic care3, something that Bedfont is now hoping to achieve with the NObreath® FeNO monitor.

Conformed to ATS and ERS guidelines4, Bedfont’s NObreath® is ideal for patients and GPs as it uses quick, easy and non-invasive breath analysis to aid in the diagnosis and management of asthma. Interpreting FeNO levels aids in identifying patients who do/do not require on-going treatment5, helps to assess inhaler technique, aids in differentiating between allergic (eosinophilic) and non-allergic asthma6, and if used daily, FeNO measurements can help to predict exacerbations and attacks7.

MASH, based in Gillingham, has been established since 1996 and helps asthma patients in the Medway Council area by providing information on asthma, and, in close cooperation with Primary Care and other NHS services, a diagnostic and management service for adults and children. The charity offers appointments with a specialist asthma nurse, offers asthma allergy testing and lung function testing, and provides advice on treatment and using inhalers.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, explains, “With asthma related deaths at an all-time high, FeNO monitoring needs to be included in basic asthma care more than ever. We have decided to donate a NObreath® to MASH, which is great charity that supports people in our local community, some of whom actually work for Bedfont. Hopefully with a NObreath to aid their services, more people can receive a quick diagnosis and more detailed treatment after knowing their FeNO levels and their asthma subtype has been differentiated.”

Dr Martin Farebrother, a Trustee of MASH, adds, “As a retired physician specialising in respiratory medicine, I am only too well aware of the difficulties of diagnosis and management in some asthmatics. Measurement of FeNO has added significantly to the ability to determine the correct diagnosis and the best care. Bedfont are leaders in this field and their monitor is recognised as meeting the highest standards. At MASH we welcome this generous donation from Bedfont, and we look forward to working with them to improve our ability to provide the best service to these people. This cooperation is especially appropriate because they are a locally based company.”

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References

1.     Asthma [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2018 [cited 8 October 2019]. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs307/en/

2.     Asthma Data Visualisations | Asthma UK [Internet]. Asthma UK. 2019 [cited 8 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.asthma.org.uk/support-us/campaigns/data-visualisations/

3.     OnMedica – News – Asthma deaths have risen by a third over past decade in England and Wales [Internet]. Onmedica.com. 2019 [cited 8 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.onmedica.com/newsarticle.aspx?id=ed8553f5-83c2-4ea2-9f87-a9c23ec446c6

4.     ATS/ERS Recommendations for Standardized Procedures for the Online and Offline Measurement of Exhaled Lower Respiratory Nitric Oxide and Nasal Nitric Oxide, 2005; American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; vol. 171: 912-930;2005

5.     Andrew D. Smith, Jan O. Cowan, Sue Filsell, Chris MacLachlan, Gabrielle Monti-Sheehan, Pamela Jackson and D. Robin Taylor. Diagnosing Asthma: Comparisons between Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurements and Conventional Tests. Am J Respir Crit Care Med Vol 169. pp 473-478, 2004.

6.     Coumou HBel E. Improving the diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma [Internet]. Taylor and Francis online. 2017 [cited 8 October 2019]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17476348.2017.1236688

7.     Harkins M. Exhaled Nitric Oxide Predicts Asthma Exacerbation [Internet]. Taylor & Francis. 2017 [cited 8 October 2019]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/JAS-120033990

Bedfont Scientific Ltd. has been listed in the European Business Awards’ ‘Ones to Watch’ list for demonstrating business excellence

Family med-tech business, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., has made the ‘Ones to Watch’ list published by the European Business Awards, one of world’s largest and longest running business competitions. For the 2nd year running, Bedfont has made the cut for the list of businesses across Europe which are chosen for demonstrating exceptional achievements and reflecting the programme’s core values of innovation, success and ethics.

Bedfont, based in Kent, has specialised in the design and manufacture of innovative breath analysis devices for over 40 years. Their exhaled breath monitors offer patients and healthcare professionals quick, easy and non-invasive methods of medicine. Their products include the Smokerlyzer range for smoking cessation, the ToxCO which screens for CO poisoning, the NObreath FeNO monitor for the diagnosis and management of asthma, and the Gastrolyzer range for helping to detect gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances.

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards, said, “The companies chosen as ‘Ones to Watch’ are the most inspirational, successful and dynamic in Europe. The talent and tenacity at the heart of these businesses creates jobs and drives Europe’s prosperity. This ‘Ones to Watch’ list of excellence is a benchmark of success for the rest of the European business community.”

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, commented, “To be recognised as one of the top businesses in Europe for the 2nd year in a row is really quite gratifying. We are very proud to be included on the ‘Ones to Watch’ list and would not be on it without the hard work and dedication of the Bedfont Family – our employees and our distributors. This is their recognition, so thank you.”

Bedfont Scientific Ltd., raises just over £2000 for their Charity of the Year, Porchlight

Kent-based medical device manufacturer, Bedfont, was proud to present their Charity of the Year, Porchlight with a cheque for the sum of £2007.47, after a year of fundraising to raise money and awareness for the homeless.

According to Kent County Council, the estimated total of rough sleepers in the area is 214 – not far off the London Borough of Westminster, which recorded the highest nationally at 306 rough sleepers.

Porchlight, based in Ashford, help people from all walks of life with all types of problems and abilities/disabilities by offering shelter, counselling, advice, skills and more, including a focus on mental health. With a particular focus on helping the homeless, the charity aims to help people solve their issues and overcome their obstacles so that they may live to their full potential.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, comments, “Since choosing Porchlight as our Charity of the Year, my eyes have truly been opened to the homeless situation in Kent. A year ago, we met Alan, who had experienced homelessness first-hand, and he went against every stereotype about homelessness that existed; he had a good job, a good family, but an unfortunate series of events left him needing services like those provided by Porchlight. His story resonates with me because it proves that this can happen to anyone. The Bedfont family has campaigned and fundraised all year and we are proud to have accumulated just over £2000 for such a worthy cause.”

Med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific, was presented with the Silver award for Technology and Innovation at the annual Family Business Awards.

On 13th July, the National Family Business Place Awards celebrated their 10th anniversary at Wembley Stadium, where local medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., received its first-ever national business award for the Technology and Innovation category.

Family Businesses make up 85% of all UK business, and they contribute to over a quarter of UK GDP1. The Family Business Place not only helps family businesses with strategies and marketing, but also hosts annual awards, which recognise the Gold Standard in Family Business.

Bedfont, who became a 2nd generation family business in 2016, has specialised in the design and manufacture of breath analysis medical devices since 1976. They have a wide range of breath monitors which aid in smoking cessation, emergency CO screening, detecting gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances, and the diagnosis and management of asthma.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, says, “This is our first national accolade and we are over the moon to have been awarded the Silver award for Technology and Innovation. At Bedfont, we take pride in being an innovative company and try to break the mould of traditional healthcare and it’s honestly amazing to have that recognised on a national scale.”

Professor Dominick Shaw and Professor Rodolfo de Paula Vieira join the Medical Advisory Board for Bedfont’s FeNO monitor

Bedfont Scientific Ltd., a Kent-based medical device manufacturer, has signed two esteemed respiratory professionals onto its Medical Advisory Board for its NObreath FeNO device. Professor and honorary consultant specialising in campus to clinic research, Dominick Shaw, and Professor at Universidade Brasil, Supervisor of MSc and PhD Program at UNIFESP and Director of IBEPIPE, Rodolfo de Paula Vieira, are the first 2 members on the NObreath Medical Advisory Board.

The NObreath Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) monitor uses breath analysis to measure airway inflammation, which in turn aids in the diagnosis and management of asthma.

Prof. Vieira, who has a PHD in Pathology – specifically the immunopathology of the lungs, 3 post-doctoral accreditations, and more than 100 internationally peer-reviewed scientific articles, explains, “The body naturally produces Nitric Oxide (NO) to combat inflammation, so when your airway is inflamed, NO is produced in the lungs at large rates and exhaled on the breath (FeNO). Airway inflammation is a central process in asthma and other lung diseases as it is often found to be higher in inflammatory conditions such as asthma and therefore measuring FeNO can be used for the detection and management of such conditions.” He also explains, “FeNO can be also used as a biomarker to prevent a very common situation denominated bronchospasm-induced by exercise or asthma-induced by exercise, even in non-asthmatic individuals and in athletes”.

Prof. Shaw, a past BTS/SIGN national asthma guidelines contributor and member of the Asthma UK and NIHR RfpB UK research panels, says, “Measuring nitric oxide in the breath is quick, easy, and non-invasive for both the practitioner and the patient. Regular monitoring of a patient’s levels, can help differentiate between allergic (eosinophilic) and non-allergic subtypes of asthma. This, in turn, assists in identifying the need for inhaled corticosteroids, and titrating the level of medication safely and accurately, for improved asthma management.”

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, adds, “We are honoured to be working with key specialists in the asthma field, Professor Vieira and Professor Shaw, and we hope to promote the life-saving benefits of FeNO monitoring together.”

Medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., reaches the Family Business Awards finals for the Technology category

Created in order for family-owned businesses to be recognised and celebrated for their extraordinary contribution to the economy, the National Family Business Awards chose local med-tech firm, Bedfont, as a Technology category finalist for the 2019 awards.

Established in 1976, Bedfont specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative breath analysis medical devices. Its breath analysers include carbon monoxide (CO) monitors such as the Smokerlyzer®, used for smoking cessation, and the ToxCO®, used by emergency services, to screen for CO poisoning. The NObreath® FeNO monitor provides accurate analysis of airway inflammation for the control of asthma, and the Gastrolyzer® range aids in the detection of gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances. Quick and non-invasive, breath analysis is the new blood test.

Amalia Brightley-Gillott, Managing Director of Family Business Place, who hosts the awards, says,“We’re over the moon to welcome Bedfont Scientific Ltd. as Finalists at this year’s awards. They’re an exceptional example of how family businesses are leading the way, continuing to innovate and thriving in today’s competitive, economically uncertain world.”

Jason Smith, Managing Director, comments, “Becoming a 2nd generation family business has reinforced our family values and enabled us to create a strong sense of identity and culture for the business as the Bedfont Family. Strong family values can prove instrumental in stabilising the structure and dynamics within the business resulting in high employee sense of belonging and satisfaction thus increasing productivity, loyalty and profitability. Breath analysis for medical applications is a very niche technology and we are thrilled to be recognised for our contribution to healthcare, by being chosen as a finalist in the Family Business Awards for the Technology category.”

The winners will be announced at Wembley Stadium on 13th July in what’s set to be a spectacular 10th anniversary celebration of the awards. 

Bedfont named International Business for the 2nd year in a row at the South East Federation of Small Businesses Awards

On Friday 12th April, Bedfont Scientific ltd was recognised as International Business of the Year for its 2nd year in a row at the South East Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Awards 2019.

The FSB hosts annual Celebrating Small Business Awards to recognise the best small businesses across the UK. The UK is split into 12 regions and each region holds its own ceremony, with all regional winners going through to compete in the Nationals taking place on 23rd May at Evolution Battersea.

Despite being a small family business with only 43 employees, Bedfont’s medical devices can be found worldwide, with export sales accounting for 80% of turnover.

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Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, says, “We are so proud and thrilled to have been named International Business of the Year 2019. There are a lot of great companies out there and we didn’t expect to be recognised for 2 years in a row. This award wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Bedfont family and its distributors, its thanks to them we can continue to innovate healthcare worldwide.”

This accolade is Bedfont’s 3rd regional exporting recognition and its 7th exporting award so far.

Bedfont® has announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its carbon monoxide (CO) breath analysis monitor which determines levels of CO poisoning

The ToxCO is a breath analysis monitor that measures exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) to give healthcare personnel an idea of CO levels in the blood, allowing them to triage cases of CO poisoning.

Unlike traditional methods, breath analysis with the ToxCO is non-invasive with instant results, saving time in critical situations. Breath samples can be taken via a low-cost mouthpiece allowing for point-of-care CO checking for mass casualties, aiding the decision of whether or not a patient needs to be treated at hospital. For patients who are unconscious or injured, a face mask option offers a modified sampling technique to indicate for CO poisoning. The monitor also automatically samples ambient air from switch-on, acting as an alarm when CO levels in the environment reach harmful levels.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont comments, “Not only can our breath analysis monitor help to evaluate patients quickly and effectively for CO poisoning, but it can also reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations. We are thrilled with the FDA approval of the ToxCO; we believe it will be game-changer for healthcare personnel in America.”

Bedfont already has an exclusive USA distributor for the ToxCO monitor, CoVita. Its President, Jason Aversano, expressed his excitement about the 510(K), stating “the ToxCO will be a useful tool for healthcare professionals such as paramedics in Firefighter Rehab. We believe it will fundamentally change how people are assessed for CO poisoning in the United States.”

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. scoops Exporter of the Year for the 3rd time in a row at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce awards.

On Thursday 21st March, the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce held their annual business awards and 2nd generation family business, Bedfont®, was named Exporter of the Year for the 3rd year in a row.

The awards, now in its 13th year, celebrates the excellent abundance of businesses in the county of Kent.

Bedfont®, based in Harrietsham, specialises in the design and manufacture of breath analysis medical devices.  Its range of carbon monoxide (CO) monitors include the Smokerlyzer®, used for smoking cessation, and the ToxCO®, used by emergency services, to screen for CO poisoning. The NObreath® FeNO monitor provides accurate analysis of airway inflammation to aid in the diagnosis and management of asthma, and the Gastrolyzer® range aids in the detection of gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerances.

Despite being a small family business with only 43 employees, Bedfont®’s medical analysers can be found worldwide, with export sales accounting for 80% of turnover, thanks to continuous innovation from the Bedfont® family and its network of carefully selected distributors, Bedfont®’s extended family.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, comments, “Exporting for any company is no easy feat. For Bedfont®, our greatest challenge can be our size, but with dedicated employees and distributors we have managed to achieve this. We are utterly humbled to have won this award for the 3rd year in a row – it really acknowledges the efforts of the Bedfont® family, our employees and distributors, and I am honoured to share this prestigious award with them.”