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Local company, Bedfont® Scientific, urges people to quit smoking with the Smokerlyzer® after latest figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) find smoking still causes the majority of lung cancer deaths in the UK.

Lung Cancer Awareness month approaches again in November 2016, in the hope to make people aware of the facts and figures that can save people’s lives. Bedfont® Scientific, based in Harrietsham, Kent, manufacturer of the Smokerlyzer®, a breath carbon monoxide (CO) monitor used to help people quit smoking, is encouraging people to quit the habit which contributes to 86% of lung cancer deaths in men and 72% in women, according to latest ASH statistics.

A staggering 81% of patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer die within a year and smoking is the single biggest preventable risk factor of lung cancer.

A leading manufacturer of exhaled breath and gas monitoring instruments, who in 2016 are celebrating two important anniversaries – 40 years in business and 30 years of one of their most successful exports – the Smokerlyzer®, Bedfont® Scientific are revered as pioneers in the medical gas analysis market.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont® Scientific, comments,

“The Smokerlyzer® uses breath analysis to detect the harmful amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in your lungs, and therefore your blood, that is inhaled from smoking. Smoking builds high levels of CO in the blood, which can lead to heart disease, circulation problems and high blood pressure. For smoking cessation clinics, it is a way to establish a smoker’s status whilst acting as a motivational visual aid to encourage them to quit and to measure their progress whilst doing so, helping to prevent cancer and other smoking related diseases.”

At Bedfont’s 40th year in business celebrations, Jason Smith was announced as Managing Director, succeeding his father, Trevor, who becomes Chairman.

Bedfont Scientific Ltd, based in Harrietsham, gathered together its customers, distributors and partners in celebration of 40 years trading, where Trevor Smith announced that Bedfont was becoming a 2nd generation family company by appointing his son, Jason Smith, as the new Managing Director, with Trevor moving on to the position of Chairman.

Trevor Smith joined Bedfont as the Marketing Director in 1985. It is from there that Trevor grew and became managing director of Bedfont Scientific, shaping it to be the pioneer in medical breath analysis that it is today.

Trevor Smith, Chairman of Bedfont, says, “It is with great pride and pleasure that I hand the reins over to my son Jason. I couldn’t be more proud of the man that Jason has become and I have absolutely no doubt that he has the brightest future for Bedfont at the heart of his strategies.”

Jason Smith, new Managing Director of Bedfont, adds, “I’d like to thank Trevor for trusting me with the company he built, he’s been the best business mentor and friend I could have hoped for. My aim for Bedfont is that our family values are shown through our dedication to our customers and our core business of breath analysis; we all share the same goal of providing the best service and products to improve healthcare. This goes not only for our employees, but also our distributors and suppliers; it’s about the Bedfont family, not just the Smith family, and I’m proud to work with them all.”

Bedfont® Scientific, based in Maidstone, Kent, encourages people to quit smoking this Stoptober for the chance to win £100 worth of amazon vouchers.

October has become the ideal time for people to quit since Public Health England introduced the 28-day stop smoking challenge known as Stoptober. Last year a record 215,000 people signed up to Stoptober, however, despite the huge interest, recent statistics from ASH show that there are still around 9.6 million adult smokers in Great Britain alone. Bedfont Scientific, manufacturer of the Smokerlyzer® which is used to help people quit smoking, is encouraging people to quit this Stoptober and have their photo taken with the Smokerlyzer®, showing their “green light” photo and use the hashtag #Stoptober for a chance to win £100 in amazon vouchers.

The Smokerlyzer® range is a series of breath carbon monoxide (CO) monitors that measure the harmful amount of CO that is inhaled from smoking, which can show how much a patient has been smoking, giving smoking cessation advisors an idea on the level of dependency that the smoker has. The Smokerlyzer® is quick, non-invasive and also acts as a motivational visual aid with its traffic light system, to encourage the user to quit smoking and to measure their progress whilst doing so.

Bedfont Scientific are celebrating 40 years in business this year and are revered as pioneers in the breath analysis market. Founder, Trevor Smith, created the Smokerlyzer® in 1985, which is also celebrating its 30th birthday in 2016. With over 520,000 units sold since existence, the Smokerlyzer® is one of Bedfont’s most successful exports and can now be found in over 70 countries across the world.

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific, says, “Every year, around 96,000 people in the UK die from diseases caused by smoking, but the Smokerlyzer® can help people quit and save their lives. Last Stoptober we were amazed at the number of people who quit smoking and proud that our Smokerlyzer® was used to help them. We want to hear the stories of how the Smokerlyzer® is changing people’s lives and encourage more people to quit smoking this year, and so we are holding a competition. For those who wish to quit smoking and enter the competition, simply visit your local stop smoking service for help and send us your “green-light” photos; we will be putting them into a prize draw to win £100 in amazon vouchers.”

For more information on Bedfont’s #Stoptober competition, please visit www.bedfont.com/30yearsofsmokerlyzer.

Bedfont® Scientific, Kent, launches their new GastroCH4ECK™ Gastrolyzer®  at the United European Gastroenterology Week 2016

Bedfont® Scientific has specialised in the design and manufacture of exhaled breath and gas monitoring instruments since 1976. With an unprecedented network of distributors, Bedfont’s products can be found in over 70 countries worldwide.

At the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) 2016, Bedfont can be found at booth X1/5, introducing the new and improved GastroCH4ECK™ Gastrolyzer®, a breath hydrogen and methane analyser used to help detect gastrointestinal disorders.

The GastroCH4ECK™ Gastrolyzer® helps to detect gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, SIBO and sugar intolerances such as lactose intolerance. This is done by measuring the amount of hydrogen and methane in a patient’s breath, which is produced by the breakdown of food in the gut.

Dr Anthony Hobson, the Clinical Director of the Functional Gut Clinic, explains,

“As an existing customer of the Gastrolyzer® range, I am delighted to have had the chance to test the unit before anyone else, and can truly say that the new sensor technology and friendly user interface make this the best hydrogen and methane breath test available, thanks to improved accuracy and ease of use. The GastroCH4ECK™ is the only hydrogen and methane breath testing monitor that offers direct breath samples meaning I can see my patients quicker and more efficiently, allowing me to provide a Gold Standard breath testing service.”

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific, comments,

“The GastroCH4ECK™ Gastrolyzer® is simple to use for both patient and Doctor. It is completely non-invasive, making it the preferred method for patients who do not wish to provide a blood sample but also gives an instant reading, compared to having to wait up to two weeks for the blood sample to be tested, meaning the patient suffers less. We are proud to be unveiling our new GastroCH4ECK™ Gastrolyzer® at UEGW 2016 and hope that all who specialise in gastroenterology will come and see our new and improved monitor.”

Bedfont Scientific, medical device manufacturer in Maidstone, Kent, is proud to be supplying Laborie, as it lands another major OEM deal, opening up more overseas markets.

LABORIE, an international leader in medical devices but notably gastroenterology, has signed an OEM agreement with Bedfont Scientific for their Gastrolyzer range of hydrogen and methane breath monitors.

The Gastrolyzer range offers a quicker, more efficient, and non-invasive method to investigating and detecting gastrointestinal disorders compared to more traditional methods which can take up to two weeks to diagnose and require a blood sample.

Albert Meek, LABORIE General Manager, GI Solutions, comments,

“Breath analysis is such an innovative leap in medical technology, saving specialists and patients’ time and hassle. The Gastrolyzer range of high-quality hydrogen and methane breath monitors will enable us to further deliver Gastroenterological solutions that advance diagnostic confidence and transform the treatment of care.”

Bedfont, who in 2016 are celebrating two important anniversaries – 40 years in business and 30 years of one of their most successful exports – the Smokerlyzer, are revered as pioneers in breath analysis thanks to their unprecedented network of appointed distributors.  This major OEM deal comes shortly after Bedfont recently agreed another OEM deal with Global Medicare for the Gastrolyzer range exclusively in India.

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific, says,

“These OEMs are part of our expansion plan for our core breath business. The aim is to make breath analysis global and easily accessible, allowing more people to be diagnosed by a faster, more efficient and non-invasive method. Thanks to LABORIE, breath analysis will now be available in medical markets worldwide that Bedfont did not have access to before.”

Bedfont® Scientific, based in Harrietsham, Kent, launches their new ToxCO® breath carbon monoxide monitor which instantly diagnoses CO poisoning

Bedfont® Scientific has specialised in the design and manufacture of exhaled breath and gas monitoring instruments since 1976. With an unprecedented network of distributors, Bedfont’s products can be found in over 70 countries worldwide.

At the Emergency Services Show (ESS) 2016, Bedfont can be found at stand P94, introducing the new and improved ToxCO® carbon monoxide (CO) breath monitor. Here you will be able to see, test and provide your feedback for the chance to win a ToxCO® of your own; there will be three chances to win a ToxCO® and goody bags for all participants.

Bedfont Scientific’s ToxCO® monitor instantly diagnoses CO poisoning by analysing a breath sample from the patient to determine the level of CO in their blood. The ToxCO® monitor is a non-invasive tool, which provides instant results, unlike more traditional methods of testing for CO poisoning, like blood testing. This, in turn, saves valuable time when diagnosing a patient and reduces unnecessary hospital admissions.

The ToxCO® also comes with a face mask option for unconscious patients or young children, and an ambient air mode designed for emergency services, fire services and first responders to safeguard them by warning when there are high levels of CO in the atmosphere.

Available for pre-order now, the ToxCO® is quick, easy to use and non-invasive, making it the ideal tool for all emergency services; allowing you to continue saving lives, one breath at a time.

The NObreath® FeNO monitor from Bedfont Scientific could be the solution GP’s and patients are looking for to help asthma.

Figures released from the 2014 National Records of Scotland show that 122 people died from an asthma attack the previous year. This is an increase of 50 more deaths compared to 2013, two-thirds of which could have been prevented with better basic care, according to Asthma UK. Bedfont Scientific, who manufacture the NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device, recommended by NICE , has been working with GP’s to implement the draft NICE asthma guidance which recommends FeNO testing in asthma management as part of a pilot hoping to improve basic asthma care and save future lives.

With this latest development in asthma figures sparking increasing concerns, especially following statistics released earlier this year from Asthma UK which found that over 120,000 asthma sufferers in the UK are at risk from wrongly prescribed medication and NICE’s findings that 30% of people with asthma are suspected to have been misdiagnosed, Bedfont Scientific are campaigning vigorously to raise awareness of FeNO measuring and it’s benefits.

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific Ltd, explains,

“Nitric Oxide is naturally produced by the lungs to combat airway inflammation, therefore FeNO levels are higher in people with asthma and, by measuring these levels during diagnosis and management of the disease, it can improve basic asthma care. Using FeNO measurements to evaluate airway inflammation in asthma represent a significant advance in respiratory medicine, but this had been an expensive test to deliver in everyday practice, until now with the NObreath®.”

“Breath analysis with the NObreath® FeNO monitor is quick, simple and non-invasive, providing a better procedure for both the GP and the patient. By using the NObreath® FeNO monitor in basic asthma care, the GP will be able to not only determine the type of asthma (allergic or non-allergic) allowing the correct medication to be prescribed but also differentiate between asthma and other respiratory diseases such as COPD and ACOS through a process of elimination. Furthermore, the NObreath® shows patient adherence to prescription medicine allowing GP’s to adjust and prescribe the level of medication as necessary.”

Bedfont proud of their apprenticeship schemes and sad as their first apprentice moves on after 5 years.

Bedfont is keen to cultivate growth through offering apprenticeships and since 2011 has taken on 7 apprenticeships in total, of which 2 are ongoing and 5 have resulted in the students successfully receiving and accepting the offer of full-time employment once their apprenticeship scheme has run its course.

Bedfont Scientific, a small family-run company, based in Harrietsham Kent, is a medical device manufacturer, which has specialised in breath analysis since 1976.

Now in 2016, Bedfont is bidding farewell to Kelly George, the first apprentice to have joined the Bedfont family as she pursues her dreams to travel the world. Kelly says,

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bedfont – I wouldn’t be where I am now if they had not taken a chance on me. I feel that I have grown with the company, learning and achieving. I went from an apprentice to a Key Account and Product Manager in 5 years because of the dedication and support from Bedfont’s apprenticeship scheme. It is through the apprenticeship that I gained the business skills to move into the sales team, but through Bedfont that I gained the endless list of life skills and courage to travel the world. ”

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific, adds,

“Bedfont takes pride in its ability to give back to the community through offering apprenticeships. We hope to encourage and educate the young and aspiring entrepreneurs of today on how to be Business savvy and provide them with the necessary set of skills for a bright business future. As our first apprentice, it is a sad but proud moment to say goodbye to Kelly, and we wish her the best of luck for the future.”

Bedfont Scientific, based in Harrietsham Kent, successfully passes another FDA inspection.

Bedfont Scientific, a local medical device manufacturer specialising in breath analysis, is pleased to announce that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed a successful inspection at its premises. The audit found Bedfont to be compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which means their products are manufactured to the highest quality which is essential when you’re providing technology that saves people’s lives.
                               
Louise Bateman, QA & RA Manager at Bedfont Scientific, says,

“We are really pleased the FDA follow-up audit went well and all previous observations were closed out. With this outcome, it shows we are working as a compliant company to FDA standards and are able to continue to provide high-quality products to the USA. We look forward to working with the FDA in the future and to continue building on our relationship with them.”

General Manager, Jason Smith, adds,

“Bedfont’s aim for the future with this clean bill of health is to continue with our scientific contributions to health, including research and development into new medical breath analysis applications, to help save peoples’ lives, one breath at a time.”

Bedfont® Scientific is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Smokerlyzer® breath carbon monoxide (CO) monitor with a prize draw competition and three chances to win their gold-standard Micro+™ Smokerlyzer®.

Bedfont Scientific, based in Harrietsham, Kent, has specialised in breath analysis since 1976 and is this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of its esteemed Smokerlyzer® breath CO monitor. In honour of the Smokerlyzer’s® 30th birthday, Bedfont are giving 3 lucky winners the chance to win one of their gold standard Micro+ Smokerlyzer®, which currently retails for around £300. The competition features a newspaper cut-out from 1986 with a National Treasure demonstrating an earlier Smokerlyzer®.

The Smokerlyzer® range is a series of carbon monoxide (CO) monitors that measures the harmful amount of CO that is inhaled from smoking, which can show how much a patient has been smoking, giving smoking cessation advisors an idea on the level of dependency that the smoker has. The Smokerlyzer® is quick, non-invasive and also acts as a motivational visual aid to encourage the user to quit smoking and to measure their progress whilst doing so.

But what makes the Micro+ the top end product is its ability to store patient data to create profiles and create a graphical track of a smokers’ quit attempt, in addition to the ability to monitor foetal carbon monoxide for pregnant smokers, and also ambient carbon monoxide to check pollution levels and external factors that might contribute to a higher than normal CO reading.

Jason Smith, General Manager at Bedfont Scientific, says,

“The Smokerlyzer ® is world renown; it has been demonstrated by the likes of Princess Diana, Sir Alex Ferguson and more recently featured on BBC2’s show Horizon on E-Cigarettes, it has contributed to several clinical papers and has saved countless lives in the past 30 years. Running the competition gives us a way to celebrate this success with our customers. Looking back at the timeline, the Smokerlyzer ® has come such a long way and I couldn’t be more proud.”

To enter the competition, please visit www.bedfont.com/30yearsofsmokerlyzer