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Stoptober 2022

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Stoptober is an annual initiative that encourages smokers to refrain from smoking for 28 days in October to serve as a stepping stone to permanently quitting.1 Bedfont® Scientific Ltd has been helping people stop smoking for over 35 years with their Smokerlyzer® range, which gives users instant Carbon Monoxide (CO) readings using a motivational traffic light system to guide them towards their quit goal.

Statistics from the NHS show that in 2020, 506,100 hospital admissions were attributable to smoking2, which is 10% higher than 2009/10. However, thanks to stop smoking efforts and tools such as the Smokerlyzer®, in just over 10 years, UK deaths attributable to smoking have decreased by 9%2, although a figure of 74,600 deaths2 is still very alarming.

By analysing a breath sample, the Smokerlyzer® can tell how much CO is in your lungs and blood that has been inhaled from smoking. Smoking builds high levels of CO in the blood, which can lead to heart disease, circulation problems, and high blood pressure. The Smokerlyzer® is a useful tool for Stop Smoking Services to establish a smoker’s status, whilst acting as a motivational visual aid to encourage patients to quit smoking and to measure their progress whilst doing so, helping individuals kick their tobacco habit, preventing cancers and other smoking related diseases attributed to smoking tobacco.

An assessment of cigarette smokers using a CO monitor by Marler et al. (2020), found that 75.3% reported the CO monitoring increased their motivation to quit, over 90% of smokers indicated the CO monitor taught them about their CO levels and their smoking behaviour, and 73.1% reported that seeing their CO levels made them want to quit smoking.3

Visit www.https://www.bedfont.com/smokerlyzer to learn more about how you can aid patients to stop smoking, one breath at a time, with the Smokerlyzer® range this Stoptober.

References:

1. What is Stoptober? [Internet]. Thestoptober.co.uk. 2022 [cited 23 September 2022]. Available from: https://thestoptober.co.uk/what-is-stoptober/

2. Digital N, Statistics on Smoking E, Smoking S, Statistics on Smoking E, tables S, Author C. Statistics on Smoking, England 2020 – NHS Digital [Internet]. NHS Digital. 2022 [cited 19 October 2022]. Available from: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-smoking/statistics-on-smoking-england-2020

3. Marler JD, Fujii CA, Wong KS, Galanko JA, Balbierz DJ, and Utley DS. Assessment of a personal interactive carbon monoxide breath sensor in people who smoke cigarettes: single-arm cohort study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020;22(10):1-24. PMID: 32894829 PMCID: PMC7568220 DOI: 10.2196/22811.

Bedfont’s excellent Work/Life balance acknowledged with 3 awards by Kent County Council (KCC)

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Kent Family Business, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., have been awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Kent and Medway Healthy Workplace Awards.

In 2022, Bedfont® joined the Healthy Workplace Programme, which involves building new initiatives and putting the wellbeing of employees at the forefront of the business. Bedfont is pleased to announce it has received 3 awards for their efforts to create a positive workplace environment.

The programme funded by the KCC and Medway Council, helps to support health and wellbeing at work with relevant policies, training and guidance(1). Recent studies have shown that those with a healthy work/life balance have more motivation and are more productive at work(2).

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, comments, “As a second-generation family business, Bedfont® has implemented workplace policies that focus on creating a friendly and positive workplace atmosphere with the Bedfont Family at its heart. We have been working hard to achieve a healthy work/life balance for our employees for some time now, and it’s really rewarding for us as an employer to know this has been recognised with the Healthy Workplace Awards. We look forward to continuing and improving upon these efforts, and we have our sights set on the Platinum award next.”

The Kent and Medway awards team, comments, “From the great evidence submitted and interviews conducted, it is evident Bedfont Scientific has created a very social and inclusive organisation which always looks at ways to introduce new initiatives and equally cares for the wellbeing of its customers as much as its staff. Well done to you and all your hard work in making Bedfont Scientific a lovely place to work”

References:

  1. Council M. Kent and Medway Healthy Workplace Programme | Medway Council [Internet]. Medway.gov.uk. 2022 [cited 6 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.medway.gov.uk/healthyworkplace
  2. 10 Statistics on Work-Life Balance That May Surprise You (2022) [Internet]. Apollo Technical LLC. 2022 [cited 23 September 2022]. Available from: https://www.apollotechnical.com/statistics-on-work-life-balance/

How the NObreath FeNO monitor is closing the gaps in asthma care

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When a person’s airways are not working correctly, the resulting difficulty in breathing can be detrimental to everyday activities and lead to more serious health risks. According to the World Health Organization, asthma – a chronic condition where a person’s airways are narrow and inflamed, making airflow difficult – is a health condition that affected over 260 million people worldwide in 20191. On May 3rd, 2022, asthma care advocates celebrated World Asthma Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness of asthma worldwide. A World Health Organization collaborative organization called Global Initiative for Asthma, or GINA, selected the theme ‘Closing the Gap’ to highlight many gaps in asthma care which are an issue all year-round.

There are multiple gaps in present-day asthma care that can be addressed to improve the general health of people with asthma. Through education services and user-friendly technology such as the NObreath® monitor, life sciences company Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. covers many topics that close the gaps in asthma care that GINA outlines. This blog post will highlight how FeNO monitoring with NObreath® solves some of these issues.

How the NObreath® Monitor Addresses Gaps in Asthma Care Access and Delivery

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels can be used as an indicator of airway inflammation, a common sign of asthma. The NObreath® is a fractional exhaled nitric oxide test monitor that easily and non-invasively measures expired breath nitric oxide3. This monitor is useful because it helps identify if a person requires regular asthma treatment such as medication.
As NObreath® is simple to use and is non-invasive, this device closes the gap between healthcare providers prescribing inhalers and a patient’s ability to use asthma care devices. Furthermore, this technology can be programmed for a range of patients, from children to adults, also addressing gaps between care for various age groups2,3.
NObreath® also bridges gaps in equal access to asthma care, between socioeconomic groups, and in different communities with a wide range of wealth diversity. The device is available for purchase in multiple countries, has no limits on its use, and operates with low-cost mouthpieces that have a long lifetime, making NObreath® a cost-effective solution to asthma care4.

How Bedfont’s Education Portal Addresses Gaps in Asthma Care Communication, Education, and Awareness

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. also created an online education portal around NObreath® that helps solve other challenges to asthma care outlined by GINA. The portal includes various informational and training videos surrounding the device and effective asthma care that boosts communication and awareness about asthma to both people with asthma and health care providers alike.
The website includes videos explaining FeNO and interpreting FeNO test results in the context of asthma care which connects scientific evidence and education to the actual delivery of care2,5. Other videos cover topics such as explaining how to take a test, change parts, and charge the NObreath® monitor. These bolster the machine’s usability and accessibility and the general awareness of asthma as a chronic disease for people with asthma, the general public, and health care professionals2,5.
Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. Provides Solutions to Asthma Care Challenges
World leaders in breath analysis, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. addresses multiple gaps outlined by GINA for World Asthma Day 2022 through the userfriendly NObreath® FeNO monitor and an education portal covering scientific concepts and practical learning.

References:
1. World. (2021, May 3rd). Asthma. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
2. World Asthma Day 2022 – Global Initiative for Asthma – GINA. (2022, April 6th). Global Initiative for Asthma – GINA. https://ginasthma.org/world-asthma-day-2022/
3. Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. (2022). Bedfont.com. https://www.bedfont.com/nobreath
4. NObreath® | Bedfont® GmbH. (2021, April 15th). Bedfont® GmbH. https://eurostore.bedfont.com/product/nobreath-2nd-generation/
5. Educational Portal – NObreath. (2018). NObreath. https://www.nobreathfeno.com/educational-portal/

IBS Awareness Month

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April is IBS Awareness month, which first began in 1997 when IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) wanted to steer focus toward providing health messages about the diagnosis, treatment, and life’s difficulties that come with IBS. (1) Although there is no direct test for IBS, traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results, meaning a longer time for your patients’ discomfort. With the Gastrolyzer® range of hydrogen and methane breath tests, IBS can be investigated both quickly and non-invasively.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition affecting approximately 1 in 20 people in the UK, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time. (2)

Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

Hydrogen and Methane Breath testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range of breath analysis monitors can help to quickly and non-invasively detect and investigate IBS as well as other gastrointestinal disorders such as lactose intolerance, sugar intolerance, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

The Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of hydrogen and methane produced when the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help to determine gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.

Both of these devices are ideal tools for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists. Please see our website https://www.gastrolyzer.com for all the necessary information on how you can help your patients with our range today.

References:

1. International IBS Awareness Month [Internet]. International IBS Awareness Month. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nicswell.co.uk/events/international-ibs-awareness-month-2022

2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs 

Bedfont Scientific Ltd receives FDA clearance for NObreath® FeNO monitor

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Bedfont’s NObreath® monitor for airway inflammation has been cleared for sale in the USA

UK, med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., is celebrating a brighter 2022 as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared its NObreath FeNO monitor for use in monitoring airway inflammation.

The NObreath®, which conforms to ATS and ERS guidelines1, is a portable, non-invasive device for the measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in human breath. The production of nitric oxide is often found to be increased in inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

The NObreath® works by measuring FeNO through breath analysis, making the process quick, simple, and non-invasive for both the Healthcare Professional and the patient. Interpreting FeNO levels aids in identifying patients who do/do not require ongoing treatment2 whilst also differentiating between allergic (eosinophilic) and non-allergic asthma3, and if used daily, FeNO measurements can help to predict and prevent exacerbations and attacks4.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, comments, “NObreath has been available outside the US for over 12 years now, we have been working towards FDA clearance for quite some time and we are over the moon to have received it. We are one step closer to achieving our purpose; to make FeNO monitoring lower cost and therefore more accessible globally. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), around 25 million Americans suffer from asthma; that’s a potential 25 million people that the NObreath® can help through FeNO monitoring.”

-ends-

REFERENCES

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Coumou HBel E. Improving the diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma [Internet]. Taylor and Francis online. 2017 [cited 21 December 2021]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17476348.2017.1236688
  4. Harkins M. Exhaled Nitric Oxide Predicts Asthma Exacerbation [Internet]. Taylor & Francis. 2017 [cited 21 December 2021]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/JAS-120033990

Bedfont Scientific Ltd. spreads festive joy by donating 250 presents this Christmas

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Bedfont and its sponsored football team, Medway United FC, have teamed up to donate 125 gifts to Medway hospital and 125 gifts to Children’s Cancer Charity, My Shining Star

Medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., has joined forces with the local football team it sponsors, Medway United FC, to spread a little Christmas Joy by donating 250 gifts. On Tuesday 14th December, Bedfont and Medway United donated 125 gifts to Medway Hospital for the children who will be there over Christmas, and another 125 gifts to the children’s cancer charity ‘My Shining Star’ also based in Medway.

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, “Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ Medway United and Bedfont are happy to spread some festive cheer at a time of year, which can be so difficult for many.”

Cherly Jones, Fundraising Officer at the Medway Hospital Charity, “We are extremely grateful to Bedfont and Medway United for their incredible donation of presents to our children’s ward at Medway Hospital.  Their gEnerosity is very much appreciated, especially at this time of year, and I know our patients will be thrilled to receive them.”

Bedfont celebrates 45 years of business in 70’s style

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Local medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., returns to the era it all began for its 45th birthday

On 8th December, Kent Med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd. celebrated 45 years of business with a 1970’s themed party. The Bedfont Family celebrated with costumes from prominent 70’s characters, 70’s party games, 70’s party food, and a video tribute from a number of employees and distributors who have contributed to the business since 1976.

Jason Smith, Managing Director, remarks, “Back in 1976 the incidence of serious hazards related to medical gas supply systems was described as ‘alarming’. My favourite inspirational quote is ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’ from Winston Churchill. I think this describes very aptly how my godfather, John Marron, went on to design and manufacture Bedfont’s first ever product; the TM3 Medi-Gas Check for ensuring gas supply systems were safe before use. This product undoubtedly saved lives and started Bedfont on a road of life-saving gas monitors. Back then, Bedfont employed one person and was based in a bedsit in London; now we employ 50 direct staff, have over 80 global distributors, and even have our own offices in Kent and Austria. We will continue to innovate new non-invasive breath analysis devices to bring these life-saving products into people’s homes worldwide, and hope to do so for the next 45 years!”

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce names Bedfont Scientific Ltd. as Innovative Business of the Year 2020/2021

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The KICC awards recognises Med-tech company, Bedfont’s innovative success

The long-awaited Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) awards took place on Thursday 18th November, and named medical device manufacturer, Bedfont, as Innovative Business of the Year.

The KICC awards, celebrated every year, brings together businesses across Kent, showcasing their amazing achievements. The awards had unfortunately been delayed due to COVID-19, but finally took place on Thursday at Westhanger Castle, Hythe, boasting an even more impressive evening than ever before.

Local medical technology business, Bedfont, was delighted to have received the accolade for Innovative business of the year. A multi-award winning medical device manufacturer, Bedfont is based in Harrietsham, Kent. Their products help to detect a range of medical conditions via breath analysis, removing the need for needles, blood samples, and long waiting time for results.

Managing Director, Jason Smith, explained, “It’s been a difficult couple of years, being a breath analysis device manufacturer during the Coronavirus pandemic – a disease spread by breath! However, Bedfont did what it does best; innovate. We adapted our products, resources, and services to better support both our employees and customers remotely and the Bedfont Family are over the moon to see that this has been recognised.”

Smokerlyzer®: Helping you resume CO breath testing this Stoptober

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Since 2012, Stoptober has been a successful campaign in helping people kick the habit; studies show that if you quit smoking for at least 28 days, you’re 5 times more likely to quit completely.

The Smokerlyzer® range of CO monitors for smoking cessation have been helping people to kick the habit for over 35 years worldwide. Quick, and easy to use, the monitor has a full-colour touchscreen and displays results using a traffic-light system, to help motivate patients to quit smoking.

Carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring is an effective tool for reinforcing motivation during quit attempts as well as validating outcomes, and to help you continue providing excellent smoking cessation consultations and behavioural support, Bedfont® has created some valuable resources to help you safely and effectively resume CO breath testing, including a step-by-step how-to guide and video.

For services that are not yet seeing patients face to face, the latest Smokerlyzer®, iCOquit®, is a personal CO monitor with instant results, ideal for remote CO monitoring.

To watch the videos or download these resources, please visit How-to resume CO breath testing with the Smokerlyzer®.

Bedfont Scientific Ltd. announces ODM deal with large medical supplier in China, Shenzhen Century Kangdu Medical Technology Co., Ltd.

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Medical device manufacturer, Bedfont, signs an ODM deal to supply Kangdu with its NObreath FeNO monitor

Shenzhen Century Kangdu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2017. The company is located in Pingshan District, Shenzhen, focusing on the R&D, manufacturing and sales of respiratory testing medical devices. Kangdu has signed an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) agreement with Bedfont for the new NObreath Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) monitor.

FeNO is a biomarker for airway inflammation, helping in the control and diagnosis of asthma and also the differentiation between asthma and other respiratory diseases.  Measuring FeNO through breath analysis, making the process quick, simple and non-invasive for both the GP and the patient. Interpreting FeNO levels aids in identifying patients who do/do not require on-going treatment whilst also differentiating between allergic (eosinophilic) and non-allergic asthma, and if used daily, FeNO measurements can help to predict exacerbations and attacks.

The ODM agreement for NObreath means Bedfont designs and manufactures the monitor and Kangdu distributes the product under their branding, EZbreath.

Mr. Zhu Chun Ming, Managing Director at Kangu, commented, “Bedfont’s NObreath is a very innovative and patient-friendly device; we are excited to integrate this monitor into our existing range of high-quality respiratory medical devices and help Bedfont expand its reach through the medical market in China.”

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont, adds, “We are looking forward to working with Kangdu to help improve asthma diagnosis and management in China. This new strategic partnership is a huge step for Bedfont as it will enable us to access this new market and help us to further highlight FeNO breath testing and its benefits.”

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