Smith BioMed was founded in 2002 with a pioneering vision: to leverage rapid, on-site disposable tests for detecting drugs of abuse in the workplace. Emerging in an era where these types of tests were gaining traction across the United States and Europe, we recognised the power of quick, reliable drug detection methods through urine and saliva testing. These tests could be performed efficiently, making workplaces not only safer but also more productive. Over time, we evolved to embrace point-of-care medical diagnostics, where our mission to improve health outcomes grew stronger. Our work has always been about innovation and addressing the pressing health challenges facing society.
We come from a place of wanting better health for all, read on to find out where we started and how we are now a leading provider of at-home rapid testing kits, with direct access to the latest advancements in global pharmaceutical research.
Our Origins in Workplace Safety and Productivity
When we began, our initial focus was on improving workplace safety. Drug and alcohol abuse posed significant health risks for employees and operational risks for businesses. Our rapid, disposable tests provided an innovative solution: they enabled employers to screen effectively on-site without the delays or costs associated with lab-based testing. Companies could take action swiftly, which in turn promoted a safer work environment and led to unexpected productivity gains.
Over the years, the success of this initial foray into workplace safety drove us to continuously explore ways to enhance health outcomes. This initial impact confirmed for us the potential of point-of-care testing to serve as a catalyst for positive change in a range of industries.
Expanding into Medical Diagnostics: A Natural Next Step
As the years passed, we recognised an opportunity to use our expertise in rapid testing for another vital purpose: medical diagnostics. With a design structure similar to our initial drug and alcohol tests, point-of-care diagnostic tools allowed us to diversify and deepen our impact. We entered this field with the goal of addressing three main benefits: early diagnosis, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Early diagnosis is transformative. It gives patients and healthcare providers more time and options to manage health issues before they escalate. Our products offer immediate results that can inform critical decisions right at the point of care. Whether it’s testing for common infections or other health markers, our diagnostic solutions empower healthcare providers to give proactive care.
Convenience is also a key advantage. Our point-of-care tests allow for immediate diagnosis, bypassing the need for lab processing. This saves time, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas, where access to laboratory services can be limited. We are proud to offer solutions that bridge these gaps and make healthcare more accessible.
Finally, the cost benefits of our tests are substantial. Laboratory testing can be prohibitively expensive, both for healthcare providers and patients. Our point-of-care diagnostics reduce overall healthcare costs by minimising lab expenses and promoting more targeted use of resources.
Leading the Way in Innovation
At Smith BioMed, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of medical diagnostic innovation. We maintain close ties in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, ensuring that our products reflect the latest advances.
The team behind our innovation is an elite group of experts who all play their part in making Smith BioMed a leading industry provider of on-site and home testing kits.
- John Spurway, our Executive Director focuses on growth and development throughout New Zealand and Australia. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the business sector and wants to develop technologies for the greater good of peoples’ health.
- Cathy Thurston is one of the Directors who has a background in education, HR and management Cathy’s experience in general management has led us to have a customer-centric focus in everything we do.
- We’ve also got Elizabeth Plant on our team who is our Clinical Consultant and a highly skilled clinical pharmacist. Elizabeth’s skill set and profound knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry have allowed Smith BioMed to be at the forefront of innovation and bringing our products to market.
From bowel screening to sperm concentration, we’ve created a comprehensive range of at-home tests to help people with the first step of optimising and taking control of their own health. Our goal is to remove any barriers that prevent people from prioritising their health and providing accessible, fast, and cost-effective diagnostic tests makes that possible.
Combating the Drug Addiction Crisis
Drug addiction is a growing public health crisis, impacting families, communities, and economies around the world. We see our rapid testing solutions as critical tools in combating this epidemic. By enabling rapid detection of drugs of abuse, our products are instrumental in identifying and addressing drug use. This is especially vital in areas where addiction rates are high, providing a line of defence for both employers and families.
Our latest generation of drug detection tests offers expanded testing menus, covering a broader range of drugs. This adaptability allows healthcare providers and employers to respond to changing trends and emerging drugs, maintaining a high standard of care and safety. Our forensic screening tools, designed for on-site, rapid response, provide invaluable support to organisations committed to fighting drug misuse and protecting public health.
A Vision for the Future: Better Health for All
Our journey has always been about creating a healthier, safer society. From our beginnings in workplace drug testing to our present-day focus on comprehensive point-of-care diagnostics, we’ve held onto our commitment to innovation, reliability, and community well-being. Looking ahead, we envision a future where access to high-quality, affordable health diagnostics is universal—a future in which early diagnosis and rapid testing prevent illness, improve outcomes, and empower individuals to take control of their health and to live healthier lives.
We’re continuing to expand our range of diagnostics, exploring applications in both chronic and acute health conditions so that you, at home, can have more control over your own health. A major benefit of our at home tests is that it gives you a chance to control something that is often out of your hands. There’s no having to book and wait for a doctor’s appointment and no waiting for your tests to go through the health system and your results to be sent back to you. Your instant test result that you do at home means you can have instant peace of mind and allow you to take action right away.
Why We’re Here: Quick Tests, Clear Results and Better Health
Smith BioMed’s mission is clear: to create better health for everyone. Our story is one of constant evolution and unwavering dedication to improving lives. By empowering workplaces, supporting healthcare providers, and staying at the forefront of diagnostic innovation, we are contributing to a future where health challenges are met with practical, effective solutions.
As we move forward, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical diagnostics. We will continue to listen, innovate, and act in ways that make healthcare safer, more accessible, and more effective.
Our story has only just begun. Together, let’s continue to create better health.