Biomed Diagnostics

Bringing the Lab to the Field from the Rogue Valley

In the late 1980’s, a group of physicians on a mercy mission in rural Central America found themselves in a difficult situation.

Without lab supplies or refrigeration, they had no way to isolate and identify what pathogens were causing illnesses among the people they wanted to help. Fast-forward seven years, to 1996. Engineer Robert Hall, and his chemist wife Jane, invented the first InPouch® and InTray® culture systems, which contained the supplies necessary to test microorganisms in both human and animal infections—not only in rural areas, but in third-world countries across the globe.

When Robert and Jane Hall wanted to retire, they planned to leave the bustle of California and settle in Southern Oregon. As it happened, the business preceded them to the Rogue Valley, where it was not only easier to operate, but less expensive. Today, Biomed Diagnostics Inc. continues to transform how scientists do tests in the field. With the simple to use InTray® or InPouch® culture system, pathogens can be collected and transported safely. Biomed Diagnostics Inc. “has brought the lab to the field,” stated Amir Kanji, CEO, and Barbara Hurd, Director of Marketing and Business Development.

Biomed Diagnostics is also known for building their own equipment. Constant innovation and creative engineers keep the products up-to-date in a world of rapidly developing diagnostic tests. Physicians in the field, scientists in the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and international aid agencies like Doctors without Borders, use Biomed products every day to research everything from deadly tropical diseases, to a farm animal’s illness.

One of the fastest growing industries today is in pet and animal health. Because Biomed’s products can be used to test animal microorganisms just as well as human ones, Biomed is leaving global footprints in animal health. The company is also looking to widen the scope of their tests. Whether this means expanding into Latin America, South Asia, or Africa, Biomed plans to make diagnostics simple for many more countries.

Five years ago Biomed had a staff of nine. Now, they have thirty plus employees and send their products to sixty-six countries, ranging from the U.S. to the far corners of Zambia. Biomed’s employees have to be organized and detail-oriented, and have an understanding of science and how microbiology works. Multi-lingual skills and communication skills (verbal and digital) are appreciated, though prior experience in a clean-room environment isn’t necessarily a prerequisite if the employee is willing to learn. “It’s an interesting job,” said Barbara. “Whether in analytics or in an administrative position, you get to work with very diverse customers.” Tucked away in a new building and a state-of-the-art lab, Biomed Diagnostic’s home-base is a scientist’s dream location. And since the company promotes from within, freshly graduated interns have a shot at a long and successful career.

“We want to keep making diagnostic tests that are affordable and give good results,” said Amir. “For instance, there is a disease that affects 500 million women worldwide. With our products, we have the opportunity to help.”

Biomed Diagnostics, Inc. | 1388 Antelope Rd., White City OR 97503 | www.biomeddiagnostics.com | 541-830-3000

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