In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Alpha Laboratories Ltd. as our Diagnostics and Laboratory Solutions Company of the Month.
Founded in 1975, Alpha Laboratories has been a trusted partner for UK scientists, offering high-quality diagnostics and lab solutions with a personal touch. Still family-owned and guided by a mission to improve lives through science, the company provides a wide range of diagnostic assays, reagents, and equipment across blood grouping, clinical chemistry, haematology, haemostasis, immunology, and microbiology, from its base in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
A leader in advanced Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) and calprotectin assays, Alpha Laboratories supports National Bowel Screening Programs and offers precise, non-invasive IBD diagnosis and monitoring, reducing the need for endoscopies. With a full selection of lab products – from pipettes to PCR consumables – and dedicated technical support, Alpha Laboratories remains the trusted choice for clinical labs.
“We are firmly focussed on developing precise diagnostic tools for earlier, more accurate disease detection. In digestive health, we have helped introduce the use of advanced Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) for bowel cancer detection, offering a more sensitive, accessible, and less invasive screening. Additionally, Alpha Labs introduced calprotectin testing in the UK for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), allowing reliable, non-invasive monitoring that reduces unnecessary endoscopies. The IBDoc® home test enables patients to use a smartphone app to share results with their clinicians, streamlining remote disease management and minimising clinic visits,” said Carole Staniford, Marketing Director.
Bowel cancer is among the most common cancers in the UK, and National Bowel Screening Programmes play a critical role in early detection. Alpha Labs has been a longstanding partner of these programmes, contributing to the gradual decline in bowel cancer mortality rates and helping to ease the NHS burden. Additionally, Calprotectin testing has greatly improved the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
“Calprotectin testing offers a non-invasive alternative to colonoscopies; they are more affordable and can be performed quickly in a routine setting. Patients with diagnosed conditions can have their inflammation levels checked regularly through simple stool tests, which helps clinicians monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.” added Carole.
It is clear to see Alpha Labs is more than just a product supplier. Each team of scientific specialist’s work in partnership with laboratory and clinical professionals to create complete solutions to support their needs, and this is further demonstrated with the introduction of complete patient packs for sample collection and return, together with The Alpha Portal for improving kit supply logistics. The Alpha Portal streamlines sample kit distribution, whether for direct-to-patient orders or bulk orders for GPs and clinics. This online system enhances user control over logistics, offering a scalable, traceable, and efficient solution.
Lynne Taylor, Study Coordinator at NHS Tayside Hospital stated, “My workflow has greatly improved… I can also say that using the portal has released me to take on new tasks and responsibilities.”
Looking ahead, the increase in telemedicine, remote testing and care will remain a key driver for Alpha Labs. The company has expertise in UN3373 regulated transport for biological samples and is expanding its offering to customised patient sample collection and return kits.
Carole gave us some insight for what’s to come from Alpha Labs.
“We have partnered with Clinical Design Technologies to market and support the world’s first digital closed urine testing system. This innovative technology offers unmatched clinical efficacy, simplicity, and accuracy, setting a new standard for urinalysis at point-of-care. We have also developed a range of at home Capillary Blood Collection kits that aim to support and enhance patient pathways, whilst reducing unnecessary hospital appointments and increasing health monitoring capacities.”
In the last four years, Alpha Labs has grown in size by 50%. Continuing its focus on further developing its solutions-based offerings, the future of the medical industry looks in great hands.
For more information, please see below:
T 02380 487212
www.alphalabs.co.uk