News & Blog
VivaChek pricing 2022
Friday 5th November 2021
J R Biomedical Ltd
Our aim with VivaChek has always been to provide high quality products, expert customer service and the lowest possible price for the NHS. Despite recent external factors including COVID and increases in the costs of raw materials and international shipping, together with the impact of brexit on the additional costs of overheads and regulatory requirements for medical devices, we have recently reviewed our NHS pricing for VivaChek test strips and lancets and decided that the best way to continue to support the NHS will be to maintain our current prices, which have been unchanged for the past five years.
Thank you!
Thursday 17th December 2020
Dr John Rees
A difficult year? Such an understatement, but at least there is now hope with the first COVID vaccine now being rolled out in the UK and more to follow. Despite lockdowns, tiers and firebreaks we have managed to continue supply to the NHS and pharmaceutical wholesalers without interruption and my thanks to our dedicated team of staff for helping us achieve this. Thank you also to all essential and key-workers, especially those working for the NHS under the toughest of conditions, many of whom will be working over Christmas and unable to travel to see their families. THANK YOU!
Control solution or blood sample? VivaChek knows the difference
Thursday 17th October 2019
Most popular blood glucose meter models still require the user to 'tell' the meter when a control solution is being used, usually by pressing one or more buttons before or after the sample is added. If the patient forgets, or doesn't know how, to tell the meter that the sample is from a control solution and not blood then the result will be incorrectly stored as a patient's blood glucose reading and used for averaging. This could have important implications for meeting DVLA requirements and patient care. Control solution readings, particularly from a control solution with normal levels of glucose, will distort the patient's averages to look better than they actually are. In a worst scenario, control solutions could be deliberately…
VivaChek - the inside story
Thursday 10th October 2019
JR Biomedical Ltd
VivaChek continues to expand operations world wide in the point of care testing (POCT) and self monitoring of blood glucose sectors.
Savings for NHS CCGs with VivaChek Blood Glucose Test Strips
Wednesday 31st July 2019
Although a major concern for NHS CCGs is the rising cost of SMBG, the convenience, quality and reliability of blood glucose test results are key factors for patient care. The VivaChek blood glucose monitoring system is ISO15197:2013 (EN ISO15197:2015) certified and easy to set up and use. Features include; automatic control recognition, test strip ejector and a 900 result memory (which cannot be deleted), ketone alert and alarms. The VivaChek meter is suitable for uncomplicated type 1 diabetes as well as type 2, locked to mmoles/L for UK patients and Diasend compatible. The VivaChek test strips are available on NHS drug tariff currently priced £8.99 for 50 strips (2 x 25 strip vials). Customer support is provided by the UK distributor JR Biomedical Ltd…
Successful ISO9001 audit
Monday 18th February 2019
Following an external audit by Approachable Certification for ISO9001:2015, we are pleased to announce that JR Biomedical's Quality System met the requirements of the new standard with zero non-compliances. The audit demonstrating once again our commitment to quality and customer service towards the NHS and medical research community.
JR Biomedical is awarded ISO13485:2016 certification
Monday 4th February 2019
We are pleased to announce that following a 3 day audit of our facility in North Wales by United Registrar of Systems (URS), we have been successful in attaining ISO13485:2016 Quality System accreditation for the manufacturing of in-vitro diagnostic products.
Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2019 from VivaChek
Monday 24th December 2018
Thank you to all our VivaChek customers, diabetes specialist nurses and medicines management teams. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
VivaChek from NHS Supply Chain
Thursday 19th July 2018
We are pleased to confirm that the VivaChek blood glucose meter, test strips and lancets are now available through the NHS Supply Chain. Special pricing has been negotiated to offer affordable test strips for the monitoring of uncomplicated diabetes whether in clinic or hospital for professional use or for the self monitoring of blood glucose levels by your patients at home. The VivaChek monitoring system is simple to use, providing fast, reliable results including features such as; automatic control recognitionstores 900 patient results - not deleteable0.5µl sample sizewide haematocrit and temperature compensationfixed to mmoles/lstrip ejectortest alarms The system has independent, published evidence of ISO15197:2015 compliance and is supported by a nurse led customer care team. For further information please contact JR Biomedical on Freephone…
Test strip subscription service for type 2 diabetics
Tuesday 17th July 2018
A new subscription service has been launched to help make the purchase of test strips more affordable for type 2 diabetics that need to check their blood glucose levels, but cannot get test strips free on prescription. The new service is called Millimoles.com and has two plans; one for lite users and one for standard users at £18 per month or quarter depending on the quantity of test strips required. The price includes a free blood glucose meter when you start your subscription and free disposable lancets with every pack of test strips. There is no delivery charge and you can change, pause or stop your subscription at any time. All subscribers will also benefit from JR Biomedical's customer service which has…
Get a FREE Blood Glucose Meter Today
Thursday 12th July 2018
You can get a free VivaChek Blood Glucose Meter Starter Pack (RSP £24.99) during July 2018 by collecting in person from our laboratory in St Asaph, North Wales. Or see below how you can order online (a small charge of £3.95 towards p+p will be payable). VivaChek blood glucose test strips and lancets are available free of charge on prescription or to purchase from your pharmacy. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please visit our online partner Health Check Shop and use coupon code FREEVIVA when you 'View Cart' before checkout. The offer is limited to one pack per person. UK mainland only. We reserve the right to discontinue this offer or refuse to supply at any time.
Type 2 diabetes? Please take our quick survey
Wednesday 13th June 2018
We are always looking at ways to make blood glucose monitoring more affordable for type 2 diabetics and would appreciate your help to complete a (very) short survey regarding your use of blood glucose test strips. The survey can be completed in less than a minute and we really would appreciate your help. All responses are anonymous and we will not ask for any personal details. Please click here to start the survey. Thank you!
JR Biomedical Gains ISO9001:2015 Accreditation
Tuesday 24th April 2018
I am pleased to announce that JR Biomedical, the UK distributor for VivaChek blood glucose meters has today received certification to ISO9001:2015 in recognition of our ongoing commitment to quality and customer service. My thanks goes to Nicola, our Regulatory Manager, who once again has achieved certification with zero non-compliances. Dr John Rees FIBMS Director.
Free Diabetes Meters For Diabetics in North Wales
Thursday 4th January 2018
J R Biomedical Ltd
This January, we are giving away free blood glucose meters and test strips to diabetics living in North Wales. The VivaChek meter is simple to set up and is ideal for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics with uncomplicated diabetes. The meter requires one of the smallest amounts of blood of any blood glucose meter, giving a reliable result in 5 seconds. Replacement test strips are available on NHS prescription and customer care is available by phone, online chat, web and email. Most type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin have to buy their own meters from a pharmacy. If buying online, it is important to check that the device is approved for use in the UK and that…
Happy Christmas!
Tuesday 19th December 2017
We would like to wish all our VivaChek customers a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year! This year has been a very exciting time at our laboratory in North Wales with the launch of of the VivaChek blood glucose meter, a number of research collaborations completed and more planned for 2018. You can find out more about our products for medical research at www.jrbiomedical.com Happy Christmas!
VivaChek in Northern Ireland
Monday 23rd October 2017
We are pleased to announce that the VivaChek Ino blood glucose monitoring system is now available in Northern Ireland. The Health and Social Board of Northern Ireland has just published their Guideline on the Choice of Blood Glucose Meters and Test Strips for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (September 2017). The aim of the guideline is to assist healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care with the appropriate selection of blood glucose meters and testing strips for patients with type 2 diabetes to enable self monitoring of their blood glucose levels. With the current annual cost of prescribing test strips in Northern Ireland of over £8 million per year, considerable savings could be achieved by switching to the VivaChek system. Currently, 75% of…
Effect of haematocrit on blood glucose measurements
Monday 23rd October 2017
Over and under estimation of blood glucose levels due to the haematocrit level is a common source of error in self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Anaemia falsely elevates whilst polycythaemia and dehydration falsely depresses blood glucose levels. The magnitude of this effect may vary about 4 to 30% for every 10% change in haematocrit depending on the blood glucose meter used (1,2,3). According to the WHO, anaemia affects almost a quarter of the world population representing around half of pre-school children and 2 in 5 pregnant women (4). Although some blood glucose meters have errors as high as 40%, the innovative automatic haematocrit correction technology used by VivaChek ensures that the VivaChek Ino blood glucose meter provides accurate results for patients…
Diabetes UK shop to supply VivaChek test strips, lancets and meters
Wednesday 6th September 2017
We are pleased to announce that VivaChek customers can now obtain supplies of test strips, lancets and new meters from the Diabetes UK webshop. VivaChek test strips and lancets are also available on NHS prescription. JRBiomedical supplies GP surgeries and NHS diabetes clinics with free VivaChek starter packs. For further information please contact JRBiomedical Ltd.
VivaChek has its own Twitter account in the UK
Friday 18th August 2017
It's long overdue but we have finally decided to separate the VivaChek social media from the JRBiomedical account. We decided to set up @VivaChekUK on Twitter so that the information can be more specific for diabetics, CCGs and DSNs and provide an easy way for VivaChek users to contact us through social media. You can reach our new Twitter account here. The JRBiomedical account will continue to provide information on company news.
Impact of the New 2017 EU Regulations on Importers and Distributors of Medical Diagnostics
Monday 22nd May 2017
This article is a brief overview of the changes to be brought about by the new regulations for medical device importers or distributors and how these may impact current supply and distribution agreements. When revising new supplier and tendering agreements, these changes and obligations should be taken into consideration to be compliant with the new regulations and to prevent any individual liability issues that may arise. Background Since 1998, all medical diagnostic tests both for professional laboratory and home use, known as IVD's (in vitro diagnostic devices) have been regulated in the EU by the In Vitro Diagnostic Device (IVD) Directive 98/79 EC. These regulations were brought in to standardise the quality and acceptable performance (accuracy, sensitivity, reliability etc) of all tests marketed…
GlucoWell App now available for IOS and Android
Thursday 11th May 2017
The free GlucoWell App from VivaChek Laboratories Inc is now available for download from Apple and Google play for IOS and Android phones. The App installs in minutes and makes tracking your blood glucose levels simple. The GlucoWell App can also track and analyse glucose levels, diet, medication and exercise data, helping you to control your diabetes more effectively. You can also share your logbook with your healthcare professional or family. Download for free from Apple for IOS or Google Play for Android.
New medical device regulations become UK law on 25th May 2017
Thursday 4th May 2017
With the new Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations (IVDR) being published 5th May and becoming law on the 25th of May we are pleased to provide free help and answer any questions from medicines management professionals who are commissioning medical devices. The new regulations affect all medical devices and in vitro diagnostics including blood glucose meters for self monitoring through to CT scanners and laboratory tests. Although there is a transition period, all manufacturers and distributors must follow the new regulations. To register for updates on the implications of the new medical device regulations please confirm your details.
Why your patient’s averages may be less reliable than you’d expect
Thursday 13th April 2017
All blood glucose meters available in the UK must now meet the requirements of the ISO15197:2013 international standard for providing reliable readings and most blood glucose meter manufacturers have published independent clinical evidence proving compliance with this standard. Unfortunately, no international standard can predict how blood glucose meters intended for self monitoring are ultimately used by your patients. In the hospital laboratory it is expected for biomedical scientists to run control samples when analysing patient specimens to ensure that the equipment is accurately calibrated and providing reliable results. Likewise, blood glucose meter manufacturers recommend that it is good practice for diabetics to regularly check their meter with a control solution. Reputable manufacturers provide tri-level controls of low, normal and high…
Minister for Skills and Technology visits JRBiomedical
Friday 17th February 2017
Julie James AM, Minister for Skills and Technology met with Dr John Rees, director of JRBiomedical Ltd on Thursday morning along with other medical and technology companies who have their research laboratories based at Glyndŵr University in North Wales. Dr Rees gave Julie James AM a brief introduction to the company, demonstrated their new bluetooth enabled blood glucose meter and spoke about plans of a feasibility study to develop a new noninvasive concept in monitoring blood glucose levels. As well as distributing the VivaChek range of blood glucose meters on behalf of US company, VivaChek Laboratories Inc, JRBiomedical also develops, manufactures and distributes diagnostics for monitoring pharmaceutical processes and clinical diagnostics for use by hospitals and medical research institutes. The VivaChek range of…
Ten key points to consider when choosing a new blood glucose meter
Thursday 9th February 2017
How do you choose the best glucose meter for your specific needs and what to avoid? Here are ten key things to consider before changing your meter. 1. Are the test strips available on prescription? With increasing constraints being placed on NHS resources, health commissioners are always looking for ways to save tax payers money. Although blood glucose meters are supplied free of charge to the NHS by most medical companies, savings can still be made by the NHS advocating the supply of meters with lower priced test strips. Because of this, not all test strips are available on prescription and others may be restricted depending on your type of diabetes. Most NHS regions now restrict the availability of test strips, recommending only those…
New Quality Policy
Tuesday 17th January 2017
Our Quality Policy has been updated (12/1/17) Quality Policy JRBiomedical Ltd is a supplier of class 1 medical devices and in vitro diagnostic tests for both professional and self test use. The quality management system of JRBiomedical Ltd has been designed to comply with the international standard ISO 13485:2016 and to meet all the statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as those defined by its customers. The management of JRBiomedical is committed to the maintenance of the effectiveness and continual improvement of the quality management system and to ensuring that the quality policy and objectives are communicated to, understood and engaged with by all employees, and to provide the highest possible level of customer service and care. The Quality Policy shall be regularly…
Low Price Glucose Test Strip Initiative for Type 2 Diabetics
Tuesday 6th December 2016
For the majority of type 2 diabetics, access to free blood glucose test strips on NHS prescription and free blood glucose meters from manufacturers is restricted. Perhaps that is not surprising. With an estimated cost of £170 million a year spent by the NHS on test strips for type 1 diabetics alone. Today, JRBiomedical, the North Wales biotech who recently launched the VivaChek blood glucose meter (RRP £24.95) in the UK, announced that it is running a trial where it will provide a further 200 test strips for just an extra £5 when purchased at the same time as the meter. The bundle will be ideal for some type 2 diabetics that need to test infrequently - providing sufficient strips for…
Noninvasive blood glucose monitor
Monday 14th November 2016
JRBiomedical Ltd, the North Wales biotech company distributing the new VivaChek blood glucose meter in the UK, is to start a feasibility study in to the technical and commercial viability of a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring system for diabetics. Currently, insulin dependent diabetics need to test their blood glucose levels several times a day using a lancet to produce a blood sample. Although the amount of blood required by blood glucose monitors, such as VivaChek, is only 0.5µL in volume, repeated use of lancets everyday can cause soreness and discomfort. A simple device, that avoids the need for a blood sample would be a significant step forward in the management of diabetes with opportunities to increase patient compliance with testing and a…
Test kits for diabetes research
Thursday 10th November 2016
As well as launching the VivaChek blood glucose monitoring system this winter, JRBiomedical also provides a wide range of immunoassays for research and clinical use. In particular, the following ELISA kits are now available in the UK to help researchers and clinicians studying diabetes. AdiponectinAnti GAD (Glutamic acid decarboxylase)C-peptideInsulin antibodyInsulinProinsulin For further information on diabetes ELISA kits or to view the full range of laboratory diagnostics from JRBiomedical please visit www.immunoassay.co.uk
Our New Customer Service Charter
Friday 4th November 2016
We have just published our Customer Charter which summarises our commitment to customer service. As part of our quality system we have a list of Approved Suppliers that we rely on. We know that they provide us with high quality products and customer service which allows us to meet the levels of quality and service expected from us by our customers too. In particular; allow customers access to our regulatory, scientific and clinical expertiseprocessing all orders the same day as they are received whenever possibleoperating to a documented quality system according to ISO13485:2016responding to customer enquiries in a professional and timely mannerholding monthly management meetings to discuss and implement quality improvements
Anti GAD ELISA in Diabetes Research
Friday 4th November 2016
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is an auto antigen which is thought to be one of the main factors involved in triggering specific autoimmune reactions towards pancreatic beta cells, the cells which produce Insulin within the pancreas. Around 80% of patients with recent onset type I diabetes mellitus have anti GAD antibodies within the serum, and it can also be found in those patients defined as 'pre diabetic'. [Jun et al. 2002, Sørgjerd et al. 2015]. Although Anti GAD can be found in individuals who are not diabetic and have no signs of being likely to develop diabetes, a study in 2015 [Sørgjerd et al.] looked at the presence of anti GAD in patients who are 'persistently non diabetic' and found that…
Evidence of VivaChek accuracy published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
Thursday 6th October 2016
We are pleased to hear that a paper has been published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology demonstrating the accuracy of the VivaChek Blood Glucose Monitoring System (SMBG). Samples from 104 patients were tested with three different lots of VivaChek Ino test strips versus the gold standard laboratory YSI2300 STAT PLUS system. (1) The study concludes that the VivaChek Ino SMBG system exceeds the minimum analytical and clinical accuracy requirements stipulated by ISO 15197:2013 across the range of low, medium and high levels of blood glucose. (1) Bernd Hehmke, PhD, Sabine Berg, PhD, and Eckhard Salzsieder, PhD (2016) Accuracy Evaluation of a CE-Marked Glucometer System for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose With Three Reagent Lots Following ISO 15197:2013. J Diabetes Sci…
Insulin resistance and adiponectin
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Adiponectin is one of the "bioactive molecules" which is released by adipose tissue, its role is in the regulation of glucose and lipids. [Aleidi et al. 2015] It is known that obesity often accompanies insulin resistance and so initial studies looked at secretory proteins related to adipose tissue in order to understand further the links between central obesity and problems such as insulin resistance. The study by Arita et al.[1999] found that the mean "plasma concentration of adiponectin in non obese subjects was 8.9 ±5.4 mg/ml, whereas the mean in obese subjects was much lower at 3.7± 3.2 mg/ml. A strong negative correlation was observed between plasma adiponectin levels and body mass indices (BMIs) in both men and women". Early research…
Self monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Wednesday 17th August 2016
The most recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the management of type 2 diabetes in adults recommends that there are specific patient groups who would benefit from self monitoring of their blood glucose levels in order to appropriately manage their condition. These patients include; those who are being treated with insulin, patients who have suffered hypoglycaemic episodes, if a patient is on oral medication which may increase their risk of hypoglycaemia during operating machinery or whilst driving, and also patients who are pregnant or planning on falling pregnant. Self testing is also recommended if a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus is started on corticosteroids, or to confirm suspected hypoglycaemia. [NICE 2015] Additional guidance has…
Brexit, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Medical Devices
Tuesday 2nd August 2016
The impact of the UK's vote to leave the EU could have major implications on the commissioning of health and social care by the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England and Health Boards in Wales. The NHS is currently in deficit for the second year running; an analysis published in May by the regulator NHS Improvement showed the amount health trusts overspent by has gone from £0.85 billion in 2014/15 to £2.45 billion in 2015/16. CCGsBefore the referendum, HM Treasury stated that a vote to leave the EU would result in 'an immediate and profound economic shock, creating instability and uncertainty' and that in the longer term the UK 'would be permanently poorer' (HM Treasury 2016a, 2016b). This economic and political…
JRBiomedical at ABCD Driving Quality Outcomes in Diabetes Care
Thursday 23rd June 2016
JRBiomedical attended the Driving Quality Outcomes in Diabetes Care national workshop at the Kegworth Hotel and Conference Centre on the 24th June 2016. Four venues were linked through Skype which worked well and saved travelling time for many delegates in the North of England that would have had to travel to London. The event was attended by commissioners, clinicians, diabetes specialist nurses and other key stakeholders. The workshop topics included; Driving quality outcomes in type 1 diabetesDriving quality outcomes in type 2 diabetesCo-morbidity and frailty in people with diabetes: Why should you careWhat are the challenges and solutions for commissioners in diabetesCase examples of how to commission quality outcomes and value in diabetesDeveloping a service specification for type 1 diabetesHow to redefine integrated…
VivaChek Singapore and VivaChek India were established
Friday 8th April 2016
Recently, VivaChek Singapore and VivaChek India were established. VivaChek blood glucose meters were launched last year, and are available in over 30 countries around the world. The foundation of the VivaChek Singapore branch and VivaChek India branch will speed up the global reach of the VivaChek company. Most importantly, the positive feedback from customers all over the world regarding the reliability is very encouraging. From now on, with the foundation of new branch companies in Singapore and India, VivaChek will provide an even better service to its customers in these two countries. Since the establishment of VivaChek Inc, our quality system and production management are carried out in strict accordance with GMP, ISO and FDA QSR requirements. VivaChek takes advantage of…
JRBiomedical at the Pharmacy Show NEC Birmingham
Saturday 31st October 2015
In October 2015, JRBiomedical exhibited our range of pharmacy products at the Pharmacy Show located at the NEC in Birmingham. As well as speaking with current and prospective customers, wholesalers and pharmacy buyers we also had the opportunity to talk to other manufacturers and suppliers. Also visiting our stand was the Sales Director of Motility Count ApS, who flew in from Denmark for the day to support the UK launch of their SwimCount male fertility test. Our thanks to the organisers of the show and the helpful team on site that provided the resources required to make our visit a success.