Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.

Bio Break

Quick Insights into MedTech and Biotech Innovation

Welcome to Bio Break, a video series brought to you by StarFish Medical. Each episode delivers bite-sized, bio-focused insights on medical device product development and biotechnology in five minutes or less. Designed for busy innovators, Bio Break is your quick opportunity to learn something new, get inspired, and continue making an impact—all while taking a short pause in your day.

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Watch our latest Bio Break episodes

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From ELISA to At-Home COVID Tests

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on highlights from ADLM in Chicago. This episode explores how diagnostics like COVID testing evolved from lab-based ELISA methods to rapid at-home lateral flow kits—and what it means for the future of diagnostic innovation.

Why ADLM Is the Most Important Lab Diagnostics Showcase

Nick and Nigel talk about the importance of ADLM 2025 in Chicago. Hear why it’s the leading laboratory diagnostics showcase

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Past Episodes

  • A gloved hand holds a COVID-19 lateral flow test in front of a white bathroom sink and tiled wall. Overlay text reads: ‘From ELISA to DIY?’ in bold white font on a black background.

    ADLM Diagnostics Innovation and COVID Testing

    Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on recent ADLM diagnostics innovation and how it has shaped the future of clinical testing.

  • loved hand holding a blood vial in front of blurred Chicago skyline. Overlay text says ‘From vial… To Chicago?’ in bold white font on black background.

    Laboratory Diagnostics Showcase at ADLM 2025

    Each summer, the laboratory diagnostics showcase hosted by the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) draws industry leaders to Chicago.

  • Thumbnail showing a vial of clear contrast agent on the left, with a red dotted arrow pointing to an X-ray image of a skull displayed on a tablet held by a person in a white coat. Overlay text reads “Not approved here?” in bold black and white text.

    Understanding Contrast Agents in Imaging

    Nigel and Nick explore how contrast agents in imaging support medical device trials and diagnostics. While bones appear clearly in standard X-rays, soft tissues like those in the nasal cavity often require contrast agents to become visible.

  • A disposable medical syringe is pointed toward a small pile of pennies, with a red dotted arrow connecting them. The text overlay reads, “So cheap. So complex.”

    How Syringe Engineering Enables Precision at Scale

    Despite costing just pennies, syringes pack an extraordinary amount of design and manufacturing complexity. From precision-molded barrels to breathably sealed packaging, these tools are more than meets the eye.

  • Jet Injector Drug Delivery - A gloved hand holds a syringe angled upward on a white background. A red dashed arrow curves upward from the syringe needle, pointing to empty space. Large black text on the left reads “Outdated?” suggesting a question about the relevance or currency of syringe-based technology.

    Jet Injector Drug Delivery: Promise and Pitfalls

    Nick and Nigel dive into the world of jet injector drug delivery. This needle-free method, made popular in science fiction and real-world vaccines, is still used today.

  • Cupping therapy on a person's back with six transparent suction cups applied to the skin. A bold text reads 'This is the future!' with a large red arrow pointing toward the cups. The background is minimal and white.

    Injection Pain Reduction with Suction: A Simple Solution

    Nick and Nigel explore a surprising approach to injection pain reduction using suction technology. What started as an unusual product order at StarFish Medical led to important insights on improving patient comfort during injections.

  • Person applying a white microneedle patch to their upper arm, with a red arrow pointing to the patch and a close-up of the microneedles on the right. Text reads “Painless!” to highlight the pain-free nature of the patch.

    Why Microneedles Still Matter in Drug Delivery

    Nigel and Nick explore microneedle drug delivery—a growing field in medtech that aims to improve patient comfort and treatment compliance. While the term "microneedles" may sound futuristic, this technology has been around for years.

  • Illustration of suppository drug delivery method. Rectangular blister pack of suppositories, which are making a comeback in drug delivery, on a blue background with one suppository placed outside the packaging. Large bold text reads 'What a comeback!' with a red arrow pointing toward the suppositories, suggesting renewed interest or relevance.

    Suppository Drug Delivery Is Making a Comeback

    Nick and Nigel discuss an often-overlooked but increasingly relevant form of drug delivery: suppositories. While typically considered old-fashioned, suppositories are experiencing a resurgence in modern MedTech thanks to their versatility, systemic absorption benefits, and emerging formulation technologies.

  • A gloved hand holds a syringe near the palm of another hand, which has a white grid drawn on it. The needle is poised to inject at the intersection of the lines. The background is plain white, drawing focus to the skin and procedural markings.

    Precision in Practice: Exploring Aesthetic Drug Delivery

    While most people think of Botox as a simple beauty treatment, there’s a surprising amount of engineering, anatomy, and precision behind the process.