Background

Fast MDx was spun out of BJS Company, which has been involved in PCR thermal cycling since 1991 and today, supplies most Tier 1 thermal cycler manufacturers with fast, accurate, silver heat exchange blocks.

Regulatory Approval

The NGX 124 platform is UKCA and CE-IVDR marked.

If your lab is accredited to ISO 15189, then you can validate and use your own Laboratory Developed Tests on the NGX 124 platform.

Quality Management System

All manufacturing is carried out under our ISO 13485 Quality Management System.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

High-throughput testing eliminates the need to transport samples in multiple vehicles, over long distances to centralised laboratories.

It also eliminates the need for secure transportation packaging of all sample tubes which ultimately has to be incinerated.

Ambition

We are a Social Enterprise with the ambition to bring low-cost, high-throughput, fast, molecular diagnostic testing to more peoples, in more settings around the World.

Fast MDx will provide clinicians with earlier, more informed results, allowing each patient to receive a faster, personalised clinical pathway.

Competition

NGX 124 replaces multi-million US Dollar automated platforms, as well as modular test equipment that requires around five biomedical scientists to operate for a similar daily test output.

Existing test systems can only be used in expensive, biosecure, centralised laboratories whilst NGX 124 is ruggedly built to be operate anywhere.

The Team

Richard Lewis

I have been involved with PCR since 1991 and want to provide all communities with the amazing benefit of Molecular Diagnostics.

I founded Fast MDx as a Social Enterprise as I am passionate about helping make a difference to people lives by providing pathology labs with low-cost, automated Molecular Diagnostic test capabilities.

In my spare time, you’ll find me watching rugby, clay pigeon shooting or skiing.

Rana Paul

I am a Design Engineer at Fast MDx, specialising in electromechanical design and development, with expertise in 2D drafting, 3D CAD modelling, and prototyping using 3D printing and laser cutting.

I collaborate closely with partner organisations and suppliers to ensure seamless integration of components within the Fast MDx platform while maintaining rigorous design documentation.

Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, I also support team training and quality inspections. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and cooking, which fuel my creativity and curiosity.

Stacey Lewis

I have worked as an art director and designer for many years, for both small and large companies, including running my own design company for twenty years.

I joined Fast MDx in 2022 as Marketing Director and am responsible for everything visual, creating logos, branding, interfacing, marketing material and the website.

In my spare time, I love going to the theatre, architectural walks around cities and visiting art galleries.

Ian Gunter

I am Head of R&D at Fast MDx and am qualified in metallurgy and material science, which provides a good basis for more wide ranging activities, such as thermal cycler design and programming.

I have been involved in PCR technology since 1998, and still think it is one of the modern medical marvels that has developed into a “gold standard” method, that is still finding new applications.

In my spare time, you’ll find me on the range, target shooting, or on the river bank fishing.

Ana Fernandez

I am a biotechnologist with expertise in oncology research, biomarker detection and PCR-based technologies. As Chief Scientific Officer at Fast MDx, I help shape the scientific direction and support the development and validation of our automated diagnostics platform, ensuring high performance, usability and regulatory compliance. I enjoy working across teams to solve complex problems and move impactful diagnostic innovations toward reality.

Outside of work, I love exploring new places, trying new cuisines and practicing Pilates.

Mark Otridge

I have many years of experience in both large and small companies, ensuring the smooth transition of products from the R&D stage to full-scale manufacture.
As Director of Engineering at Fast MDx my responsibilities cover operations, quality, purchasing, sub-contractor liaison and overseeing the excellent Fast MDx engineers.

Outside of work, you’ll find me on my bike, either with my local club or as a group leader on charity events around the UK and Europe.

Shujat Shah

I’m a Project Engineer at Fast MDx, where I coordinate engineering efforts across hardware, software, and laboratory systems. I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering and play a key role in the development and deployment of the NGX 124, often taking on project management responsibilities to keep work moving efficiently and on schedule. I’m naturally curious and enjoy building, fixing, and improving things, whether that’s solving technical challenges at work or taking on hands-on projects outside of it.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, tinkering with projects, and restoring cars.

Angelos Tsatsi

I joined Fast MDx in 2023 as the quality management administrator and was part of the team that helped to achieve ISO:13485 certification in 2023 and regulatory approval in 2024.

I work closely with the rest of the team to ensure regulatory compliance is maintained and have led the process for the ISO surveillance audits in 2024 and 2025.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing the guitar, learning new languages and doing Jiu-jitsu.

Callum Lewis

I am a Founder Associate at Fast MDx. I support operations and financial decision making through market research and practical commercial modelling, shaping pricing, launch plans, and international expansion.

I hold an MSc in Management and am PRINCE2 certified, and I love bringing structure to fast-moving, ambiguous projects. I’m driven by Fast MDx’s mission to widen access to affordable, automated molecular diagnostics. Outside of work, you’ll find me working on my MGB, watching F1, or skiing.