US-based medical technology companies BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Babson Diagnostics announced an expansion of their fingertip blood collection and testing solution.
In May this year, BD integrated its MiniDraw Capillary Blood Collection System with Babson’s BetterWay technologies to offer BetterWay blood testing service in retail pharmacies.
The two are now expanding the blood testing service to US health systems and other large provider networks, in urgent care, doctor’s offices and other ambulatory care settings.
Their integrated diagnostic technology provides test results using just six drops of capillary blood collected from a patient’s finger.
Also, it serves as a less-invasive alternative to venipuncture blood draws, and allows any trained healthcare worker to collect and prepare samples, said BD.
BD specimen management worldwide president Bridget Bagnato said: “In areas of the U.S. where there are gaps in services or shortages of trained phlebotomy professionals, patients may experience delays in blood draws or not receive the care they need.
“By simplifying one of the most common procedures, together we’re making blood testing less invasive and more convenient to help health care organisations increase efficiency and access while helping to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.”
According to BD, 70% of clinical decisions are made based on diagnostic results and blood tests as a routine part of care to help clinicians diagnose, monitor, and treat patients.
The novel capillary solution enables care providers to improve access to blood testing in locations without phlebotomy capabilities.
Also, the integrated solution is said to reduce the common barriers to testing such as fear of needles and logistical challenges.
The current partnership expands the collaboration between BD and Babson, which began in 2016 to advance capillary blood testing and evolved into a strategic partnership.
Babson CEO David Stein said: “BetterWay and BD MiniDraw are defining what’s next in health care.
“BD has been innovating blood collection technology for 75 years and we believe our partnership will deliver a potentially transformative technology to support innovative and patient-focused healthcare organizations in better reaching and serving patients.”
Earlier this year, BD made an investment in Babson, strengthening their long-term strategic partnership to expand access to blood testing.
