Becton Dickson (BD) and Babson Diagnostics have announced an expansion in their collaborative BetterWay blood collection and testing program.
The BetterWay blood testing system has been available in retail settings in Austin, TX, since earlier this year. In a statement, the firms explained that the expansion will bring BetterWay to new locations, including local pharmacies, with plans for continued expansion to ambulatory care sites throughout the U.S.
BetterWay integrates BD's MiniDraw Capillary Blood Collection System with Babson's technologies to enable test results from a sample consisting of as few as six drops of capillary blood collected from the patient's fingertip. The BetterWay system includes the less-invasive blood-collection device, the Babson Sample Preparation Device, and the Babson Hand Warmer.
The BetterWay system is a less-invasive, patient-friendly alternative to venipuncture blood draws, the firms said; furthermore, samples can be collected and prepared by any trained healthcare worker, and do not require prior phlebotomy experience.
Sample analysis can be performed at Babson's Austin-based lab or at the client’s lab with Babson's support, the companies added.
"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 care they need," Bridget Bagnato, worldwide president of Specimen Management at BD, said. "By simplifying one of the most common procedures, together we're making blood testing less invasive and more convenient to help health care organizations increase efficiency and access while helping to improving patient satisfaction and outcomes."
