Franklin Lakes, New Jersey-based BD’s device obtains blood samples from a fingerstick, producing lab-quality results for commonly ordered blood tests.
BD designed MiniDraw as a less invasive device compared to traditional venous blood draw. A trained healthcare worker can collect blood from a patient’s finger without the need for a phlebotomist to collect from a vein.
The device provides a sample capable of producing lab-quality test results from a fraction of the volume of traditional venous collections. It also enables testing in more convenient settings, like a retail pharmacy or grocery store. BD said in a news release that the device could potentially “transform diagnostic testing.”
MiniDraw received clearance for low-volume blood collection for a lipid panel, select chemistry tests and hemoglobin and hematocrit testing. BD plans to expand blood tests enabled by this device in the future. The system is part of a strategic partnership between BD and Babson Diagnostics aimed to advance the development of the Babson BetterWay blood testing ecosystem.
“Because the BD MiniDraw collection system enables blood collection at non-traditional sites that may be more convenient—like your local pharmacy rather than a standalone lab—we can expand health equity and access, and make it easier for patients to get the blood tests they need both for preventative care and the management of chronic conditions,” said Dave Hickey, EVP and president of Life Sciences for BD. “This innovation is our strategy and pipeline coming to life, and proof of our commitment to enabling diagnostics and care in alternate settings.”