BD launches new communication features for blood culture tools

BD has launched new communication tools that will give low-volume clinical labs access to advanced data management and new blood culture instrument connectivity.

The BD Bactec FX40 Blood Culture System now offers connectivity with the BD EpiCenter Microbiology Data Management System, meaning it can also interface with hospital laboratory information systems (LIS) and the BD Blood Volume Monitoring Software. 

Bactec is a fully automated microbiology growth and detection system designed to detect microbial growth from blood specimens. It was introduced in August 2013 and offers performance, safety, reliability, ease of use, media quality and service benefits.

This will help scientists to follow industry-recommended blood specimen collection best practices, including monitoring and providing feedback on collected blood volumes.

Alberto Mas, president of BD Diagnostic Systems, said: "We're pleased to be able to offer laboratories the convenience of a lower-volume blood culture instrument, with all of the advantages of full integration with the LIS."

This comes after the firm announced last month that it experienced year-on-year business growth of 3.6 percent in the second quarter of 2014, meaning it is on target to meet its goals for the full year.