New device to improve safety and accuracy of blood collection from fragile veins

25 March 2010

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), has launched the BD Microtainer MAP Microtube for Automated Process for haematology testing.

This new product is designed to improve the safety, accuracy and turnaround time of capillary blood collection and testing in patients with veins that can be difficult to access, such as infants, children, oncology patients and the elderly.

The new product is also the first microtube to be fully compatible with most automated haematology instruments, reducing turnaround time and costs associated with sample transfer and re-labeling.

“Clinical laboratories are focused on preventing specimen identification errors that can lead to misdiagnosis of patients. We at BD are pleased to introduce the BD Microtainer MAP product to address this healthcare issue,” said Tom Polen, President, BD Diagnostics — Preanalytical Systems. “BD is committed to continuing our history of innovation in helping improve patient safety and healthcare worker safety, while enhancing workflow efficiency.”

The BD Microtainer MAP tube (see photo on right) is the first low-volume collection system to accommodate standard, full-size patient identification labels, thus reducing the risk of labeling errors. This feature offers a significant improvement over traditional microcollection tubes, which are incompatible with standard labels due to their size. This disparity can lead to dangerous labeling errors that may result in misdiagnosis and incorrect patient treatment.

The preanalytical phase is a critical step in the diagnostic process, with significant impact to patient health, healthcare worker safety, and workflow efficiencies. Historically, low-volume capillary blood collection has increased test result turnaround time due to incompatibility with automated testing instruments and a higher risk of patient identification errors.

The innovative design of the BD Microtainer MAP tube enables automated processing with 81 percent less blood than venous systems, improving test turnaround time and laboratory efficiency. This is a critical improvement for patients from whom it is difficult to obtain a sufficient blood sample to perform critical diagnostic tests.