BD Max system for molecular diagnostics launched in Europe
23 June 2010
BD Diagnostics has launched the BD MAX Automated Molecular
Diagnostic System and the BD MAX GBS Assay in Europe, the first in a
planned broad menu of infectious disease assays.
The BD MAX System is a fully automated workstation designed to offer
on-demand and batch testing to accommodate varying workloads and
designed for maximum lab efficiency and flexibility. The system
enables users to develop their own fully-automated assays on the
open-architecture system.
“The increasing prevalence of infectious and drug-resistant
organisms and their migration into healthcare facilities warrants
faster, easier and more comprehensive testing with flexible
workflows that accommodate each institution’s unique needs,” said
Philippe Jacon, President, BD Diagnostics — Diagnostic Systems. “The
BD MAX System will help hospitals and laboratories meet their
expanding needs for screening and testing for these pathogens.”
The BD MAX System offers a unique combination of simplicity,
flexibility, scalability and lab efficiency. The system can be
operated by any lab technician and does not require specialised
molecular skills or lab facilities. It can concurrently process
different assays for up to 24 patient samples typically producing
results within two and half hours. It can also provide on-demand
processing of up to four samples in under 90 minutes.
With hands-off operation and true walk-away time, the system
frees technicians to perform other tasks during a run, improving
laboratory efficiency and productivity. The open platform design and
general purpose reagents offer maximum flexibility for
implementation of fully-automated laboratory developed assays for
DNA and RNA testing. The availability of the CE marked BD MAX Assay
for detection of Group B Streptococci in pregnant women will help
enable clinicians to take appropriate action to colonized patients
to minimize the risk of infection to the mother or infant at
childbirth.