Studies Confirm: New Fingertip Blood Collection Device Has Equivalent Testing Accuracy of Higher-Volume Draws from Vein
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. andAUSTIN, Texas, (March 6, 2025) – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) and Babson Diagnostics today announced the results of new studies demonstrating that blood tests commonly used in wellness checks and chronic disease management are just as accurate when using several drops of blood collected from a finger prick as when the sample is taken from a vein. The novel BD® MiniDraw™ Capillary Blood Collection technology used in the studies, which is a key enabler in Babson’s BetterWay™ blood testing service, provides a patient-friendly alternative to venipuncture and expands access to more convenient locations.
Three studies evaluated accuracy and within-tube stability over time for fingertip capillary blood samples collected, processed, transported and stored using the BD® MiniDraw™ Capillary Blood Collection System along with BD® MiniDraw™ SST™ Capillary Blood Collection Tube versus blood samples obtained via venous and conventional capillary collection methods by a licensed phlebotomist. A peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine showed that capillary collection using the BD® MiniDraw™ Capillary Blood Collection System was clinically equivalent to conventional collection methods for selected general chemistry analytes used frequently in wellness checks and for diagnosing and monitoring some chronic conditions, including kidney, liver and cardiac diseases.
"Sometimes, people delay or skip blood tests because it’s hard to get to a testing site or they’re afraid of a venous blood draw, especially if they’re a patient with difficult venous access who is likely to need multiple needle sticks," said Renee Howell, vice president of Medical Affairs at BD. "This research shows that finger prick blood collection is a reliable option that can be done at the doctor's office or local pharmacy, making it easier for patients to get the tests they need."
Babson’s BetterWay, which includes proprietary technologies in collection, preparation and analysis of blood samples, uses BD's MiniDraw™ Capillary Blood Collection System. This innovative blood testing process enables samples to be collected and prepared by any trained health care worker — including those without prior phlebotomy experience.
“With the evidence presented in these studies, health care providers and patients can have even more confidence in the sample quality of a low-volume blood draw,” said Jim Jacobson, PhD, vice president, Clinical Affairs at Babson Diagnostics. “In line with our mission, enabling blood testing at convenient locations like retail pharmacies, clinics and other care delivery settings through BetterWay means that there’s no need to travel to a lab or hospital, further lowering barriers to blood testing.”
With 70 percent of clinical decisions informed by diagnostic results, blood tests are a routine part of care to help clinicians diagnose, monitor and treat patients. Until now, venous collection by a trained phlebotomist has remained the gold standard for blood testing, while capillary blood collection has not been viable for adults, due to issues such as hemolysis and the volume of blood required. With the BD® MiniDraw™ Capillary Blood Collection System, trained health care workers without phlebotomy experience (in accordance with state laws) can collect venous-quality blood specimens from a capillary fingerstick. This helps overcome barriers to necessary testing, including fear of needles, logistical challenges, and shortages of trained phlebotomists. Ultimately, this can help health care professionals in monitoring chronic conditions, inhibiting disease progression and better serving their communities.
About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson.
About Babson Diagnostics
BabsonDiagnostics is a science-driven healthcare technology company that hasreimaginedblood testing with the launch of itsBetterWayblood testing service.BetterWay'spatient-friendly fingertip collection process and ability to be administered withoutphlebotomistsimproves population health by increasing adherence to testing.BetterWayfor Healthcare Organizations enables health systems and other provider organizations to acquire new patients, increase staffing efficiency, and reduce the overall cost of care. BetterWaycan be deployed in a broad range of ambulatory care settings, including physician practices, urgent care clinics, and community events. The end-to-endBetterWaysolution seamlessly integratesBD's MiniDrawcapillary blood collection system with proprietaryBabsontechnologies, including its patented hand warming and sample preparation devices. For more information, visitbetterway.com/healthcare-organizations.
Contacts:
BD Media Contact:
Troy Kirkpatrick Adam Reiffe
VP, Public Relations Sr. Director, Investor Relations
858.617.2361 201.847.6927
troy.kirkpatrick@bd.com adam.reiffe@bd.com
BD Investor Contact:
Adam Reiffe
Sr. Director, Investor Relations
201.847.6927
adam.reiffe@bd.com
Babson Diagnostics Media Contact:
Joe Foster
323-572-5361
BabsonDX@finnpartners.com
