BD Diagnostics to Offer Automated Microbiology Lab Solutions

BD Diagnostics announced yesterday the expansion of its microbiology portfolio with the acquisition of KIESTRA Lab Automation BV, a Netherlands based company that develops and markets innovative lab automation solutions for microbiology laboratories.

KIESTRA is a leader in Total Lab Automation; its solutions automate manual and time-consuming tasks in the microbiology laboratory to increase productivity. Two lines of automated solutions are Total Lab Automation (TLA) and Work Cell Automation (WCA). TLA is a high throughput, customizable track-based system designed to significantly increase overall microbiology lab productivity, streamline workflow and shorten time to results. WCA offers customers a modular and scalable approach to automate their lab within current space and budget constraints. The technology is intended to complement BD’s microbiology portfolio of instruments, reagents and supplies.

“Microbiology labs are facing unprecedented challenges – including cost containment pressures and a shortage of qualified staff – while the need for faster delivery of more accurate results is increasing to ensure optimal patient care,” said Jamie Condie, Vice President and General Manager, BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. “The combination of BD’s broad portfolio of microbiology platforms, reagents and supplies with KIESTRA’s automated instrumentation technologies will enable us to offer a more comprehensive microbiology lab solution to hospitals and laboratories worldwide.”