BD, Babson Diagnostics Launches Fingertip Blood Testing to Health Care Organizations

Integrating BD’s MiniDraw Capillary Blood Collection System with Babson’s BetterWay technologies, test results only need six drops of capillary blood.

By: Rachel Klemovitch | Assistant Editor, Medical Product Outsourcing

BD and Babson Diagnostics, a science-first healthcare technology company, announced a new blood testing process to advance fingertip blood collection and testing technologies for use by U.S. health systems. This is an expansion of BD and Babson’s collaboration to advance capillary blood testing, which started in 2016 and has since evolved into a strategic partnership.

The blood testing process integrates BD’s MiniDraw Capillary Blood Collection System with Babson’s BetterWay technologies to enable test results from six drops of capillary blood collected from a patient’s finger. 

This new blood testing process can be used in large provider networks in settings like urgent care, doctor offices, and other ambulatory care settings.

With this less-invasive alternative to venipuncture blood draws, samples can be collected and prepared by any trained healthcare worker, including those without prior phlebotomy experience.

“In areas of the U.S. where there are gaps in services or shortages of trained phlebotomy professionals, patients may experience delays in blood draws or not receive care they need,” said Bridget Bagnato, worldwide president of Specimen Management at BD. “By simplifying one of the most common procedures, together we’re making blood testing less invasive and more convenient to help health care organizations increase efficiency and access while helping to improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.”

“BetterWay and BD MiniDraw™ are defining what’s next in health care,” said David Stein, Babson’s CEO. “BD has been innovating blood collection technology for 75 years and we believe our partnership will deliver a potentially transformative technology to support innovative and patient-focused health care organizations in better reaching and serving patients.”

BetterWay blood testing has been available in retail settings since May 2024, with expanding access to blood collection to new locations, including local pharmacies. This expansion will bring it to patients in ambulatory care sites throughout the United States.

Join now to enjoy expanded member benefits!

Enjoy exclusive member content, special events, savings, networking and more

Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.