BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), has expanded its product portfolio with the addition of Innova Preanalytical Automated Microbiology Specimen Processor, designed to help increase laboratory efficiency and automate the modern microbiology laboratory.

By acquiring the Lab Systems division of Dynacon, a privately held corporation based in Ontario, Canada, BD adds product platforms in preanalytical microbiology automation. The product platforms include the InocuLAB and Innova platforms.

BD said that the Innova System is a high-throughput specimen processor that helps laboratories’ increasing needs for preanalytical specimen processing automation due to labor shortages or increasing test volumes. It also helps reduce laboratory errors associated with specimen handling. With flexibility, the BD Innova System accommodates the full range of microbiology specimen containers, streak patterns, protocols and workflows.

Peter Hughes, chairman, director and chief executive officer of Dynacon, said: “The features and benefits of Dynacon’s Innova and InocuLAB platforms complement perfectly the capabilities of BD’s innovative product portfolio. As a leader in infectious disease testing known for quality and reliability, BD is the right company to bring these successful platforms to more laboratories that need and demand reliable, high-performance, automated instruments.”

Philippe Jacon, president of diagnostic systems at BD, said: “Today’s clinical microbiology laboratories face many challenges; chief among them are a shortage of laboratory professionals and an increase in workload. The addition of Dynacon’s Lab Systems portfolio demonstrates BD’s commitment to providing labs with the tools and products they need to enhance the quality of their tests results, improve turnaround times and make the most cost-effective use of their resources.”