BD launches third-generation total lab automation system for microbiology labs

USA — Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has launched the new third-generation BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation (TLA) System for microbiology laboratories.

Laboratory automation systems refer to the use of instruments to carry out laboratory tasks with a minimum of human involvement.

Total laboratory automation is a system used in clinical microbiology laboratories to automate culture-based testing.

TLA in microbiology seeks to improve quality, decrease turnaround time, better manage an increasing number of samples, compensate for a decrease in skilled human resources, and be more economically practical.

TLA is rapidly evolving in microbiology. Currently, two companies offer distinct TLA solutions in microbiology: BD-Kiestra and bioMérieux & Copan (WASPLab).

The robotic track system is suitable for use with the BD Kiestra microbiology laboratory solution, which automates lab specimen processing.

Designed to meet the evolving requirements of labs, the new robotic track system will enable the formation of a custom and flexible total lab automation configuration that can link several BD Kiestra modules.

By using multiple track options and instruments, labs can select their automation entry point and configure the system to meet their individual workflow and physical lab requirements.

The workflow can be completely automated, from routine specimen inoculation processes to advanced incubation, imaging, and colony selection for the detection of pathogens.

Using BD Synapsys informatics solution, each step of the lab’s diagnostic pathway can be traced. The solution will help improve laboratory decision-making and productivity through integrated workflows and on-demand insights.

BD Kiestra lab solutions, including scalable and modular microbiology workflow automation solutions, offer total lab automation for the clinical microbiology laboratory.

As per TBRC’s laboratory automation systems market forecast, the laboratory automation systems market is expected to grow to US$7.43 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

The growth in the laboratory automation systems market is due to increased demand for microbiology testing and standardization of sample-collection devices for microbiology.

Additionally, increasing incidence of infectious diseases such as pandemics has led to increased investment in microbiology diagnostic devices and equipment by various stakeholders such as government organizations, healthcare providers, and research institutes.

Moreover, there is a need to reduce healthcare costs associated with these infections. This is resultant in an increase in the adoption of these devices across various sectors such as clinical laboratories and hospitals.

Some key vendors in this market are Agilent Technologies Inc., GE Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and BD Biosciences LLC.

Laboratory automation presents huge opportunities for the field of microbiology. While it will require changes in infrastructure and operations, it will improve the efficiency of studies and the quality of results and provide opportunities for cost reduction.

In another recent development, BD and CerTest Biotec received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their molecular assay to detect the Mpox virus.

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