Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and Babson Diagnostics have expanded their fingertip blood collection as well as testing technologies for use across the US health systems and various ambulatory care settings.

The integration of the ‘MiniDraw Capillary Blood Collection System’ of BD alongside Babson's BetterWay technologies allows for test outcomes from just six drops of blood from the finger of the patient.

This alternative to traditional venipuncture is designed to be less invasive and can be performed by any trained healthcare worker.

BD Specimen Management worldwide president Bridget Bagnato said: "In areas of the US where there are gaps in services or shortages of trained phlebotomy professionals, patients may experience delays in blood draws or not receive the care they need.

"By simplifying one of the most common procedures, together we're making blood testing less invasive and more convenient to help health care organisations increase efficiency and access while helping to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes."

With blood tests playing a critical role in 70% of clinical decisions, this capillary solution aims to enhance access to blood testing, particularly in areas without phlebotomy services, and to reduce hurdles such as needle phobia and logistical difficulties.

The commercial partnership between the two companies is an extension of their joint efforts to improve capillary blood testing, a collaboration that began in 2016 and has since developed into a strategic partnership.

Babson Diagnostics CEO David Stein said: "BetterWay and BD MiniDraw are defining what's next in health care.

"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 healthcare organisations in better reaching and serving patients."

Since May 2024, BetterWay blood testing has been available in retail settings, including local pharmacies. This has significantly expanded patient access to blood collection services.

In May 2022, the companies expanded their strategic partnership to progress blood sample collection into new care settings.