Becton, Dickinson and Co. (
BDX) recently announced that BD Diagnostics, a segment of BDX, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to utilize its BD ProbeTec Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Qx and BD ProbeTec Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Qx Amplified DNA Assays with samples collected from women's routine liquid-based Pap testing for cervical cancer screening.
The BD ProbeTec Qx Amplified DNA Assays are the first to receive FDA clearance for gynecological specimens collected and transported for Pap testing in cervical cancer. Pap testing is one of the two leading types of liquid-based cytology (LBC) preservative media on the market today. Pap Testing uses detachable-head collection devices that ensure that 100% of collected cells are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The ability to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea while screening for cervical cancer provides physicians more information on patients enabling them to take important patient care decisions. It is seen that if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea in women can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million chlamydia cases were reported in 2007.
Becton, Dickinson and Co. develops, manufactures and markets medical devices, supplies, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products globally. The company is a world leader in safety needle products. Becton competes with players like
Baxter International Inc. (
BAX),
Johnson & Johnson (
JNJ) and
Abbott Laboratories (
ABT).
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