#United States #Cincinnati #Meridian Bioscience #Catherine Lufkin #Pure Earth

Meridian Bioscience Celebrates Catherine Lufkin's Achievement

On March 6, 2025, Meridian Bioscience, a prominent provider of diagnostic testing solutions, announced the remarkable achievement of Catherine Lufkin, Senior Director of Global Point of Care. Lufkin has earned the prestigious 'Force of Nature' Award from Pure Earth, an accolade that honors her exceptional leadership in enhancing environmental health, particularly in the ongoing battle against lead poisoning.

Catherine Lufkin was acknowledged during Pure Earth's International Women's Day celebration for her steadfast dedication to facilitating access to timely and accurate blood lead testing in communities suffering from lead contamination. This important advancement is a direct result of her leadership in Meridian's collaboration with Pure Earth, which has been providing the LeadCare® II blood lead testing technology to underfunded communities globally since 2016. Additionally, her commitment to improving lead testing contributed to Meridian winning the CDC's Lead Detect Prize, an esteemed competition that aids in developing innovative rapid lead detection technologies aimed at advancing public health.

Tony Serafini-Lamanna, President of Meridian Bioscience Diagnostics, expressed immense pride in Lufkin's achievements and her well-deserved recognition, stating, "Her work exemplifies our mission to improve global health through innovation and collaboration. As we continue our partnership with Pure Earth, we remain steadfast in our dedication to reducing lead exposure and its detrimental effects on vulnerable populations."

The LeadCare II system represents the only CLIA-waived point-of-care blood lead testing system, playing a crucial role in Pure Earth's global endeavors to combat lead poisoning. This system allows for rapid and reliable testing, essential for timely interventions and treatments. Through a series of strategic collaborations, Meridian and Pure Earth are dedicated to enhancing access to testing in regions with high risks of lead exposure, thereby safeguarding the health of families and children around the world.

In receiving the 'Force of Nature' Award, Catherine Lufkin stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the 'Force of Nature' Award from Pure Earth. Lead exposure is a preventable public health crisis, and I am proud to contribute to efforts that bring crucial testing solutions to those in need. This award underscores the power of partnership in driving meaningful change.”

Meridian Bioscience remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at reducing the global impact of lead poisoning. The company's focus on innovation and collaboration reflects its mission of protecting public health and enhancing lives, one individual and one test at a time.

About Pure Earth

Founded in 1999, Pure Earth stands out as a global leader in crafting evidence-based solutions to issues related to mercury and lead pollution. Their initiatives focus on protecting the most susceptible populations, particularly children and pregnant women residing in toxic hotspots, breaking the ongoing cycle of poisoning prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries. By forming strategic partnerships with governments, communities, and the industry, Pure Earth implements solutions that prevent toxic exposures and promote health.

To learn more about Pure Earth's mission and initiatives aimed at improving women's health, visit Pure Earth.

About Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

Meridian is a comprehensive life science company engaged in developing, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing a wide array of innovative diagnostic and life science products. With a commitment to providing swift, accurate, and straightforward solutions, Meridian redefines the possibilities from discovery to diagnosis. Offering critical life science raw materials for immunological and molecular testing across various applications, the company provides vital diagnostic solutions for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and blood lead level testing in over 70 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Meridian is a privately held company dedicated to improving health outcomes globally.