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Empowering Women through Innovation: BD's New HPV At-Home Testing

In a groundbreaking move to enhance women’s health, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a revolutionary at-home HPV (human papillomavirus) test. This innovative procedure allows women to collect samples in the comfort of their own homes using a convenient swab similar to a Q-tip, eliminating the need for complex processes and ensuring a vastly simpler experience.

The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer remains a critical health challenge, with over 4,000 women losing their lives to this preventable disease every year in the United States alone. BD's vision is a world in which women have access to convenient and empowered options for HPV screening, whether during a routine doctor visit or from the privacy of their own homes. As Nikos Pavlidis, president of BD Diagnostic Solutions, stated, "Cervical cancer is preventable, and we believe at-home testing is a vital step toward eliminating this disease."

A Simple and Safe Collection Process

The at-home HPV test utilizes a state-of-the-art self-collection swab technology, designed for safe and non-invasive sample collection. Women can mail their samples directly to the laboratory without any logistical hurdles, thus improving participation rates in cervical cancer screening programs. The self-collected swab simplifies lab processing, requiring no manual sample preparation by lab technologists, thereby allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

Once at the lab, the samples are processed using the BD COR™ System, a fully automated assembly with advanced robotics that prepares, analyzes, and reports results efficiently. The system minimizes manual handling, ensuring specimen integrity from collection to the delivery of accurate, high-quality results. The BD Onclarity™ Assay, used with this system, boasts the ability to identify more individual high-risk HPV strains than any test currently available, which is essential given the widening spectrum of high-risk genotypes beyond the traditional HPV 16 and 18.

Meeting Women's Needs for Convenience and Comfort

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll revealed that 72% of women in the U.S. have postponed gynecological visits, citing the need for greater convenience in cervical cancer screenings. The survey also indicated that 81% of women prefer less invasive options and that 74% expressed interest in utilizing a self-collection vaginal swab test at home. This feedback emphasizes the demand for innovative testing solutions that prioritize comfort and accessibility.

The development of at-home testing solutions is highly welcomed in light of guidelines from the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), which has endorsed the BD Onclarity™ Assay for its ability to effectively identify high-risk HPV types. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has started drafting recommendations that support self-collection methods for HPV and cervical cancer screenings, marking a significant shift in the approach to women’s health care.

BD's Commitment to Healthcare

As a leading player in the global medical technology industry, BD is committed to advancing health care. The company supports the frontline workforce in health care through innovative solutions that enhance outcomes, increase efficiency, and expand access to vital medical services. With over 70,000 employees worldwide, BD aims to improve discovery, diagnostics, and care delivery, tackling critical health challenges alongside global partners.

In conclusion, BD’s initiative to introduce an at-home HPV test represents a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of women's healthcare. By addressing comfort, accessibility, and efficiency, BD not only empowers women but also contributes significantly to the prevention of cervical cancer. For more information on BD and its innovative solutions, visit bd.com.