Zacks_Analysts' Blog : Becton's New Safety Catheter - Analyst Blog

Leading global medical technology company Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) recently revealed that its BD Medical segment is now supplying next generation safety short peripheral IV catheter (“SPIVC”) know how. This technology is intended to protect healthcare workers from injuries via needlestick and exposure to blood. In other words, it is geared to safeguard technicians from the risk of infection from pathogens in the blood.

In addition to protection from needlestick injuries, one study found that the BD Insyte Autoguard BC with Blood Control Technology cuts down on the risk of exposure to blood by 95%, compared with a non-blood control IV catheter. This latest blood control know-how is a septum within the catheter hub intended to prevent blood from spilling out during insertion of the catheter.

Lab technicians encounter leakage of blood in almost 40% of cases. This latest safety catheter from Becton is geared to cut down on the risk of exposure to mucocutaneous blood. Mucocutaneous exposure refers to body fluid exposure to the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, eyes or skin. Becton’s latest product should also reduce contamination by blood of other surfaces such as floors and beds.

More information on the new BD Insyte Autoguard BC with Blood Control Technology may be obtained from company web-sites and phone numbers.

SPIVCs are common devices utilized to access blood vessels. According to several released studies, as many as 37.8% of healthcare technicians reported that they faced at least one instance of exposure to body fluid or blood over the past year. One study found that nurses face the highest risk.  

We remain cautious about Becton Dickinson due to the lack of major short-term catalysts. The rising demand for safety-needle products (with higher price points and margins) was the primary driver of the company’s past growth, which is not expected to continue, given that the U.S. market is already largely penetrated. On the positive side, Becton Dickinson’s preeminent global healthcare products franchise is partly insulated from volatile macroeconomic conditions and structural deficiencies elsewhere in the healthcare delivery field.

Becton Dickinson faces a wide range of competitors, including Baxter International (BAX) in certain niches, in each of its three business segments. We currently have a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock, backed by a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).