BD automates microbial identification with digitally connected robotics
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the BD Kiestra IdentifA system, which is designed to automate the preparation of microbiology bacterial identification testing.
The BD Kiestra IdentifA system is designed to automate the preparation of microbiology bacterial identification testing.
Identifying the microorganism that is causing an infection is a labor-intensive process. With the BD Kiestra IdentifA, the lab technician uses BD Synapsys informatics to select discrete bacterial colonies from a digital plate image. Robotics then physically pick those selected organisms and prepare the sample for specific identification testing.
BD said platform involves the integration of the BD Synapsys Informatics solution with the BD Kiestra IdentifA, in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry.
Greg Miziolek, Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. region for BD Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, said, "Mass spectrometry methods, including MALDI-ToF technology, have innovated and advanced microbial identification in clinical microbiology but often require a significant number of process steps and hands-on-time. The BD Kiestra IdentifA system uses automated colony picking and MALDI-ToF spotting to reduce time to pathogen identification, which in turn can help improve patient management."
