BD Statement on Testing for the COVID-19 Omicron Variant of Concern

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today issued the following statement regarding testing for the COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern.

Dave Hickey, president of Life Sciences for BD said, "BD actively monitors new and developing COVID-19 variants of concern to ensure the integrity and performance of our assays. BD has conducted an analysis of the recently identified Omicron variant of concern and we are confident that our rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19 will detect the novel variant.

"Our analysis of the Omicron variant was conducted using all available genome sequences deposited in the GISAID EpiCoVtm database as of Nov. 29, 2021. When live viral samples are made available, BD will perform additional rigorous testing in the laboratory.

"BD actively monitors all sequenced SARS-CoV-2 isolates worldwide. Our team has evaluated over 3.5 million genomes to monitor for emerging variants. Variants of concern have been tested by BD and our partners and no undetectable variants have been identified.

"Reliable and widely available testing remains one of the most important measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. BD will continue to monitor and verify the performance of its COVID-19 tests to serve its mission of advancing the world of health."

About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo.

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)