BD expands portfolio of tools to prevent and control infectious diseases

BD Diagnostics announced today the expansion of its portfolio of tools to prevent and control infectious diseases by adding software systems for the surveillance of infections and associated risk factors among patients and healthcare workers, and in the community.

Through the acquisition of ICPA, Inc., a privately held corporation based in Austin, TX, BD adds a proprietary software system with the ability to track and monitor emerging infection issues.

"This strategic expansion of BD's portfolio enables us to provide a set of integrated information solutions to clinicians striving to reduce the incidence and transmission of infections in their facilities," said Philippe Jacon, President of BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems.

BD provides products throughout the continuum of infection prevention and control. These include safety-engineered collection devices, rapid assays to detect the presence of infectious organisms, and devices to reduce the risk of infections and enable the timely delivery of appropriate, directed therapies.

ICPA's AICE(R) software uses an integrated data warehouse to generate alerts that signal emerging infection control issues. By providing automated, evidence-based surveillance capabilities, the system makes it easier for infection preventionists to focus on implementing processes and interventions that can help prevent the incidence and transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). AICE software tracks emerging drug-resistant organisms and the incidence of HAIs. It also supports compliance with mandated infection reporting requirements by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as participation in the National Healthcare Safety Network.

The AICE software is designed to continuously interpret and aggregate data used by infection preventionists via multiple electronic interfaces to hospital database systems. Access to real-time diagnostic and demographic data allows the system to alert infection preventionists to critical events that require immediate attention.

"For the last 20 years, ICPA's mission has been to deliver healthcare software for the purpose of improving patient care and employee health. Our mission fits perfectly with BD's purpose of 'helping all people live healthy lives,'" said ICPA CEO Deborah Martin, RN, MN, FSHEA, who will join BD as WW Director, Infection Prevention, BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems.

ICPA, Inc. is a leading provider of software solutions for the healthcare industry, specializing in infectious disease surveillance and employee health. Founded in 1984, it supports an installation base of over 750 customers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.