BD announces addition of new flow cytometry system for rapid microbial enumeration, detection

Industrial microbiologists now have a new tool that was designed specifically to help quality control laboratories rapidly screen raw materials, as well as in-process and finished goods, for the presence of microorganisms that can threaten product quality.  

BD Biosciences and BD Diagnostics, two business segments of BD, a leading global medical technology company, announced today the addition of the new BD FACSMicroCount flow cytometry system to the Company's industrial microbiology portfolio. BD obtained worldwide rights from Advanced Analytical Technologies to market the instrument, which was previously known as the Micro PRO Microbial Detection System.  

"Acquiring this new platform allows us to draw upon expertise from across the Company," said James Glasscock, President of Cell Analysis, BD Biosciences.  "It will allow us to leverage our collective expertise in industrial microbiology quality control and flow cytometry to benefit our customers."

This BD FACSMicroCount system is especially suited for makers of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, beverages, probiotics, and home cleaning products, as well as water treatment facilities   It screens for a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, mold, spirochetes, Mycoplasma, and parasite cysts.  The system reduces the time to result and automates traditional methods, helping to reduce production cycles and achieve cost savings, especially in labor, inventory and warehouse costs.  

"Adding this instrument to our portfolio supports BD's growth-through-innovation strategy and reinforces our position as a leader in industrial microbiology by offering customers the widest choice of microbial detection platforms," said Tom Polen, President, BD Diagnostics.  "While complementing our existing microbiology media and PCR products, this new system satisfies an important customer need that helps ensure product safety and meet ever-increasing compliance standards."

The BD FACSMicroCount System is specially designed for rapid microbial enumeration and detection.  Users label microorganisms with BD FACSMicroCount fluorescent dyes for detection, differentiation between living and dead organisms and enumeration.  These samples are then injected into the flow cell where labeled microbes pass single file through a focused laser beam, which causes the microbes to emit fluorescence and scattered laser light that allow the system to count and record them.