BD Diagnostics acquires Netherlands-based lab automation firm

BD Diagnostics has acquired Netherlands-based KIESTRA Lab Automation, expanding its microbiology portfolio to offer total lab automation solutions to hospitals and laboratories.

The acquisition complements BD’s existing microbiology portfolio of instruments, reagents and supplies.

“Microbiology labs are facing unprecedented challenges – including cost containment pressures and a shortage of qualified staff – while the need for faster delivery of more accurate results is increasing to ensure optimal patient care,” said Jamie Condie, vice president and general manager, of BD Diagnostics.

“The combination of BD’s broad portfolio of microbiology platforms, reagents and supplies with KIESTRA’s automated instrumentation technologies will enable us to offer a more comprehensive microbiology lab solution to hospitals and laboratories worldwide.”

KIESTRA provides two lines of automated solutions: Total Lab Automation (TLA) and Work Cell Automation (WCA). The firm also developed the world’s-first TLA solution for microbiology.

“We look forward to joining the BD team to expand automation across the entire microbiology and infectious disease testing process,” said Jetze Botma, vice president of microbiology laboratory automation, who served as chief executive of KIESTRA until the acquisition.

“Together with BD, we now have the opportunity to integrate automation across microbiology informatics, instruments and consumables for maximum workflow efficiency, and have access to the global arena.”