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Vikki Lomas
BD Corporate Communications
01865 781607

Email: vikki.lomas@europe.bd.com

BD AutoShield™ Safety Pen Needle helps reduce the risk of needlestick injuries

for healthcare workers and carers

Oxford, UK (23 March 2011) – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, announced today the launch of the 5mm and 8mm BD AutoShield™ Safety Pen Needle.  The safety-engineered design of these pen needles enables healthcare workers and carers deliver safe, comfortable injections to people with diabetes. 

It is estimated that one million needlestick injuries occur in the European Union each year[1], with more than 100,000 needlestick injuries occurring each year in the UK alone[2].  They are particularly dangerous in view of the potential for transmitting life-threatening blood-borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV.

“Needlestick injuries are the most frequent occupational hazard faced by healthcare workers, including those caring for people with diabetes” said Carol Philipps, Business Director, UK and Ireland, BD Medical - Diabetes Care.  “Helping people with diabetes and their carers manage their condition as safely and effectively as possible is very important to us.  The BD AutoShield™ Safety Pen Needle is the latest in our portfolio of innovative products designed to help protect healthcare workers and patients from needlestick injury and possible infection.” 

The BD AutoShield™ Safety Pen Needle incorporates a shield that automatically locks after injection to help prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Available in 29Gx5mm and 29Gx8mm needle sizes, they are the only safety-engineered pen needles compatible with all brands of pens for diabetes treatment.    They are currently available in the UK in a 5mm length.  Shorter needles are proven to be as effective as longer needles for patients of all body types while reducing the risk of intramuscular injections. 

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body has a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use insulin, a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and, over time, damage vital organs.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.