BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD, announces the release of BD CultureSwab™ MaxV , the only transport system with a unique mix of hypoallergenic, non-animal proteins embedded on the swab, to enhance the recovery and viability of microorganisms from patient samples. By enhancing microorganism recovery and viability, the quality of patient culture results is improved, which enables improved patient diagnosis. BD CultureSwab™ MaxV also features the patented "venturi-constriction" design to maintain media moisture and minimize media oxidation, enhancing microbial survival. BD CultureSwab™ MaxV Vi-Pak foil, as well as the internal pouch, are flushed with nitrogen and sealed. This gas-impermeable packaging seals in the nitrogen gas, which protects the media from oxidation and moisture exposure, assuring optimal performance of the product.

BD CultureSwab™ MaxV provides enhanced viability and recovery when compared to other collection and transport systems. Several recent studies presented at the 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) showed significantly better recovery with BD CultureSwab™ MaxV. One such study showed that:

"...(BD CultureSwab™ MaxV(+)) demonstrated better recovery of fastidious organisms (than Remel BactiSwab)...BD CultureSwab™ MaxV(+) was more likely to recover test organisms and in greater number when compared with Remel BactiSwab™ manufactured by Starplex."
-ASM 104th General Meeting Abstract, S.L. Gamble, Maricopa Integrated Health System, Phoenix, AZ.

BD CultureSwab™ MaxV is designed to maintain maximal organism viability at either room temperature or refrigerated transport.

For more information on BD CultureSwab™ MaxV, please call 1-800-638-8663, or contact your local BD Diagnostic Systems representative.

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD's performance, including future revenues, products and income, or events or developments that BD expects to occur or anticipates occurring in the future. All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; changes in interest or foreign currency exchange rates; difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product introductions; changes in regional, national or foreign economic conditions; increases in energy costs; fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD's ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; and changes in healthcare or other governmental regulation; issuance of new or revised accounting standards, as well as other factors discussed in this press release and in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations.