BD Receives Health Canada Approval for the BD FocalPoint(TM) GS Imaging
System to Enhance the Detection of Cervical Cancer

    



    
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<p>MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, <chron>Sept. 28</chron> /CNW/ -- BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today that it received a Health <location>Canada</location> medical device license for the BD FocalPoint(TM) GS Imaging System.  This innovative new system is designed to enhance cervical cancer screening for cytology laboratories using BD SurePath(TM) Pap test slides to detect evidence of squamous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and their usual precursor conditions.</p>
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<p>"We are confident that the BD FocalPoint GS Imaging System will provide cytology labs in <location>Canada</location> with an innovative tool to improve cervical cancer detection and enhance their productivity," said <person>Mike Oliver</person>, Country General Manager of BD - <location>Canada</location>.  "It demonstrates BD's commitment to providing innovative, world-class products and services to help improve women's health."</p>
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<p>Cervical cancer is the thirteenth most common cancer among Canadian women of all ages. Despite significant improvements in cervical cancer screening over the past 40 years, approximately 1,300 Canadian women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in 2008, and an estimated 380 Canadian women died from this disease in the same year.(1)</p>
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<p>The key to detecting cervical cancer early is regular Pap testing.  However, limitations exist with current technologies.  Approximately one-third of Pap smear false negatives can be attributed to screening and interpretive errors in which abnormal cells are incorrectly classified.</p>
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<p>The new BD FocalPoint GS Imaging System seeks to address this problem by offering laboratories key advantages over current cervical cancer imaging systems.  Its state-of-the-art guided screening technology helps rapidly relocate the fields of view that the system has identified as the most likely to contain cells of interest.</p>
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    About BD
    
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<p>BD, a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world.  BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in <person>Franklin Lakes</person>, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.bd.com">www.bd.com</a>.</p>
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<p>(1) Public Health Agency of <location>Canada</location>. (2009, March, 2). Cervical cancer. Retrieved <chron>September 17, 2009</chron> from <a href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/cervical_cancer-cancer_du_col_uterus-eng">http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/cervical_cancer-cancer_du_col_uterus-eng</a> .php</p>
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For further information: Jeff Ezell, Public Relations, BD, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.bd.com