Baltimore County Announces New Supply Agreement with BD Integrated Diagnostic Solutions to Secure COVID-19 Testing Collection and Transport Kits
Through New Agreement With Sparks-Based BD Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, County Will Immediately Increase Local Testing Capacity by 2,000 Tests Per Week
Baltimore County today announced a new supply agreement with Sparks-based BD Integrated Diagnostic Solutions (IDS), part of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, to directly purchase COVID-19 testing collection and transport kits to enhance Baltimore County's ability to provide more robust testing capacity over the coming weeks and months.
Baltimore County is the first state or local government in Maryland to purchase these testing collection and transport kits directly from BD IDS.
"Ensuring consistent access to testing is a critical component of our long-term fight against this deadly virus," County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. "We're thankful that Baltimore County is able to partner with BD IDS, a business right here in our backyard, to secure testing materials that can be used immediately to enhance our response to COVID-19."
Under this new agreement, Baltimore County will purchase up to 2,000 BD Universal Viral Transport (UVT) System kits per week. The system includes the swabs and vials needed to collect and transport samples. These samples will be processed through existing County agreements with LabCorp and Quest. Baltimore County will begin using these kits immediately. Baltimore County has already purchased, and BD has already delivered, the first shipment of 2,000 kits.
"BD IDS has remained open and operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to supply crucial diagnostic tools for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases to health care institutions all over the world," said Dave Hickey, president of Integrated Diagnostic Solutions at BD. "We are glad to see our work benefit our friends and neighbors in Baltimore County."
BD has been part of the Maryland community since 1954 and strengthened its local presence in 2019 by making its Sparks campus the worldwide headquarters of its IDS business, with nearly 1,900 local associates in roles ranging from manufacturing and distribution to research and development and from global sales to business leadership and support.
These new kits will supplement Baltimore County's existing testing supplies and is the latest effort from Baltimore County to expand testing capacity for residents.
Free Tests Available for Residents
Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch has issued a standing order enabling any County resident wishing to receive a test to do so without an order from their healthcare provider. Baltimore County also recently introduced an online tool so that anyone can quickly and easily book a free COVID-19 testing appointment at one of Baltimore County's five testing locations.
"With the recent addition of our walk-up testing clinic in the Lansdowne area, we are now providing testing at five locations across the County," said Dr. Branch. "Multiple testing locations and ample testing kits are key to containing the transmission of this virus."
Individuals interested in getting a free test from a Baltimore County location can visit the Coronavirus Updates and Guidance page to make an appointment. Additionally, residents can check with their local pharmacies about testing availability or call Baltimore County's COVID-19 hotline at 410-887-3816 for other coronavirus-related questions. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 65,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care.