Becton Dickinson

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Company type	Public
Traded as	NYSE:BDX
Industry	Medical technology
Founded	1897
Founders	Maxwell Becton, Fairleigh Dickinson
Key people	Thomas Polen (CEO)
Products	Medical devices, laboratory equipment
Revenue	$17.29 billion (2020)
Number of employees	70,000 (2020)
Website	www.bd.com

Becton, Dickinson and Company (commonly known as BD) is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. The company was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

History

Becton, Dickinson and Company was founded in 1897 by Maxwell Becton and Fairleigh Dickinson in New York City. The company initially focused on the production of glass syringes and thermometers. Over the years, BD expanded its product line to include a wide range of medical devices and laboratory equipment.

In 1924, BD introduced the first syringe made entirely of glass, which was a significant advancement in the field of medical devices. The company continued to innovate and expand, acquiring several other companies to broaden its product offerings.

Products and Services

BD is known for its wide range of products and services in the medical technology field. Some of the key areas include:

• Medical Devices: BD manufactures a variety of medical devices, including needles, syringes, and catheters. The company is a leader in the production of safety-engineered devices designed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.

• Diagnostic Systems: BD provides diagnostic systems that are used in clinical laboratories. These systems include instruments and reagents for blood collection, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics.

• Biosciences: BD Biosciences offers products for research and clinical applications, including flow cytometry and cell analysis systems.

Research and Development

BD invests heavily in research and development to drive innovation in medical technology. The company collaborates with healthcare professionals and institutions to develop new products and improve existing ones. BD's R&D efforts focus on areas such as infection prevention, cancer diagnostics, and diabetes care.

Corporate Social Responsibility

BD is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company has initiatives aimed at improving global health, reducing environmental impact, and promoting ethical business practices. BD partners with various organizations to support healthcare access in underserved communities.

Acquisitions

BD has grown through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of CareFusion in 2015, which expanded its capabilities in medication management and patient safety. In 2017, BD acquired C. R. Bard, a leading manufacturer of medical devices in the fields of vascular, urology, and oncology.

Also see

• Medical device
• Diagnostic system
• Flow cytometry
• Needlestick injury
• Corporate social responsibility