A patented Becton Dickinson product, the Vacutainer System cannot be recycled and is expected to open a new window in blood sampling efforts.

Becton Dickinson global medical director (Vacutainer systems division) Jeffry Lawrence said the new product facilitates safety of blood collection even as it helps maintain the sample's quality.

"The traditional needle and syringe method has its own drawbacks given that it is relatively unsafe and may lead to variability in tests. The Vacutainer system works in a completely closed environment and protects the patient, health worker and the laboratory technician from blood contagious diseases," Lawrence said.

The direct contact between the blood and additive in the tube gives the laboratory a much better sample, for example, no micro clots in EDTA,while the elimination of transfer of blood from the syringe minimises haemolysis.

The Vacutainer system essentially comprises a tube, holder, needle and evacuated tubes. These tubes contain a predetermined amount of vacuum with the required specific additive/preservative to facilitate accurate blood sampling. The system also gives a proper blood additive ratio, while eliminating the risk of spillage.

Becton Dickinson regional business director Asia-Pacific (sample collection systems) Michael W Lyon said the Vacutainer Systems will be initially imported, though the product may be subsequently manufactured in the country. Company officials were however tightlipped on pricing details.

Major hospitals in the country like Apollo, Bombay Hospital, Jaslok and Hinduja have already opted for the Vacutainer System. On an average, a specialty hospital collects an estimated 450 samples (involves around 1,000 tubes and 500 needles) per day.

On the sales target for the first year of launch, Becton Dickinson Indiageneral manager (sample collection) Virendra Sehgal said, "It is a greenfield market and the company will work towards developing volumes."

Lyon also said that the current economic slowdown will not affect the company's `India outlook'. The group will also examine strategic acquisition opportunities, he added. "It is the Becton Dickinson worldwide objective to examine co-operation opportunities that best fits our core technology," Lyon added.

Becton Dickinson operates in the country via a 100 per cent subsidiary and expects to post a turnover in excess of Rs 70 crore in the first year of operation. The company is also likely to increase the current investment level of $50 million shortly.