BD and HandyLab Announce Exclusive Collaboration to Commercialize Molecular Assays

BD and HandyLab Announce Exclusive Collaboration to Commercialize Molecular
Assays

Fully Automated, Integrated BD MAX(TM) System for Rapid Testing for Infectious
Diseases Incorporates the New HandyLab Automated PCR System

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. and ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BD
Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), and
HandyLab, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive
agreement for BD to commercialize its molecular assays on a new BD MAX(TM)
system, an automated molecular diagnostic testing platform in development
using HandyLab's recently launched Jaguar instrument. BD will focus initially
on its BD GeneOhm(TM) line of molecular assays to detect major pathogens
associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

"This collaboration further demonstrates BD's commitment to address
underappreciated healthcare needs," said Philippe Jacon, President, BD
Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems. "As our customers expand their HAI and
sexually transmitted infection testing programs, they are seeking simple,
flexible and fully automated systems to meet their increasing demands. Our
new BD MAX system will be a good strategic fit with our current platforms and
those under development."

Released by HandyLab in November 2008, the Jaguar system is the first fully
integrated bench-top molecular diagnostic system to provide hands-off
operation. The system incorporates clinical sample preparation, nucleic acid
extraction, and microfluidic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
amplification and detection. The self-contained workstation is designed to
accommodate on-demand and batch workflows. It requires minimal laboratory
space and minimal skill levels to generate up to 24 real-time PCR results in
under two hours.

"This exclusive collaboration with BD represents an important step forward in
expanding the utility of the Jaguar system," said Jeff Williams, President and
CEO, HandyLab. "BD is a global leader in molecular diagnostic testing for
infectious diseases. Together we plan to provide diagnostic laboratories with
a broad molecular test menu on one of the industry's most advanced automation
platform."

BD is a leader in rapid molecular test methods to help detect major
HAI-associated pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and toxigenic
Clostridiumdifficile. The BD GeneOhm(TM) MRSA assay has been used to test
over 4 million patients worldwide for carriage of the potentially lethal MRSA
bacteria. BD is also a leader in molecular testing for Chlamydia and
gonorrhea with its BD ProbeTec(TM) Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) Amplified DNA
Assay and the BD ProbeTec(TM) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Amplified DNA Assay.

About HandyLab, Inc.
HandyLab is dedicated to the development, manufacture and sale of novel
molecular diagnostic products. HandyLab's proprietary platform reduces the
time, cost and complexity of testing while improving the quality of results.
Using patented real time microfluidic PCR technology, HandyLab's products are
positioned to decentralize nucleic acid testing. HandyLab is an Ann Arbor,
Michigan based company. Additional information about the company can be found
on the internet at www.handylab.com, or by calling 1-866-Handy Lab
(1-866-426-3952).

About BD
BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures
and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is
dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on
improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing
infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and
production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in
combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and
headquartered in Franklin Lakes, 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, the
pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please
visit www.bd.com.

***

This press release contains certain estimates and other forward-looking
statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD's
performance, including future performance, products or other 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; difficulties inherent
in product development and delays in product introductions; changes in
regional, national or foreign economic conditions; increases in energy costs
and their effect on, among other things, the cost of producing BD's products;
fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD's ability to
maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; changes in
healthcare or other governmental regulation; 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.

SOURCE BD-Becton Dickinson

Mark Powelson, Sales and Marketing, HandyLab, +1-734-663-4719 x 263,
mpowelson@handylab.com, or Jamie Yacco, Public Relations of BD,
+1-201-847-4796, Jamie_Yacco@bd.com