BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, has announced the US launch of BD AutoShield Duo, a next generation, 5mm safety-engineered pen needle designed to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries and blood exposure.

BD AutoShield Duo fits all insulin pens and is the latest in BD’s portfolio of innovative safety products.  It is a leap forward in healthcare worker and patient safety.  BD pioneered the development of safety-engineered medical devices, and has been at the forefront for nearly two decades.

The BD AutoShield Duo is the only pen needle with front and back-end needle protection.  The safety mechanisms activate automatically after use, virtually eliminating the risk of exposure to contaminated needles for clinicians and others.

The BD AutoShield Duo’s tiny, 5mm needle allows a clinician to use a one handed, no pinch-up injection technique.  One handed injections are preferable because they minimize the possibility of a skin fold through-stick, a common source of needlestick injuries. Recent research proves 5mm insulin pen needles enter subcutaneous tissue with minimal risk of intramuscular injection and no additional leakage, even in obese patients.  

“Needlestick injuries pose clear risks to clinicians and healthcare staff,” said Dr. Laurence Hirsch, VP Global Medical Affairs, BD Medical – Diabetes Care. “BD AutoShield Duo is unique because it virtually eliminates front and back-end needle exposure after use automatically - and ensures effective and reliable delivery of insulin and other subcutaneous medications where they are intended.”