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Becton, Dickinson (NYSE:BDX) unit BD Life Sciences has warned customers that shipments of some of its BD BACTEC blood culture media products may be delayed in the coming months due to production issues.
BD said in a letter to users dated July 11 that it has been unable to meet full global demand for the products due to a lack of availability of bottles from its supplier. The company said it was working with its raw material supplier for the bottles to improve product efficiency and output.
BD also said it was taking other measures to mitigate the situation, including modifying its manufacturing schedules to rapidly respond to bottle shipments from the supplier.
In a press release issued Wednesday, BD said it has asked its former glass vial supplier to restart production to help fill the supply gap. It added it was working with the FDA “to review all potential options to mitigate delays in supply.”
BD also said it did not expect the issue to have a material financial impact on the company.
In its letter to customers on Thursday, BD said it would provide an update on the supply issue by September.
The blood culture media products are used to help diagnose and treat infections.
On Wednesday, the FDA recommended that labs and health care providers “consider conservation strategies to prioritize the use of blood culture media bottles, preserving the supply for patients at highest risk.”