In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the largest global medical technology companies has launched a new rapid detection test with help from its research and development team right here in Maryland.

BD – also known as Becton, Dickinson and Company – has had a presence in Maryland since the 1950s, and currently has its Integrated Diagnostic Solutions business headquartered in Sparks.

The company’s new point-of-care diagnostic test can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus using its BD Veritor™ Plus System, a machine that is already being used for other diagnostics in more than 28,000 laboratories and hospitals worldwide.

According to a recent release, BD anticipates producing up to 10 million tests this summer. And, with a new $24 million investment from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the company could produce more than 12 million kits by February 2021.

BD was also recently in the news for its partnership with Baltimore County Government, which plans to purchase separate tests and transport kits to boost the jurisdiction’s response to the ongoing pandemic.

“BD is proud to leverage local talent as part of our global response to COVID-19,” said Dave Hickey, president of Integrated Diagnostic Solutions for BD. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, our teams have worked diligently to expand access to vital testing supplies including swabs, viral transport media, and molecular and rapid antigen based COVID-19 diagnostic tests.”

The company currently has more than 2,500 employees at its Baltimore County operations.