BD Launches BD MAX(TM) Open System in Europe and Reveals Strategy to Build Broad Menu of Assays that Provide Timely, Accurate Information to Laboratories and Clinicians

MILAN, May 6, 2011 - BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:
BDX), today announced the European launch of the BD MAX(TM) Open System for
molecular testing, which will enable laboratories to run both laboratory and
BD- developed assays and offer enhanced testing services that elevate the
standards of care at their institutions.

BD made the launch announcement on the opening day of the 21st European
Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the 27th
International Congress of Chemotherapy (ECCMID/ICC) in Milan, Italy.

"In a world with ever-evolving pathogens, laboratories need to provide
clinicians with fast, accurate and actionable diagnostic information that
will save patient lives," said Tom Polen, President of BD Diagnostics -
Diagnostic Systems. "The new completely open, state-of-the-art BD MAX System
empowers laboratories to automate their unique internally developed molecular
assays, while accessing a rich and growing menu of world-class assays from BD
and our leading assay development partners."

BD MAX is the first and only fully automated, open, bench-top molecular
testing workstation able to perform both IVD/CE and laboratory-developed
tests. The BD MAX System gives clinical laboratory professionals new ability
to help their institutions respond to emerging threats, such as new strains
of deadly drug-resistant bacteria or respiratory illnesses.

"BD's strategy is to make BD MAX the laboratory equivalent of a
smartphone," said Polen. "We are working with leading assay development
companies from around the world to develop a constantly growing, content-rich
menu of tests that deliver critical information to caregivers faster and more
accurately than current methods. Our plan is to make the BD MAX System an
indispensible tool that no laboratory professional will want to live
without."

According to Polen, BD intends a steady stream of announcements regarding
agreements with best-in-class IVD assay developers to bring new assays to the
BD MAX System for a broad range of disease categories.

The BD MAX System's content-rich menu, open capability, full automation
and standardized workflow will enable laboratories to consolidate and
standardize a broad range of molecular tests to build programs that meet both
their current and future clinical needs. The system will give European
laboratories the ability to run their current laboratory developed assays as
well as the ability to develop new ones.

For information about the new BD MAX System, please visit:
bd.com/geneohm/english/products/max/

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 29,000
associates in more than 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 forward-looking statements (as
defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD's performance, including
future product development. . Forward-looking statements may be identified by
the use of words such as "plan", "intend" or words of similar meaning in
conjunction with statements of future performance. 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.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained herein, a number of
factors could cause actual results to vary materially from any
forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to:
difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product
introductions; the possibility that BD may not be able to enter into product
development agreements on satisfactory terms; the unknown consequences of the
recently-enacted healthcare reform in the United States, including potential
reduced demand for BD's products; adverse changes in regional, national or
foreign economic conditions, including any impact that may result from the
current global economic situation on BD's ability to access credit markets
and finance its operations, the demand for BD's products and services, or its
suppliers' ability to provide products needed for BD's operations;
competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; 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; new or
changing laws impacting BD's business or changes in enforcement practices
with respect to such laws; and future healthcare reform, including changes in
government pricing and reimbursement policies or other cost containment
reforms. BD does 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.

    Contact:
    Vikki Lomas
    Corporate Communications
    T: (+44)-1865-781607
    vikki_lomas@europe.bd.com

.