MUNDELEIN, Ill. and HERCULES, Calif., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sysmex America, Inc. and Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. , today announced that they have entered into a non-exclusive, multi-year distribution agreement to jointly market their complimentary products aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of diabetes testing. Sysmex will add Bio-Rad’s market-leading diabetes testing method to the Sysmex HST-N automation line. Bio-Rad will supply their VARIANT(TM) II TURBO Link. Together, the Sysmex and Bio-Rad products will provide clinical laboratories a complete and integrated solution that automates sample processing, eliminates sample splitting, and dramatically improves operating efficiency while reducing costs and errors.
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing history with Bio-Rad Laboratories,” said John Kershaw, President, Sysmex America, Inc. “The Bio-Rad VARIANT II TURBO Link is a perfect complement to the Sysmex HST-N hematology automation line. With the addition of A1c to our automation line, we can truly manage all the testing of the lavender top hematology sample tubes in the laboratory.”
Sysmex’s Lavender Top Management(TM) solution provides hematology laboratories with the ability to conduct analysis of 90% of tests compatible with EDTA samples (i.e. CBC, Diff, Retic, ESR, A1c and other tests). Sysmex and Bio-Rad will work together to provide seamless service, training, installation and customer support services.
“We are pleased to work with Sysmex in offering this integrated testing solution to clinical laboratories as it will enable them to provide superior diabetes testing services to doctors and their patients throughout the United States,” said John Goetz, Bio-Rad Vice President and Group Manager of Clinical Diagnostics.
About HbA1c
The hemogolobin A1c (A1C) blood test, which measures the amount of glucose attached to the hemoglobin in the red blood cell, can estimate how well blood glucose levels have been controlled during the previous three to four months. Bio-Rad’s test is the industry’s gold standard technology in determining if a patient’s diabetes is under control.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. , has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 5,000 people globally and had revenues of nearly $1.3 billion in 2006. For more information, visit http://www.bio-rad.com.
About Sysmex America, Inc.
Sysmex America, Inc., the U.S. headquarters of Sysmex Corporation (Kobe, Japan), is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including clinical diagnostics, automation and information systems. Serving customers for over 35 years, Sysmex focuses on extending the boundaries of diagnostic science while providing the management information tools that make a real difference in clinical and operational results for people worldwide. For more information about Sysmex, please visit http://www.sysmex.com/usa.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding the Company’s risks and uncertainties, please refer to the “Risk Factors” in the Company’s public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Sysmex America, Inc.
CONTACT: Tammy Kutz, Manager, Media & Events of Sysmex America, Inc.,+1-847-996-4531, kutzt@sysmex.com; or Tina Cuccia, Corporate CommunicationsManager of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., +1-510-274-7000,tina_cuccia@bio-rad.com
Web site: http://www.sysmex.com/
