Next-generation, automated blood gas analyzer - Bayer HealthCare

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 11 Jul 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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Bayer HealthCare, Diagnostics Division, announced the worldwide launch of its newest critical care blood gas instrument, the Rapidlab(R) 1200 analyzer. The Rapidlab 1200 analyzer is a high-throughput, low-maintenance blood gas instrument designed to address the key challenges facing today's laboratories. Delivering results for all test parameters in approximately one minute and with minimal maintenance requirements, the Rapidlab 1200 automated blood gas instrument provides the speed, accuracy and required "up-time" needed for clinical staff to make critical care decisions in a timely manner.

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, one of the largest trusts in the United Kingdom providing acute services for the population of Leeds as well as some regional services, was trial site for the Rapidlab 1200 analyzer. Dr.Joan Pearson, POCT Manager for the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals commented, "We found the Rapidlab 1200 analyzer to be a highly reliable instrument with rapid turnaround around time for results. Our lab staff, who have been working with the analyzer in one of the intensive care units since the commencement of the trial in January, were most pleased with the Rapidlab 1200 analyzer's minimal maintenance requirements and its ease of use. These are essential characteristics for an analyzer to meet the Trust's future POTC needs"

The Rapidlab 1200 blood gas analyzer offers a comprehensive test menu, including pH, blood gas, electrolytes, metabolites, and CO-oximetry - all from a single sample - enabling a lab and POCT sites to satisfy individual testing needs. Based on the same cartridge-based technology as Bayer's Rapidpoint(R) 400 analyzer, the Rapidlab 1200 system eliminates unwieldy gas tanks and reagent bottles, minimizing maintenance requirements and enhancing the analyzer's ease of use.

Additional features of Bayer Diagnostics' recent market entrant include onboard, Automatic Quality Control (AQC) materials independent from internal instrument calibrators. AQC improves country-specific regulatory compliance initiatives and simplifies quality control processes. When integrated with Rapidsystems(R) connectivity solutions, laboratories benefit from centralized data control, system management and improved regulatory compliance.

"The Rapidlab 1200 automated analyzer provides unparalleled ease-of-use combined with reliability, and the outstanding service and support that have become synonymous with Bayer Diagnostics' blood gas instruments," said Tom Warekois, Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing for Bayer HealthCare's Diagnostics Division. "Our laboratory customers will measure the benefits of this analyzer with improved lab workflow, enhanced up-time and increased testing efficiencies."

About Bayer Rapidsystems(R) Blood Gas Analyzers

Bayer Diagnostics' Rapidsystems brand is a comprehensive portfolio of blood gas analyzers that includes the Rapidpoint(R) 400/405 blood gas analyzer for point-of-care testing and the Rapidlab(R) 1200 analyzer for high volume and central labs. Rapidlink(R) Critical Care Information Management System, Bayer's leading information solution, integrates these analyzers into a hospital's centralized information system, enabling better management of patient data and providing enhanced remote control of the blood gas analyzers. Bayer's Rapidsystems(R) brand is a complete and integrated critical care offering, delivering accuracy, efficiency and familiarity across hospital departments.

About Bayer HealthCare AG

Bayer HealthCare AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2004, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some 8.5 billion Euro.

The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Bayer HealthCare employed 35,300 people worldwide in 2004.

Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F).The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

press.bayer.com

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