Ortho Clinical Diagnostics announced the launch of its Remote Monitoring Center, the first 24-7 central command center in the in vitro diagnostic industry that continuously tracks the condition of laboratory instrument performance. Using proprietary remote diagnostic tools leveraging more than 30 years of field engineering experience, the Remote Monitoring Center helps customers identify specific service needs up to 30 days in advance. This innovative service detects and predicts potential instrument problems before they interrupt the ability of the laboratory to deliver quality test results. With the Remote Monitoring Center, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics fundamentally changes the way laboratories manage and maintain instruments so they can deliver timely and accurate results to physicians and patients.

The Remote Monitoring Center uses proprietary e-Connectivity((TM)) technology to continuously track a steady stream of data sent by the instrument on its performance. This state-of-the-art, secure, two-way broadband Internet connection allows Ortho Clinical Diagnostics technical support specialists and engineers to perform remote system analysis, as well as monitor, review and upgrade system configuration, data and performance information. This remote diagnostic capability also allows Ortho Clinical Diagnostics technical specialists and engineers to diagnose issues remotely and, when required, schedule service at a customer's convenience, allowing laboratories to optimize instrument uptime.

"With the Remote Monitoring Center, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics advances instrument servicing from the old 'break-fix' model to a new 'predict and maintain' model," said Troy Taylor, Vice President, Worldwide Customer Technical Service, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. "By detecting and predicting potential problems before they occur, we are working with customers to help maximize efficiency and provide optimal workflow, while minimizing laboratory downtime."

With laboratories facing skilled labor shortages, budget reductions and increasing test volumes, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics identified an unmet need for new technologies that reduce the potential for instrument failures and workflow interruptions.

"Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is continuing its commitment to providing customers with innovative products, services and process solutions to make labs more efficient in delivering quality results," said Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Worldwide Commercial President Mark Straley. "The Remote Monitoring Center extends the science of predictive knowledge to our customers so they can deliver timely and accurate results to benefit patient lives."

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics constructed the first Remote Monitoring Center in Rochester, New York. A second center will be constructed in Strasbourg, France, and a third center is planned for the Asia Pacific region.

About e-Connectivity(TM)

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics' e-Connectivity((TM)) Interactive System Management feature provides a secure, two-way connection between VITROS((R)) instruments and the highly skilled technical support team at the Remote Monitoring Center. Technical support specialists and engineers are able to perform remote system analysis, as well as monitor, review and upgrade system configuration, data and performance information. Features provided by e-Connectivity((TM) )technology include:

-- Automatic two-way data exchange provides the ability to automatically send and receive data securely from the technical support team at the Remote Monitoring Center.

-- Assay and equipment predictive alerts are automatically sent to the technical support team when specific events or statistical trends have been observed.

-- Remote diagnostic operation allows the technical support team to access the instrument remotely, with oversight from the instrument operator, so that technical challenges can be solved more efficiently.

-- System upgrades can be performed so the VITROS((R)) Systems are running as efficiently as possible with the newest available technology.

e-Connectivity((TM) )technology is available to customers using VITROS((R)) Systems, including: the VITROS((R)) 5600 Integrated System, the VITROS((R)) 3600 Immunodiagnostic System, the VITROS((R)) 5,1 and the VITROS((R)) ECi/ECiQ.

Data exchanged via e-Connectivity((TM)) is securely encrypted, protecting valuable and confidential patient information. e-Connnectivity((TM)) operates on a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN), which means data is not exposed directly to the Internet.

The VPN analyzer has a non-routable, pre-assigned IP address that can only communicate with Ortho Clinical Diagnostics servers. The customer also retains full control of the data, as Ortho Clinical Diagnostics cannot access the customer's network through the connection.

About Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, delivers the high quality in vitro diagnostic products that give healthcare professionals around the world the knowledge they need to make better treatment decisions sooner. The company serves the global transfusion medicine community with donor screening and blood typing products to help ensure every patient receives blood that is safe, the right type, and the right unit. Ortho Clinical Diagnostics also brings sophisticated information management, testing technologies, automation and interpretation tools to clinical laboratories worldwide to help them run more efficiently and improve patient care.

Source: Ortho Clinical Diagnostics