Roche Diagnostics Launches Roche OPTI™ R, STAT-Ready Point-of-Care Blood Gas Analyzer
03-15-01

INDIANAPOLIS - March 15, 2001 - Roche Diagnostics Corporation announced today the U.S. launch of a new blood gas analyzer to its growing product line, the Roche OPTI™ R Analyzer. With the launch of this portable analyzer, Roche Diagnostics now offers a full line of blood gas and electrolyte analyzers.

Recognizing the need for an enhanced point of care analyzer, Roche has developed a portable system that saves time and money, while allowing health care professionals to optimize their workflow and provide patients with the highest quality of care.

“The Roche OPTI R Analyzer builds on an established technology base and is designed to make the critical duties of health care professionals easier and simpler,” Chris Bosler, Director, Point of Care, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, said. “Clinicians will benefit from the ability to conduct 25 tests with a single cartridge, while lab managers will appreciate the workflow and cost efficiencies. This product is designed to guide health care professionals to fast and accurate results in point-of-care settings.”

Roche OPTI R Analyzer is designed to increase efficiencies while reducing the bottom line. An economical auxiliary laboratory, Roche OPTI R Analyzer powers up in minutes and provides results in about one minute. In addition, it does not require separate hemoglobin controls, reducing operational costs. And with a predictable cost-per-test, budgeting activities are simplified.

Portable and easy to use, the Roche OPTI R Analyzer is the only STAT-ready point-of-care analyzer that provides measured total hemoglobin results. With direct measurement of total hemoglobin, clinical accuracy is enhanced, offering a true picture of the patient’s condition without the need for laboratory verification. As a result, unnecessary transfusions performed as a result of artificially low conductive hematocrit values are reduced.

In addition to providing timely and accurate results, Roche OPTI R Analyzer improves efficiency in the operating room and helps the user manage overall workflow. Snap-and-Go multi-use reagents simplify operations, while consistently providing accurate and reliable results for up to 100 samples.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-oriented health care groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and vitamins. Roche's innovative products and services address needs for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, thus enhancing people's well-being and quality of life. Through the company's Diagnostics Division, innovative testing products and services are made available to physicians, patients, hospitals, and laboratories worldwide. Roche Diagnostics Corporation, based in Indianapolis, is the North American headquarters for the diagnostics business of the company.