ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS LAUNCHES SYSMEX XT-2000i™ AUTOMATED HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER WITH FLUORESCENT FLOW CYTOMETRY CAPABILITIES

Indianapolis, Indiana - August 20, 2002 - Today, Roche Diagnostics announced that the new Sysmex XT-2000i Automated Hematology Analyzer is now available in the U.S. This analyzer expands Roche Diagnostics' growing product line of Sysmex hematology products and delivers the power of Sysmex fluorescent flow cytometry to enhance efficiency in all labs, especially those supporting oncology, dialysis, and pediatric patients.

The Sysmex XT-2000i analyzer processes 80 samples per hour with random access to any of four discrete analysis modes: CBC, CBC plus differential, CBC plus reticulocyte, and CBC plus differential and reticulocyte. Random access to these modes provides complete flexibility in fully automated operation for maximum efficiency.

Through its use of fluorescent technology, the Sysmex XT-2000i analyzer offers onboard reticulocyte analysis without pretreatment. Reticulocyte analysis, along with immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), is important in monitoring bone marrow activity.

Fluorescent platelet count on the Sysmex XT-2000i provides accurate platelet counts when red blood cell (RBC) fragments are present and is especially useful in dialysis patients.

The Sysmex XT-2000i analyzer not only uses the same advanced technology as the Sysmex XE-2100™ hematology analyzer, it also offers the same Windows®-based, easy-to-use operating system, the same reagent system, and common quality control (QC) material. Efficiency within an integrated health network is increased through this standardization of processes and reagents.

To maximize system uptime and ensure data quality, the Sysmex XT-2000i analyzer offers remote diagnostics and online QC. The remote diagnostics system minimizes disruptions to laboratory operations and online QC enables real-time comparison of QC data with peer labs and other labs within a health system.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-oriented healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and vitamins. Roche's products and services address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, thus enhancing well-being and quality of life. Roche's Diagnostics Division, the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics with a uniquely broad product portfolio, supplies a wide array of innovative testing products and services to researchers, physicians, patients, hospitals, and laboratories worldwide. Roche Diagnostics Corporation, based in Indianapolis, is the North American headquarters for the diagnostics business of the company. Roche Diagnostics' website is located at www.roche-diagnostics.com.