BioPlex 2200 Streamlines Vasculitis Testing

Date: 
2008-02-11
 

Novel Automated Multiplexing Technology Streamlines Vasculitis Testing and Maximizes Laboratory Efficiency

HERCULES, CA - February 11, 2008 - Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced the launch of the first and only fully-automated, random access multiplex test system for autoimmune systemic vasculitis testing. The BioPlex® 2200 Vasculitis kit is for use on the BioPlex 2200 system, a platform that employs multiplexing technology to analyze multiple disease markers from a single patient sample.

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels causing them to become inflamed. The disruption of blood flow can result in damage to a body's organs. Through simultaneous identification and semi-quantitative detection of three of the most clinically relevant vasculitis autoantibodies, the BioPlex 2200 Vasculitis kit can be used help diagnose some of the most severe autoimmune vasculitis diseases.

"The release of the Vasculitis kit is another example of Bio-Rad's continued commitment to provide laboratories with more useful information, highly reproducible results, and faster result turnaround time," said John Goetz, Bio-Rad Vice President and Group Manager Clinical Diagnostics. "Using the Vasculitis kit, physicians are able to offer enhanced patient management while optimizing their operational efficiencies and reducing costs."

The BioPlex 2200 system is the first and only fully-automated, random access multiplex testing system and provides clinical laboratories with the capability to rapidly process or "multiplex" multiple individual tests, which are traditionally processed separately, using a single small volume patient sample.


About Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), 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 6,300 people globally and had revenues of nearly $1.3 billion in 2006. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

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.

For more information contact:
Tina Cuccia, Corporate Communications Manager
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Phone: 510-724-7000
E-mail: tina_cuccia@bio-rad.com