MRSASelect - Rapid Screening of MRSA

Date: 
2008-07-15
 

Product Press Release

HERCULES, CA – July 15, 2008 – Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced FDA clearance for faster interpretation time of its existing MRSASelect™ test, a chromogenic medium that is used for the rapid screening of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). With high sensitivity and specificity as well as rapid and direct identification, the MRSASelect test can now identify MRSA carriers in as little as 18 hours. Bio-Rad received FDA clearance in the U.S. to market its MRSASelect test with the new interpretation time in June. The test was originally introduced in the U.S. in October 2007.

MRSA is an infectious bacterial strain that is resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin and methicillin. Most MRSA infections occur in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Individuals can become carriers of MRSA by physical contact with the organism or inhalation of it. To prevent transmission, the goal is to quickly identify and separate carriers. The MRSASelect test can speed up this process.

“The improved detection time of MRSASelect provides hospitals with the ability to report results earlier and allows a faster implementation of appropriate infection control,” said John Goetz, Bio-Rad Vice President and Group Manager Clinical Diagnostics. “This is key in reducing hospital stays and to minimizing the spread of this pathogen.”


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 diagnostic 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 approaching $1.5 billion in 2007. 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, 2007, 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:
Christina L. Marshall
Sales Product Manager
USSD Marketing – Clinical Diagnostics Group
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Phone: 510-741-5731
E-mail: christina_marshall@bio-rad.com