ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott today announced it has signed an agreement with Blood Systems Laboratories to supply ABBOTT PRISM(R) System fully automated blood screening instruments and assays for use at its U.S. blood donor testing sites. This arrangement is effective immediately, and runs through 2011. No additional terms were disclosed.
"Working with the blood bank industry to help enhance the safety of the U.S. blood supply is a core part of our business," said Jeff Binder, senior vice president, diagnostic operations, Abbott. "Blood Systems Laboratories is an important partner for us as we continue to build on that commitment."
Before a blood donation can enter the blood supply, it is tested for evidence of exposure to viruses that might cause disease. This screening process involves numerous assays, multiple test instruments and many manual steps. The ABBOTT PRISM instrument consolidates much of this testing into a single automated system, reducing the number of times a blood sample is handled and improving operating safety and efficiency for blood and plasma centers.
Abbott's PRISM System is relied on to screen donated blood by more than 30 countries, or more than 25 percent of the global blood supply. It offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity for infectious disease detection.
Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., Blood Systems is the second largest blood screening laboratory system in the U.S. Its laboratories in Tempe, Ariz., and Bedford, Texas, test more than 2.6 million blood donations every year.
"Providing our customers with excellent blood donor testing is our top priority," said Sally Caglioti Vice President, Blood Systems Laboratories. "We're delighted to implement the ABBOTT PRISM and work with a company so well regarded in the scientific community throughout the world for their expertise in this area."
In 2005, Abbott launched a hepatitis B test, the ABBOTT PRISM(R) hepatitis B core antibody (HB Core) assay -- the first test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the ABBOTT PRISM system. In July, 2006, Abbott launched its second test for hepatitis B, the ABBOTT PRISM(R) hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assay, along with ABBOTT PRISM(R) HBsAg Confirmatory. Additional hepatitis and retrovirus screening tests, which include a test for HIV, are currently under FDA review.
About Blood Systems Laboratories
Blood Systems Laboratories ( http://www.BloodSystemsLaboratories.org ) is a division of Blood Systems, one of the nation's oldest and largest non-profit community blood service providers. Blood Systems Laboratories comprises two state-of-art, high volume, donor testing facilities and is a proven partner to over 60 blood and tissue centers throughout the U.S.
About Abbott Diagnostics
Abbott Diagnostics is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems and tests for hospitals, reference labs, blood banks, physician offices and clinics. With more than 69,000 institutional customers in more than 100 countries, Abbott's diagnostic products offer customers automation, convenience, cost effectiveness and flexibility. Abbott has helped transform the practice of medical diagnostics from an art to a science through the company's commitment to improving patient care and lowering overall costs. The history of Abbott Diagnostics is filled with examples of first-of-a-kind products and significant technological advancements.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 65,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com .
AbbottCONTACT: Media, Kelly Morrison, +1-847-937-3802, or Financial Community,Tina Ventura, +1-847-935-9390, both of Abbott
