Olympus Debuts High-Throughput AU5400TM Chemistry Immuno Analyzer

San Francisco, CA - Adding to its line of standardized chemistry immuno systems, Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group debuted the new high-volume AU5400TM* analyzer at AACC. Meeting the needs of high-volume commercial and hospital core laboratories, the Olympus AU5400 automates and consolidates chemistry-immuno testing with up to 147 on-board chemistries and performs up to 6,600 tests per hour. The AU5400 is designed to upgrade and replace Olympus AU5200 analyzers used in the majority of large commercial laboratories.

To meet the varying workload demands of high-volume laboratories, the AU5400 system is available in multiple module configurations - the two-module AU5421 and the three-module AU5431. The system incorporates a fully integrated track system to intelligently route samples to the high-speed processing modules for simultaneous test processing.

A fully automated system, the Olympus AU5400 is a high-volume performer that increases laboratory productivity. The system requires less maintenance, uses less reagents, and incorporates probe crash prevention and sample clot detection - safety features not currently available on other high-volume analyzers.

Unlike other high-volume modular models, the AU5400 is a discrete, random access system, which utilizes precision reagent pipetting to eliminate wasteful reagent priming. Its multi-module design permits up to 147 on-board chemistries to offer laboratories a single, high-speed platform to perform the majority of their general and special chemistries. Olympus has a broad 122-test menu featuring general chemistries, special chemistries, urine chemistries, TDMs, DATs and thyroid assays. Olympus convenient, bar-coded reagents are stable liquid and ready-to-use. They are manufactured by Olympus Diagnostica, an ISO 9001 registered site.

Easy-to-use, the AU5400 uses flexible Microsoft Windows NT® software to simplify its operation. Additionally, operator training and system maintenance are easily accomplished through an on-line operator's manual, context-sensitive HELP functions and computer-generated video clips. Technical support is modem-linked for a virtual on-site engineer around the clock. CLIA, NCCLS, and CAP compliance is supported by software documentation QC features.

Olympus meets the needs of any sized laboratory or network with its broad line of chemistry-immuno analyzers. Compatible standardization between the AU400TM, AU640TM, AU2700TM*, and AU5400TM* systems include identical user-interfaces, standardized results and reference ranges. These analyzers also use the same reagents, consumables and parts for the most cost-effective operation in the health-care market today.

Olympus packages a variety of solutions for financial services, information technology and laboratory automation. As part of its acquisition plan solutions, Olympus offers unique cost management programs based on a laboratory's monthly test volume to help customers optimize their laboratory operations. For additional information about the Olympus AU5400, its standardized product line, and other services, please call the Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group at 1-800-223-0125.

*Pending regulatory clearance. Not available for sale in the U.S.

About Olympus America Inc.

Olympus America Inc. distributes a wide range of products that leverage its core expertise in optics and digital information technology for the consumer, scientific, health care, commercial and industrial markets. These products include film and filmless cameras, microcassette and digital voice recorders, binoculars, film scanners, personal photo printers, medical and industrial endoscopes, biological and metallurgical microscopes and measuring instruments, clinical diagnostic analyzers, and other high technology products. Olympus America Inc. is responsible for sales, marketing, distribution in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Located in Melville, N.Y., Olympus America is a subsidiary of Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. with worldwide revenues of $3.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2000.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/oai_pressDetails.asp?pressNo=96