Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group Selected Sole Source for Quest Diagnostics Chemistry Laboratory Net

Melville, N.Y. (March 15, 2002) - The Diagnostic Systems Group of Olympus America Inc. announced that it was awarded a sole source agreement from Quest Diagnostics Incorporated covering automated chemistry systems used in its commercial reference labs throughout the United States.

Terms of the firms' agreement were not disclosed. Under the agreement, Quest Diagnostics will purchase Olympus AU5400TM chemistry analyzers and Olympus reagents, consumables, parts, service and technical support for use throughout its laboratory network. The systems are expected to facilitate reductions in operating costs and improve efficiency at Quest Diagnostics labs.

The new agreement extends the long-term relationship between Quest Diagnostics and Olympus in managing laboratory efficiency and costs. Olympus provides monthly management reports and, when needed, sends technical personnel into the laboratory to consult with laboratory directors, system operators and other staff in a joint effort to improve operating efficiency and manage costs.

"We are pleased to continue our long standing relationship with Quest Diagnostics," said Stephen Wasserman, Group Vice President, Diagnostic Systems Group of Olympus. "The new line of Olympus analyzers and reagents is designed to optimize laboratory operations. Our goal has always been focused on providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic testing solutions for hospital and commercial laboratories."

Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group provides innovative solutions that meet the high productivity demands of hospitals, integrated health delivery networks, reference labs, blood banks and pharmaceutical labs. Offering the broadest standardized line of random access, chemistry-immuno systems, Olympus' solutions save laboratories time, maximize productivity and deliver fast, reliable results.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/oai_pressDetails.asp?pressNo=173