Press Release

Osmetech plc launches three new OPTI products

Osmetech plc, the international diagnostics group, has this week launched three new products for its OPTI range of blood gas and electrolyte testing products at the American Association of Clinical Chemists Conference (AACC) in Los Angeles, US.

The three products: a new version of the OPTI Critical Care Analyser (CCA) with a colour touch screen; the ComfortSampler for less painful arterial blood-sampling and DataTrol, data management software to centralise blood gas analyser test results in large hospitals, are now being shipped to distributors worldwide.

James White, Chief Executive of Osmetech plc said, ‘The market testing we have done with our major distribution partners and customers in the US, Asia and Europe indicates strong demand for all three products in near patient care settings such as the emergency room, operating theatres and intensive care units. This has been supported by the positive reaction we have received from both existing and potential customers visiting the conference.

‘We have been able to bring these products to market on time and on budget. The new OPTI CCA instrument and the ComfortSampler have both been developed internally and the DataTrol management software has been created by a third party developer and is being sold under licence.

‘We now provide products that help the clinician take blood more easily, sample it quickly and effectively and we can help them co-ordinate sample results from numerous devices in one hospital.

‘The OPTI range should be further strengthened by two new instruments planned to be launched on schedule early in 2005.’

Product details

Osmetech OPTI Critical Care Analyzer with colour touch screen: The new addition to the OPTI blood-gas analyzer range features a new touch screen with simple images providing prompts for easier operation and reducing training time. The device stores up to 200 patient results on board and the printer provides a hard copy of patient samples, quality control and calibration results.

Osmetech ComfortSampler: This is a specially designed device to take arterial blood samples. Utilising a fine-gauge micro-needle with easy to use design, the kit produces a less painful puncture and requires minimal arterial pressure.

Osmetech DataTrol: This software is designed to capture all a hospital’s blood gas analyser data into a centralised location for easier management. It is particularly useful in larger hospital settings where typically 6 or 8 devices may be employed and require connectivity. DataTrol allows analyser test results to be transmitted from connected workstations for instant viewing by hospital personnel. It allows automated traceability, centralised data management and billing, secure access and avoids clinical personnel having to go to remote locations for results.

For further enquiries contact: Matthew Moth madano partnership 020 7 378 7033