TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southwestern Medical Solutions, Inc. (Pink Sheets:SWNM) is pleased to report that it has begun research & development regarding an economical and accurate HIV urinalysis test kit for safe, rapid on-site testing/screening and in-home, self-administered testing. Urinalysis is vastly superior to blood-based HIV tests in many ways, including greater safety and ease of use for healthcare workers, lower cost of sample collection, and stronger consumer acceptance. Since HIV is not spread/contractible through urine, the Labguard Accucheck(tm) HIV on-site urinalysis test eliminates the risk of infection to healthcare workers through accidental exposure.
A SIMPLE, EFFICIENT AND NON-INVASIVE TEST
The Company's HIV test kit will be 'simplicity itself". The patient need only provide a urine sample through the Labguard Accucheck(tm) collection system, which requires no preservation and can remain stable for 55 days at room temperature, or sent directly to a laboratory for further examination. The fact that the test is non-invasive, i.e. it does not involve taking a blood sample with a needle, overcomes the greatest element of resistance to HIV testing worldwide. Surveys and data reports show that people avoid HIV testing, largely due to their innate fear of needles. It is estimated that fully one-third of Americans infected with the AIDS virus are unaware of their HIV status. Data from the World Health Organization and UNAIDS show that 30 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, but only 10% know they are infected!
A CRITICAL NEED
Availability of Southwestern Medical's proposed non-invasive HIV test kit in the foreseeable future could dramatically improve the dire situation regarding undiagnosed HIV around the world. The Company's Labguard Accucheck(tm) HIV test will cost about 90% less than HIV blood tests, reflecting the savings in the collection, storage, and disposal of blood samples. The self administered, in-home HIV test kit from Southwestern Medical Solutions Inc. will facilitate non-invasive, private, safe, and economical testing for AIDS, and is expected to radically alter the HIV diagnosis/treatment paradigm.
SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL HAS THE SOLUTION
The Company's proprietary Labguard Accucheck(tm) on-site collection & diagnostic testing technology represents a revolutionary approach that ensures greater safety and convenience for diagnostic testing administrators at an attractive, market-competitive price. Currently in the final prototype stage, Labguard Accucheck( has already attracted expressions of strong interest from several major medical-device distribution companies, both in the U.S. and abroad. Numerous applications of the Labguard Accucheck(tm) to address specific market needs, such as non-invasive HIV testing, are currently in the design, prototype and/or testing stages.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please Contact: Richard Powell Southwestern Medical Solutions, Inc. Corporate Address: 13014 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL. 33618 Phone: 1-877-576-0936 E-Mail: SWML@ureach.com Website: www.swmsinc.com
The statements made in this press release, which are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial conditions and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in the release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward- looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward- looking statement.