CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IRIS International, Inc. (Nasdaq:IRIS), a leading manufacturer and marketer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and consumables for use in hospitals and commercial laboratories worldwide, today announced that its Sample Processing Division has initiated shipments of its new StatSpin(R) OvaTube(TM) System for use in veterinary hospitals, clinics and reference laboratories to process fecal samples for the detection of ova and parasites.
"The StatSpin(R) OvaTube(TM) is a single use disposable device for centrifugal flotation of ova and parasites, representing a significant ease of use improvement over the existing standard centrifugal method with comparable accuracy," stated Robert Mello, President of Iris Sample Processing. "It is a novel disposable centrifugal device that is significantly easier to use, cleaner and twice as fast than the current gravity flotation devices used today, and is designed to be compatible with most fixed angle or horizontal bench top centrifuges already broadly used in the market. Fecal samples are collected, mixed with flotation fluid, and centrifuged all in the same device, with results obtained on site while the veterinary patient is waiting."
"Based on our research, there are some 20 million ova parasite tests performed on animals each year in the U.S. alone, with some 15 million of these tests being performed in 25,000 veterinary clinics. However, due to the messy and cumbersome nature of the current centrifugal method, users opt to perform the majority of these tests using a gravity flotation device despite its inferior clinical results, versus the centrifugal method which has significantly higher sensitivity. We believe the launch of the OvaTube(TM) with its unique benefits, cleaner, easy to use features and faster turnaround time, will result in greater utilization of centrifugation as the preferred method for ova and parasite detection in the clinic, due to its higher sensitivity," Mr. Mello said.
"We are pleased that our Sample Processing division has met our goal of launching this innovative new product in the fourth quarter of 2009," stated IRIS President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Garcia. "The launch of the StatSpin(R) OvaTube(TM) is consistent with our strategy of building a higher recurring revenue stream for our Sample Processing business unit. As a standalone disposable, one-time use device designed for use with most bench top centrifuges, we believe the OvaTube(TM) opens up a significant growth opportunity in the veterinary clinic and laboratory market by expanding our product offering with a platform-independent disposable which would provide a greater mix of consumables revenue," added Mr. Garcia.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year some 1-3 million humans are infected with hookworm by their pets. A study by the CDC shows the transmission of Toxocara from dogs and cats to humans is most common in young children and youth under age 20. Infections are acquired by accidental ingestion of Toxocara eggs found in environments contaminated with feces of infected dogs and cats. This includes play areas and sandboxes. Although most persons infected with Toxocara have no apparent symptoms, such infection can cause blindness and other serious systemic illness, if left untreated.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) states that 34% of dogs have gastrointestinal parasites. To control internal and external parasites, CAPC recommends fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adult animals, depending on their health and lifestyle factors. CAPC also recommends the use of centrifugal flotation as the preferred method or "gold standard" for routine screening. Centrifugal methods allow for quicker and more effective separation of ova compared to gravity flotation. Slides prepared using this method have less debris and are easier to read and results are more sensitive than the gravity flotation method.
"We are excited to be displaying the StatSpin(R) OvaTube(TM) at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando January 16th-21st and again at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas February 14th -16th," said Pamela Pasakarnis, Vice President Sales and Marketing of Iris Sample Processing. "Feedback from our studies has been very favorable and indicates an acceptance for the product from veterinarians by providing an easy to use method that is comparable to the gold standard."
About IRIS International, Inc.
IRIS International is a leading global in vitro diagnostics company focused on products that analyze particles and living cell forms and structures, or morphology of a variety of body fluids. The Company's products leverage its strengths in flow imaging technology, particle recognition and automation to bring efficiency to hospital and commercial laboratories. The initial applications for its technology have been in the urinalysis market and the Company is the leading worldwide provider of automated urine microscopy and chemistry systems, with an installed base of more than 2,300 systems in more than 50 countries. The Company is expanding its core imaging and morphology expertise into related markets and is developing applications in hematology and urinary tract infections. In addition, the Company is developing molecular diagnostic tests based on its Nucleic Acid Detection Immunoassay, or NADiA(R), platform, with applications in oncology and infectious disease. The Company's Sample Processing Division, based in Westwood, Mass., manufactures the StatSpin(r) brand of centrifuges and blood analysis products. For more information visit www.proiris.com.
SAFE HARBOR PROVISION
This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's views on the features and benefits of the OvaTube, that the OvaTube will result in greater utilization of centrifugation as the preferred method for ova and parasite detection in the clinic, and that the OvaTube(TM) will open up a significant growth opportunity for the Company in the veterinary clinic, and are generally identified by phrases such as "thinks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," and similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statement. These statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the OvaTube(TM) features and benefits; the market for ova and parasite detection among dogs and cats; adoption of the product by veterinary clinics and laboratories; and competition from existing and newly introduced products that compete with the OvaTube(TM). These and other risks are more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which should be read in conjunction herewith for a further discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.