bioMérieux Data Management Software, OBSERVA^® , Brings Added Efficiencies and Compliance to Blood Bank Industry

OBSERVA assists laboratory with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and audit tracking

DURHAM, N.C. (May 14, 2007) — bioMérieux, Inc., a leading industrial microbiology and diagnostics company, will make its next-generation data management software, OBSERVA^® non-interfaced version 3, available to customers within the blood bank industry. The Windows XP platform OBSERVA software efficiently consolidates data and results from the automated BacT/ALERT^® 3D microbial detection device. This system upgrade will be available to all blood centers, starting third quarter.

OBSERVA software offers the convenience of monitoring multiple data from a single workstation. This feature can possibly help reduce production costs and improve data management. The software will provide blood bank laboratories with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and audit tracking to improve system security and confidence.

“bioMérieux is introducing OBSERVA, a proven technology, to the blood bank industry to increase efficiency and productivity in the laboratory,” said Herb Steward, Executive Vice President and General Manager, bioMérieux, Inc. “There is a need within the industry for more tools to support the work done by laboratorians. bioMérieux focuses on bringing advanced technology to empower lab professionals with rapid, actionable results.”

The BacT/ALERT 3D is FDA cleared for quality control testing of leukocyte reduced apheresis platelet (LRAP) units and both leukocyte reduced single and a pool of up to six units of leukocyte reduced whole blood platelet concentrates (LRWBPC). The system immediately alerts the laboratory in the event of a positive sample, allowing a rapid response. Automation saves times and enables laboratory technicians to manage multiple tasks at once.

Visit bioMerieux representatives at the South Central Association of Blood Banks (SCABB)/California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) Joint Meeting, May 15-18, 2007 booth #226. The meeting will take place at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About bioMérieux

Advancing Diagnostics to Improve Public Health - A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for over 40 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 35 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2006, revenues reached €1.037 billion with 83% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software), which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Our products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cardiovascular emergencies and cancer screening and monitoring. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. bioMérieux is listed on Eurolist by Euronext. For more information, visit www.biomerieux-usa.com .

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