Innovative Diagnostic Instrument Introduced by Abbott for Low- to Mid-Volume Laboratory Mark...( Highly Anticipated ARCHITECT(R) i100...),Health

Highly Anticipated ARCHITECT(R) i1000SR(R) Analyzer Enhances Workflow and

Boosts Laboratory Productivity

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has introduced the ARCHITECT(R) i1000SR(R) immunochemistry analyzer, expanding its ARCHITECT family of diagnostics instrument systems for clinical laboratories. Designed for labs that typically perform less than 200 immunoassay tests per day, the instrument addresses many of the workflow challenges common in today's laboratories.

With the increased demand for diagnostic testing, laboratories, both large and small, need to process tests as quickly and efficiently as possible. By providing continuous access to reagents and samples while the instrument is running, the ARCHITECT i1000SR enhances laboratory productivity. Additionally, a wide test menu, user-friendly software and low maintenance make it easy to train new laboratory personnel on the instrument's operation.

"Because time and ease of use are so critical in the testing environment, Abbott worked extensively with customers very early in the development phase and designed an instrument that could help smaller labs overcome the same productivity obstacles faced by larger labs," said Cass Grandone, divisional vice president, Systems Development, Abbott Diagnostics. "The ARCHITECT i1000SR analyzer is ideal for facilities running less than 200 tests per day and offers productivity benefits, such as highly efficient sample processing, usually reserved for larger testing facilities. Since ARCHITECT utilizes common reagents, consumables and software user interfaces, larger laboratories may be interested in using the instrument as a back-up system to the i2000SR."

The ARCHITECT i1000SR analyzer can process up to 100 tests per hour. The instrument accommodates 65 patient samples and has the capability to prioritize emergency test results and turn them around in less than 16 minutes.