A new tool gives on-the-spot information to help diagnose heart attacks.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 1995--Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America.

Data from the American Heart Association shows that for every minute that passes, approximately two Americans die from this disease. What's more, over $110 billion are spent each year on the treatment and lost productivity associated with cardiovascular disease.

Each year, more than 5 million people with chest pain go to emergency rooms across the country. Fortunately, less than one in five are truly having a heart attack. The problem is that in the majority of cases, the doctor is not sure if the patient is having a heart attack because their symptoms may not be typical or the diagnostic tools available are not definitive.

Now there is a tool to help diagnose a heart attack. The Spectral(tm) Cardiac STATus(tm) Test is a rapid diagnostic kit that provides results from a few drops of whole blood at the patient's bedside in less than 20 minutes. Utilizing unique, patented technologies, the test provides determinations for two of today's most important cardiac markers used in the process of evaluating chest pain in the emergency department.

Cardiac markers and/or proteins appear after a heart attack as the cells in the heart muscle (or myocardium) die. These proteins are then released into the patient's blood. The Spectral(tm) Cardiac STATus(tm) Test is the first to identify the presence of these markers from whole blood at the patient's bedside or point of care with a simple color band indication.

The Spectral(tm) Cardiac STATus(tm) Test is used in conjunction with other diagnostic evaluations, including patient history, electrocardiograms and quantitative cardiac marker results to rule-in or rule-out a heart attack. In addition, the use of this rapid qualitative card test in the emergency room, critical care, point-of-care or hospital laboratory settings will help speed patient triage, improve quality of care, and enhance the utilization of hospital resources.

The Cardiac STATus(tm) test, a result of collaboration between Spectral Diagnostics (Toronto) and Princeton BioMeditech Corp. (Monmouth Junction, N.J.), is being marketed by Dade International Inc. in the United States. The Cardiac STATus(tm) test demonstrates the Dade International commitment to continued leadership in cardiac marker technology. This revolutionary technology complements the portfolio of cardiac marker tests available from Dade International Inc.

For more information, or a copy of the video news release, contact Sharyn Spalten, 305/592-2311, Ext. 5747.

CONTACT: Dade International Inc., Miami

Sharyn Spalten, Marketing Specialist

305/592-2311, Ext. 5747

305/392-5695 (fax)