ALARIS Medical Releases Error-Prevention Software in the Syringe Delivery Segment.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2003

Latest Addition to the Modular Point-of-Care Computer, the Medley

Medication Safety System

ALARIS Medical Systems Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ALARIS Medical Inc. (AMEX:AMI), announced today the release of its Medley(TM) Syringe Module with its proprietary error-prevention software, the Guardrails(R) Safety Software, to one of the hospitals currently using its Medley(TM) Medication Safety System.

This hospital has implemented over 50 Medley(TM) Syringe Modules across the Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Intensive Care Units.

ALARIS Medical Systems is the only provider of error-prevention software in a modular system that includes syringe delivery. The Medley(TM) Syringe Module is the latest addition to the expanding Medley(TM) Medication Safety System, a modular point-of-care computer system that incorporates error-prevention software for safer medication delivery.

"This introduction of the Medley(TM) Syringe Module shows our continuing leadership in bringing medication safety to the point of care. The Medley(TM) System platform continues to expand ALARIS Medical Systems' market opportunity, and it now fills the need for medication error-prevention technology in the syringe pump market," said Jake St. Philip, vice president and general manager of ALARIS Medical Systems' North American Business Unit.

"This is an important product, because syringe infusion is frequently used in critical areas, where concentrated drugs are more likely to cause patient harm," continued St. Philip.

The Medley(TM) Syringe Module provides precision for the delivery of concentrated drugs, and is intended for facilities that rely on syringe infusion systems for the delivery of fluids, medications, blood, and blood products. In addition to the Guardrails(R) Software, the Medley(TM) Syringe Module offers flow rate accuracy with medication delivery as slow as 0.01 mL/hr.

The Medley(TM) System integrates a common user interface and alert system across multiple bedside devices. Currently, a large volume pump module, syringe module, and two pulse oximetry modules (Masimo(R) technology & Nellcor(R) technology) are available for the Medley (TM) System. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) module is under development and is expected to be introduced later this year (2003), in order to provide a wider spectrum of infusion technologies. The Medley(TM) System provides flexible configuration because the modules can be added or removed as needed. This unique modular approach further supports the goal of safety by integrating a common user interface and Human Factors Design. The integration of infusion therapy with patient monitoring allows for programming standardization and communications with different types of devices, reducing the complexity of the bedside environment and thus, helping to decrease the risk of medication errors.

At the end of this limited release, ALARIS Medical Systems anticipates general market release of the Medley(TM) Syringe Module in the third quarter.

About ALARIS Medical Inc.

ALARIS Medical Inc., through its wholly owned operating company ALARIS Medical Systems Inc., develops practical solutions for medication safety. The company designs, manufactures and markets intravenous (IV) medication delivery and infusion therapy devices, needle-free disposables and related monitoring equipment in the United States and internationally. ALARIS Medical's proprietary Guardrails(R) Safety Software, its other "smart" technologies and its "smart" services help to reduce the risks and costs of medication errors, help to safeguard patients and clinicians and also gather and record clinical information for review, analysis and transcription. The company provides its products, professional and technical support and training services to over 5,000 hospital and health care systems, as well as alternative care sites in more than 120 countries through its direct sales force and distributors.

With headquarters in San Diego, ALARIS Medical employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The company has two strategic business units: North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada, and International, which includes Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Additional information on ALARIS Medical can be found at http://www.alarismed.com/.

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Persons reading this release are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the effect of legislative and regulatory changes affecting the health care industry, the potential of increased levels of competition, technological changes, the dependence of ALARIS Medical upon the success of new products (including its proprietary Guardrails(R) Safety Software and the Medley(TM) Medication Safety System) and ongoing research and development efforts including obtaining regulatory approvals, restrictions contained in the instruments governing the company's indebtedness, and the significant leverage to which the company is subject. Such risk factors are detailed in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings of ALARIS Medical, Inc. and ALARIS Medical Systems Inc., including Forms 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2002, and other filings. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.