American Red Cross and Haemonetics Ink Supply Agreement for Double Red Cell Collection Systems.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BRAINTREE, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--Dec. 12, 2000

Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE) announced today the signing of a multi-year Supply Agreement with the American Red Cross. Under the Agreement, the Red Cross will use Haemonetics' automated blood collection systems which double the amount of red blood cells that can be collected from a blood donor. The Red Cross is hopeful to have the systems installed and functioning to increase red cell collections in the near future.

The Agreement followed an extensive pilot study by the Red Cross which concluded that the use of Haemonetics' systems could increase availability of red cells by as much as 6%. Through this technology, the Red Cross will aim to increase vital collections of type "O" blood. Type "O" blood is considered the universal blood type. It is most in demand and often in shortest supply.

Further details of the Supply Agreement were not disclosed.

James L. Peterson, Haemonetics' President and CEO, stated, "We are delighted that our technology will be able to help the Red Cross meet the critical need for blood in the US. This agreement also represents an important step for Haemonetics in forging strong partnerships with our key customers."

To hear more about the double red cell collection system and other Haemonetics opportunities, investors are encouraged to attend a company presentation at the Dain Rauscher Wessels Healthcare Conference on December 18th at 8:40 am in New York City. Slides from the presentation will also be accessible on line at http://www.haemonetics.com after December 18th.

Haemonetics is a global company engaged in the design, manufacture and worldwide marketing of automated blood processing systems. These systems address important medical markets: surgical blood salvage, blood component collections and plasma collections. Over sixty percent of the Company's business is outside the US. To learn more about Haemonetics' products and markets, visit the Company's web site at http://www.haemonetics.com.

This release contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including technological advances in the medical field, product demand, market acceptance, regulatory uncertainties, the effect of economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, blood reimbursement policies and practices, foreign currency exchange rates and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the Company and are believed to be reasonable, though are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual results and experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.