American Red Cross to Implement New Software to Manage Logistics of Plasma Services.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

ROSSLYN, Va. and EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2003

The American Red Cross and Fifth Dimension Information Systems (5D), a division of Haemonetics Corporation, today announced plans to implement 5D's LOGIC software system to automate and manage many of the retrieval and inventory logistics of Red Cross's Plasma Services operations. Implementing information technology systems like LOGIC are part of the Red Cross's strategic initiative to enhance its business operations and quality assurance program.

The Red Cross's Plasma Services division provides recovered plasma (plasma separated from whole blood) to fractionation companies that use the plasma to manufacture pharmaceuticals, like intravenous immunoglobulin, albumin or Factor VIII. These plasma derived-medicines are then returned to the Red Cross for distribution to hospitals for patients worldwide.

The LOGIC system automates retrieval and warehousing data about the plasma units as well as Red Cross shipment data. This information management enhances efficiency and accuracy of retrieval and inventory management, as well as compliance with current good manufacturing practices.

The Red Cross will use the LOGIC software application to track the inventory and disposition of the nearly 4.5 million units of recovered plasma Red Cross manufactures annually.

5D recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market the LOGIC system. The organizations expect to implement the first module of LOGIC in all Red Cross regions beginning within the next several months.

About American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Currently operating on a budget of $2.7 billion, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to the victims of more than 67,000 disasters nationwide and has been the primary supplier of lifesaving blood and blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. In 2001, the Red Cross also trained almost 12 million people in vital lifesaving skills, provided direct health services to nearly 2.6 million people and delivered more than 21 million locally relevant community services. The organization also assisted international disaster and conflict victims in close to 40 locations around the globe, and its emergency communication centers processed 1.2 million calls in support of U.S. military families.

About Fifth Dimension Information Systems

Fifth Dimension Information Systems (5D), a division of Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE), is an international leader in the provision of large-scale Oracle software solutions to the source plasma industry and to other entities operating in the regulated healthcare field. To learn more about 5D's and Haemonetics' products, visit the Companies' websites at http:/www.5d.ca or 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 product 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.