Beckman Coulter Introduces New Generation of SYNCHRON CX Chemistry Systems.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

FULLERTON, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 19, 2001

Beckman Coulter, Inc. (NYSE:BEC) today announced the introduction of the SYNCHRON CX(R) PRO general chemistry systems, a new generation of routine chemistry analyzers designed to further improve clinical laboratory productivity.

The CX PRO series, which begins shipping in July, includes three models: the CX(R)9 PRO, CX5 PRO and CX4 PRO. Collectively, these instruments can run more than 100 different diagnostic tests, including tests for routine chemistry, critical care, thyroid, drugs of abuse and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Each new system in the SYNCHRON CX PRO series offers:

-- Automatic checking of serum indices (hemolysis, icterus and lipemia) for
quality test results and process step reduction;

-- Automatic clot detection and correction for uninterrupted workflow; and

-- Onboard auto-dilution for minimized sample handling of immunoproteins and
urine chemistries.

The CX PRO series also is equipped with remote diagnostic capabilities. This means that a Beckman Coulter service representative can access instrument event logs and quality control/calibration data via modem without a visit to the laboratory, helping to increase instrument uptime. This remote diagnostic connection also makes it possible to review metering logs and replenish reagents on a just-in-time basis without the involvement of laboratory staff, allowing them to spend more time on other activities.

"Since the introduction of the first mid-throughput chemistry analyzers in 1987, our popular SYNCHRON line has become synonymous with speed, accuracy and menu flexibility," said Jeff McHugh, vice president of the Americas for Beckman Coulter's clinical diagnostics division. "Today, the various generations of this product line lead the U.S. market in hospital laboratory placements. This new CX PRO series continues to deliver the same level of performance laboratories have come to expect, while adding some of the most technologically advanced features available."

Beckman Coulter, headquartered in Fullerton, Calif., is a leading provider of instrument systems and complementary products that simplify and automate processes in life science and clinical laboratories. The company's products are used throughout the world in all phases of the battle against disease, from pioneering medical research and drug discovery to diagnostic testing that aids in patient treatment. Annual sales for the company totaled $1.89 billion in 2000, with approximately half of this amount generated outside the United States. For more information, visit www.beckmancoulter.com.