IRIS' CEO Garcia spearheads global growth.

Watershed moment. At the launch of our automated urine microscopy analyzer in August 2003, we were the only company promoting the importance of an automated complete urinalysis, that is, an integrated urine chemistry and image-based urine microscopy solution. Today, we have changed the test paradigm; and our global customers enjoy the benefits of full automation and shorter turnaround times. Patient diagnosis has improved because urine microscopy is done faster and with more reliable results. Our iQ200 analyzer is now sold in 65 countries; we have more than 1,600 units in service globally. We keep updating our products to meet emerging customer demands. For example, our StatSpin centrifuges are now designed to facilitate the implementation of LEAN laboratory initiatives in small-and mid-range laboratories.

Custom-made patient solutions. Our expansion into hematology is part of the natural evolution of our automated image-based flow-microscope technology. Our global customers have consistently expressed their preference to diagnose using the morphology of the cells and particles in urine, instead of scattergrams that provide indirect information about the morphology of a sample. We plan to apply the same concepts to hematology. In last 20 years, there has been little innovation in hematology diagnostics and, still, 30% of the CBC-Diff tests require manual review of abnormal results using a microscope. We are determined to resolve this problem. Our ultra-sensitive nucleic-acid detection immunoassay (NADIA) is expected to enable diagnostic tests with sensitivities way below the present limits of detection to aid in the early diagnosis of relapse of certain types of cancers and STDs. "Custom-made" patient solutions are going to require highly reliable assays, which will need to be very specific and thousands of times more sensitive than existing technology. These features are needed in order to effectively monitor the efficacy of treatment in controlling disease progression.

Addressing labor shortages. Our new-product pipeline includes a number of platforms that will address the continuing need for automation of diagnostic tests and sample-processing solutions. We are also working on a novel method that is expected to substantially reduce the number of unnecessary urine cultures, thus reducing the workload in the microbiology lab. Our third-generation morphology system (3GEMS) is expected to reduce labor in hematology and further improve our automated urine microscopy solution.

Focus on employees. IRIS provides tuition reimbursement and significant on-the-job training--but that is not sufficient to succeed in the complex dynamics of a diverse, multigenerational workforce. Employees are motivated by our entrepreneurial environment where their ideas are evaluated quickly without bureaucratic red tape. Everyone has "stretch" goals. Our structure is not very hierarchical, and this culture allows us to move very fast. Employee contributions are constantly acknowledged. While employees are encouraged to take risks, we quickly come to their rescue if things do not go well; therefore, they feel safe. They appreciate that we identify and take care of our mistakes in a non-political manner. "Witch-hunts" just create a risk-averse environment.

Recruiting talent into the IVD field. In our hiring criteria, intelligence and commitment are more important than experience. We like to team young talented technicians, engineers, and scientists, with seasoned professionals. We have been very successful in recruiting engineering students through our manufacturing and product-testing career tracks. These students eventually join as engineers when they graduate. We also promote self-learning experiences through focused job assignments and mentoring. In our new hematology program, we have hired a group of accomplished consultants, "veterans" that rapidly propagate their knowledge and experience, accelerating the learning curve of our marketing and product-development teams. Finally, having worked almost 35 years in large medical devices and in vitro diagnostics companies, I am proud to say that this is the best team that I have ever worked with.

By Gary Dixon, Associate Editor

RELATED ARTICLE: Cesar Garcia

Professional

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Chairman, President, and CEO

IRIS International

Eduation

BS Industrial Engineering

University of Puerto Rico

Advanced Management Certificate

Pace University

Pleasantville, NY

Personal

Alternates between sailing, ridings his Harley, visiting his adult sons, and maintaining his vintage trumpet collection.