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Name: Kelly Fowler
Phone: 913-895-4234
Email: kelly.fowler@thermofisher.com
Website: www.remel.com
Remel SpectraTM MRSA Wins Medical Design Excellence Award
Thermo Fisher Scientific recognized for innovation in developing a reliable, economical solution to help control and prevent the spread of MRSA
Waltham, Mass., (April 24, 2009) – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that its SpectraTM MRSA is a winner in the 2009 Medical Design Excellence Awards competition in the category of in vitro diagnostics. Spectra MRSA is a chromogenic culture medium for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which aids in the control and prevention of MRSA in healthcare settings. This powerful solution offers the highest Positive Predictive Value (98.1%) of any MRSA test on the market. Pressures are mounting on healthcare organizations to reduce hospital acquired infections like MRSA and also to control associated costs. Affordable and easy to use, Spectra MRSA is designed to help healthcare organizations screen more patients on more shifts in more hospitals.
“The design of Spectra MRSA combines the simplicity of microbiological culture media with the high-value and accuracy expected from a diagnostic test,” said Tom Floyd, president, microbiology products, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It is truly a practical, high-performing solution to a pathogen that is causing serious public health concerns. We are honored that Spectra MRSA is being recognized with a Medical Design Excellence Award and proud to deliver a solution that makes an impact in how hospitals fight MRSA.”
The Medical Design Excellence Award, organized and presented by Canon Communications LLC (Los Angeles), is the only awards program that exclusively recognizes contributions and advances in the design of medical products. Spectra MRSA was evaluated and selected for the award based on its design features and user-related functions that improve healthcare, and for providing enhanced benefits to patients.
Spectra MRSA received FDA clearance in February 2008, amidst growing concerns about the spread and danger of MRSA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently estimating two million healthcare associated infections, 99,000 associated deaths each year in the U.S. and over $4.5 billion to $6.5 billion in treatment costs and excess hospital days. According to a 2007 study by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, 1.2 million U.S. hospital patients may be infected with MRSA each year, and up to 119,000 hospital patients each year may die from MRSA. Spectra MRSA is well positioned to economically assist hospitals in their quest to control these types of infections.
Spectra MRSA is manufactured, distributed, and sold in the U.S. under the Thermo Fisher Scientific specialty brand, Remel. To learn more about Spectra MRSA, visit www.remel.com/mrsa.
About RemelRemel, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a global provider of a wide range of high quality microbiology products used by clinical, industrial, research, and academic laboratories. We are a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of dehydrated and prepared culture media, collection and transport systems, diagnostic and rapid direct specimen tests, quality control products and much more. An extensive product portfolio, which includes trusted, market-leading names and superior performance, is complemented by a team of experts dedicated to providing the highest levels of technical service and customer support. Our people take great pride in providing quality products, rapid delivery, and superior support and are committed to exceeding customer expectations. Now, as a brand of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, we are even better positioned to deliver the science, service, and solutions our laboratory customers need to get the job done. For more information about Remel products, visit us on the web at www.remel.com or call 800-255-6730.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10.5 billion, we have approximately 34,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
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