Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Ltd, has been  awarded a contract from the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) to supply and install a comprehensive lab system that will combine and fully automate the three disciplines of chemistry, haematology and coagulation. The new system, expected to be up and running in the fall of 2009, will set new performance standards and optimize patient test reports, allowing BCHS to save valuable time and increase the efficiency of the testing process.

The ADVIA® LabCell® from Siemens is designed to streamline laboratory workflow and achieve long-term economic benefits, as well as enhance accuracy.  The new system will enable the laboratory staff to perform high-volume blood work testing and operate more efficiently using its current resources. Automatically managing patient specimens from beginning to end, the new automated system will produce results quicker and more efficiently resulting in a projected 40 percent reduction overall in the time physicians are waiting for test results.  The new configuration will also take up less floor space, as it combines chemistry, immunochemistry, haematology and coagulation in one unique process.

“Patient safety is a key element of our corporate priority and this new system ensures we are in a position to provide better service to our patients and clients in less time”, said Don Manning, director, Imaging and Laboratory Services of the BCHS. “There will be no disruption in services during the installation and testing period and the process will be seamless to our patients.” 

“With the new system in place, we are confident BCHS will deliver exceptional performance with respect to clinical information and test results,” said Jim Graziadei, general manager of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Ltd.  A key component of the system is a central data management system, called Advia CentraLink®, which allows operators to manage data from multiple analyzers and disciplines through one workstation.  The data archive feature, which reduces the amount of time spent on administrative tasks, will enhance the lab’s ability to provide clinical diagnostic information.

“The software sophistication combined with the automation aspect of the new system is amazing,” said Manning. “The system manages each patient sample individually, recognizing precisely where that sample needs to go, then routing it for optimal efficiency.”  This reduces the number of steps needed to sort, process, and archive samples saving time and reducing the potential for error by minimizing the physical handling of samples prior to, in between, and following testing.

A key feature of the new system will be the ability to identify results and tag for retesting to ensure accuracy. The heamatology analyzers will also attribute to a 30% reduction in the amount of blood film smears manually generated/reviewed by providing more detailed patient results the first time around.  “The retesting feature alone will enhance our performance and provide patients with peace of mind, knowing the results are verified,” said Manning.  The open aspect of the configuration allows the flexibility to add new equipment, such as analytical components and solutions, for optimal efficiency and scalability in the future.

The Brant Community Healthcare System is comprised of two sites. The Brantford General Hospital was established in 1885 and is Brantford and Brant County’s only acute care hospital. It is a regional centre for emergency medicine, obstetrics/gynaecology, critical care, medical and surgical services, paediatrics, complex continuing care, mental health, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging and The Wescast Centre for Ambulatory Care. It is also home to a specialized cancer care clinic and the S.C. Johnson Dialysis Clinic.

The Willett site in Paris provides urgent care, primary care, outpatient programs,
outreach services, rehabilitation therapies, health promotion and partnerships to help maintain and improve the community’s health.

About Siemens in Canada

Siemens is one of the largest and most diversified companies in the world of electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors.  The company has approximately 6,000 employees in Canada, working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions for individual requirements.   For almost 100 years in Canada, Siemens has stood for technical achievements, innovation, quality and reliability.  Sales for Siemens in Canada for fiscal 2008 (ended September 30), were $2.6 billion CAD.

About Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Ltd.

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Ltd. is the leading clinical diagnostics company in the world. The company is committed to providing clinicians with the vital information they need for the accurate diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients.  Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics’ comprehensive portfolio of performance-driven systems, unmatched menu offering and IT solutions, in conjunction with highly responsive service, is designed to streamline workflow, enhance operational efficiency and support improved patient care.  The depth and breadth of our diagnostic solutions―chemistry, immunoassay, automation, heamatology, hemostasis, microbiology, diabetes, urinalysis, blood gas and molecular testing―are designed to meet the growing demands of customers, today and tomorrow.                                        

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on the beliefs of the management of Siemens Canada Limited and its affiliates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "expect," "intend," "plan," "should," and "project," are used to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results to be materially different, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, changes in currency exchange rate and interest rates, introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance of new products or services and changes in business strategy. Actual results may vary materially from those projected here. Siemens Canada Limited and its affiliates do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.