Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. Launches BenchMark ULTRA With New Ultimate Reagent Access (URA) for Enhanced Processing of IHC and ISH Patient Samples

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Ventana), a member of the Roche Group, announced today the launch of BenchMark ULTRA with new Ultimate Reagent Access (URA). BenchMark ULTRA with URA is the world's first platform that allows laboratories to process individual immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) samples as soon as they arrive in the lab. This enhancement allows labs to quickly respond to unpredictable changes in workflow, improving test turnaround time and reducing stress associated with day-to-day laboratory variability.

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"As pathology labs continue to strive for improved workflow efficiency and flexibility, Ventana responded with the URA enhancement to its BenchMark ULTRA, to offer labs greater control over handling fluctuations in daily test requests. In addition, BenchMark ULTRA with URA positions labs to be highly responsive to the growing demand for STAT cases without impacting overall turnaround time," says Lawrence Mehren, SVP, Head of Global Business at Ventana.  

BenchMark ULTRA with URA provides a new elegantly-designed software and hardware package which provides the operator full workflow control by allowing access to any slide, any reagent, anytime. URA eliminates the need to batch slides, reduces pre-planning requirements, and allows late-arriving slides to be run STAT.

BenchMark ULTRA with URA is also the first IHC/ISH system worldwide that provides unprecedented workflow control, allowing lab technicians the ability to add and remove slides and reagents at any time throughout the day. URA now completes the total system access of ULTRA, increasing overall slide turnaround time since instrument preparation tasks can be managed while slides are processing. Multi-parameter testing, such as dual and triple stains, may be performed independent of other slides, allowing for rapid patient results. With URA, labs can manage workflow with random access to 30 individual staining chambers, allowing for real-time STAT processing.

"The BenchMark ULTRA with URA is an excellent addition to the wide range of market-leading diagnostic products offered by Ventana," adds Mehren. "With URA, Ventana is uniquely positioned to optimize lab workflow and help pathologists improve patient care."

For more information on BenchMark ULTRA with the new URA go to www.benchmarkultra.com.

About Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. ("VMSI") (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), a member of the Roche Group, innovates and manufactures instruments and reagents that automate tissue processing and slide staining for cancer diagnostics. VENTANA solutions are used in clinical histology and drug development research laboratories worldwide. The company's "Smart Systems" – intuitive, integrated staining and workflow management platforms that optimize laboratory efficiencies to reduce errors – support diagnosis and inform treatment decisions for anatomic pathology professionals. Together with Roche, VMSI is driving personalized medicine through accelerated drug discovery and the development of "companion diagnostics" to identify the patients most likely to respond favorably to specific therapies. Visit www.ventana.com to learn more.

VENTANA, the VENTANA logo, and BenchMark are trademarks of Roche.

Ventana Media Relations
Jacqueline Bucher
Director, Corporate Communications
Phone: 520-877-7288
e-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.