Viracor-IBT Laboratories' Acquisition of the National Institute of Transplantation Enhances Testing Services for Transplant Patients

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo., Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Viracor-IBT Laboratories, Inc. announced today it has closed on its previously announced transaction to purchase assets associated with the laboratory operations of the National Institute of Transplantation (NIT), a non-profit organization committed to advancing the science and practice of transplantation. NIT made the decision to transfer its laboratory operations to Viracor-IBT to perpetuate the mission of its foundation, build on the legacy of its laboratory operations, and to provide testing services to more transplant patients across the U.S.

NIT felt Viracor-IBT was the right candidate to operate its Los Angeles, California-based HLA and serology laboratories because of its shared passion for quality, service, and the application of innovative testing to help transplant patients.  Combining NIT's experience in pre-transplant testing with Viracor-IBT's expertise in post-transplant diagnostics for SOT and BMT complications will result in more full-service diagnostic solutions at these critical points throughout the transplant process.  Additionally, Viracor-IBT plans to identify ways to expand testing services in both of its locations, to further accelerate result turnaround times to clients in these geographic areas.

"This transition will allow for the continued expansion of laboratory services to the transplant community, and we're pleased it will extend the NIT Foundation's ability to fund transplant research and education," said Justin R. Dooley, CEO of NIT and board member of the NIT Foundation.

NIT's serology lab tests donor blood to determine the general acceptability of a donor's organs and tissue to suitable recipients.  It is one of the only laboratories in the U.S. to provide these specialized results within six to eight hours.  The histocompatibility and genomics laboratories test donor/recipient pairs for HLA genetic compatibility, improving the chances for long-term graft survival, lowering rejection rates and incidents of infection. 

"Viracor-IBT is passionate about helping transplant patients by providing specialized diagnostics with accelerated turnaround times. We are committed to maintaining the serology and HLA laboratory operations as they currently exist, delivering the high quality of service NIT clients are accustomed to receiving," said Thomas W. Burnell, PhD, President and CEO of Viracor-IBT Laboratories.

About Viracor-IBT Laboratories
With nearly 30 years of specialized expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing, Viracor-IBT is committed to helping medical professionals, national and regional reference labs and biopharmaceutical companies solve challenging and often life-threatening problems.  Viracor-IBT is passionate about delivering value to its clients by providing timely, actionable information, never losing sight of the connection between the testing it performs and the patients it ultimately serves. Viracor-IBT is majority owned by Ampersand Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused, middle market private equity firm. For more information, please visit www.viracoribt.com

About NIT
The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation is a public non-profit organization that adheres to its founding mission to advance the science and practice of transplantation through research, technical service, and educational programs. NIT's laboratories have become centers of exciting discovery for the science and practice of organ transplantation, using the latest in science and technology to provide services that greatly contribute to organ transplant research, clinical practice and patients' quality of life. Its serology laboratory is unmatched in size by any of its kind in the world, and its histocompatibility and genomics laboratories have made immeasurable contributions to organ transplantation research.  For more information, visit www.transplantation.com

SOURCE Viracor-IBT Laboratories, Inc.