IRIS and Boehringer Mannheim Unveil Joint Urinalysis System

Strategic Insights -

IRIS and Boehringer Mannheim, two leading companies in the medical diagnostics industry, have collaborated to develop the IRIS/BMC 900/UDx Urine Pathology System, a high-capacity urinalysis system designed for complete urinalytical profiles. The system integrates advanced technologies, including microscopy, automated intelligent microscopy, and absolute specific gravity measurement, offering unparalleled accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. This new system is set to revolutionize routine urinalysis, pending FDA clearance, and will be manufactured and distributed by IRIS and Boehringer Mannheim respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IRIS/BMC 900/UDx Urine Pathology System is the first fully automated walkaway system for performing complete urinalytical profiles, including microscopy on every specimen.
  • The system integrates BMC's CHEMSTRIP Super UA Urine Analyzer, Automated Intelligent Microscopy of IRIS flow microscope images in full color, and absolute specific gravity measurement via the IRIS-exclusive harmonic oscillation method.
  • The system also offers true color and clarity determinations and will be manufactured by IRIS in its Chatsworth, Calif. facility.
  • Boehringer Mannheim is the second-largest producer of in vitro diagnostics in the world and has a diversified product line, including automated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzers.
  • IRIS, a recognized leader in automated microscopic urinalysis, has introduced the Yellow IRIS urinalysis workstation, used by over 70% of U.S. medical schools and other leading hospitals nationwide.
  • IRIS has reported record 1995 second-quarter and first-half performance, and its common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "IRI".

Statistics:

  • 70% of U.S. medical schools and other leading hospitals use IRIS's primary product, the Yellow IRIS urinalysis workstation.
  • IRIS has reported record 1995 second-quarter and first-half performance.
  • 8.3% of outstanding IRIS common stock is held by Boehringer Mannheim through its affiliate, Corange International Ltd.

Sources:

  • Business Wire article, August 29, 1995
  • International Remote Imaging Systems press release
  • Boehringer Mannheim corporate information