(June 27, 2002) Melville, NY - Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group today announced its newest lab automation solution, the Olympus OLA2500, an advanced laboratory automation system designed for use within medium to high volume clinical labs and sample processing departments.

The Olympus OLA2500 is a modular laboratory automation system with aliquotting and pre- and post-analytical sample processing capabilities. As a front-end sample processor the system automatically decaps, aliquots and sorts tubes to any analyzer sample rack- saving time, labor and eliminating sample handling errors. The Olympus OLA2500 utilizes an on-board digital imaging system to check sample volume as well as identify tube size, cap type and color.

As a modular system, the Olympus OLA2500 can be configured for expanded capability to keep pace with individual lab needs and growth. In a standard configuration, the system typically processes as many as 650 tubes per hour, making it ideal for peak workload periods in medium and large volume labs. The system handles a wide variety of sample tube sizes including screw caps, rubber stoppers and aluminum seals.

The Olympus OLA2500 uses a Windows® operating system, Pentium® processor, graphic user interface and image recognition software.

For additional information about the Olympus OLA2500, please call Hiroshi SekiyaHiro Sekiya, Product Manager, Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group, at 1-800-628-7152, ext.2636, or visit the Olympus web site at www.olympus.com.

About Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group

Since 1981, Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group has provided innovative solutions that meet the high productivity demands of hospitals, integrated healthcare delivery networks, reference labs, blood banks and pharmaceutical labs. Offering the broadest standardized line of random access, chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems, Olympus' solutions save laboratories time, maximize productivity and deliver fast, reliable results.

Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group also offers rapid response technical support nationwide through Olympus Technical Services. Service and support are available to customers seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by calling 1-800-223-0130. From telephone troubleshooting and remote modem diagnostics…on-site customer training and service for hardware, software, application support…as well as training and field support at Olympus' Irving, Texas facility…Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group provides comprehensive customer-tailored solutions to ensure maximum system uptime with reliable results.

For additional information about the Olympus product line, and other services, please call the Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group at 1-800-223-0125, or visit the Olympus web site at www.olympus.com.

About Olympus America Inc.

Based in Melville, NY, Olympus America Inc. distributes a wide range of products that leverage its core expertise in optics and digital information technology for the consumer, scientific, healthcare and commercial markets. These products include film and digital cameras, microcassette and digital voice recorders, binoculars, film scanners, personal photo printers, medical endoscopes, biological and metallurgical microscopes and measuring instruments, clinical diagnostic analyzers and other high-technology products. Olympus America Inc. is responsible for sales, marketing, and distribution in the U.S. and Canada. Olympus America Inc. is a subsidiary of Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

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