Center Valley, PA, July 17, 2007- Olympus now offers D-DimerŽ reagent, along with corresponding calibrators and controls. The reagent is designed for use on the full line of Olympus AUŽ Series chemistry immuno-analyzers.

The D-Dimer assay provides an important advantage as a negative predictor of diseases and conditions related to venous thromboembolism, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Use of the D-Dimer assay assists in minimizing further invasive and more costly imaging examinations for a negative diagnosis. The clinical sensitivity of the assay is of key importance, since even a slight decrease in sensitivity can yield a diagnostic result that can have serious consequences for the patient, who may subsequently not receive appropriate treatment. In addition, D-Dimer tests are used to monitor the progress and treatment of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).

According to the American Heart Association, DVT blood clots alone affect up to two million Americans each year, and complications kill up to 200,000 people in the U.S. annually -- more than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

The ready-to-use D-Dimer reagent is provided in OSR bar-coded cartridges for the added convenience of on-board reagent management. The reagent features 30-day on-board stability and a 30-day calibration frequency. It is optimized for use with citrated plasma specimens.

For additional information about Olympus reagents, users can visit the Olympus web site at www.olympusamerica.com or call the Olympus Diagnostic Systems Group at 1-800-223-0125.

Olympus Diagnostic Systems provides innovative solutions that meet the high productivity demands of hospitals, integrated healthcare delivery networks, reference labs, blood banks, physician offices and pharmaceutical labs. Olympus offers the broadest standardized line of random access chemistry- immuno analyzers, along with lab automation systems, blood bank analyzers and reagents. Olympus solutions save laboratories time, maximize productivity, and deliver fast, reliable results.

About Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical
  products;
• Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
• Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and
  reagents;
• Digital cameras and voice recorders.

Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.