Center Valley, PA, April 16, 2008 - The Olympus AU680^® mid-size chemistry analyzer now offers a fully automated HbA1c assay, eliminating the inconvenience and risk associated with manual pre-treatment. With this high-speed whole blood testing capability, laboratory professionals can attain faster results and improved efficiencies. HbA1c assays, available from Olympus in May 2008, are commonly ordered laboratory tests used to ascertain blood glucose levels over a three-month period.

In addition to the improved automated performance of the HbA1c assay, the recently introduced Olympus chemistry analyzer has been designed to streamline workflow through faster repeat and reflex testing. Its fully open design provides the user with the capability to operate as a stand-alone instrument or connected to a track system for direct track sampling. An updated graphical user interface (GUI) adds convenience and operator maintenance training videos
integrated into the system software for enhanced ease of use. With increased on-board reagents (up to 63 tests including ISE), reduced sample volumes, user-defined functions and flexible operation capabilities, combined with the
well-known Olympus AU series’ standardization and reliability, laboratories reap the benefit of controlling costs and efficient time utilization of their staff.

The throughput range of the AU680 reaches up to 1200 tests per hour by way of Olympus’ broad 125-test menu that includes general chemistries, ISEs, special chemistries, thyroids and Syva Emit®, TDMs and DATs. The system also
accommodates pediatric sampling and can perform automated pre-dilution and immediate STAT processing without workload interruption.

“The AU680 system provides outstanding, fully automated performance for diabetes monitoring and so much more,” said Hiro Sekiya, Director of Marketing, Diagnostic Systems, Olympus America. “It is perfect for laboratories that want a solution incorporating best-of-breed instrumentation.”

Customers have the option of a cost-per-reportable finance program. In addition, they receive the benefits of the Olympus Partner Advantage program. This unique web-based service gives laboratories access to a suite of online
features available right at the analyzer including real-time QC analysis, training, reagent order placement and tracking, extensive technical documentation, priority notification of user updates, and Olympus SUPPORTVISIONSM for real-time remote monitoring and enhanced technical support.

For more information about the Olympus AU680 chemistry analyzer system, contact Olympus at 800-223-0125 or visit www.olympusamerica.com/diagnostics.

About Olympus Diagnostic Systems
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.