Singapore: Sysmex Corporation and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics have announced the signing of a five-year global supply, distributorship, sales and service contract extension. According to the contract, clinical laboratory customers around the world can retain access to the largest portfolio of innovative hemostasis instruments and reagents through 2018.

The companies, which began partnering in 1995, also agreed to continue joint product development activities, ensuring customer access to new hemostasis technology. The large assortment of hemostasis products covered in this latest agreement is used by clinical laboratories to test for blood disorders in patients and to monitor patients on blood-thinning medication.

Until date, Sysmex and Siemens have released to market a variety of advanced solutions, including the recently launched Sysmex CS-5100, the top-end model in Sysmex's CS hemostasis analyzer series; the Sysmex CA-600 Systems, a new line of compact, fully automated hemostasis analyzers; as well as several new Siemens INNOVANCE reagents. Sysmex, which is well know for its quality of service, recently won the seventh annual Pinnacle Award for meeting performance expectations and customer service.

Mr Hisashi Ietsugu, president and CEO, Sysmex Corporation, said that, "We are pleased to extend our longstanding relationship with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. Our partnership in the field of hemostasis combines the strength of two leading diagnostics companies whose joint expertise offers best-in-class solutions to the laboratory. We remain committed to further expand our offerings with enhanced clinical utility and workflow efficiency."

Mr Michael Reitermann, CEO, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said that, "Our shared goal to deliver high quality products and services that address our customers' needs is a key reason for the success of our 17-year relationship."