FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Septemeber 14, 2004.

The Columbus Pro from Tecan Europe is a new microplate washer with excellent wash performance and unique process control options.

Setting new standards in Microplate washing ..

The Columbus Pro from Tecan Europe is a new microplate washer with excellent wash performance and unique process control options.

The washer sets new standards of reliability through a unique, 100% leak proof high-end aspiration pump with magnetic drive technology. Columbus Pro achieves very low residual volumes of less than 2 µl through multiple aspiration points for each well. Columbus Pro is equipped with the advanced Overflow wash procedure. Overflow washing creates a circular flow of liquid in each well, providing high wash efficiency without compromising throughput by tedious sequential aspiration and dispense steps. The washer can be used stand-alone as well as integrated into Tecan EIA-platforms such as Freedom EVOlyzer®.

The advanced design of Columbus Pro combines full control over critical wash parameters with unique online process control functions via fill verification option and liquid level option. The washer allows easy operation via a built-in keypad or the new WinWash Clinical software that fulfils the requirements for electronic records and signatures in clinical applications. The Columbus Pro for Enzyme Immuno Assays (EIA) in 96-well format complies with EU Directive 98/79/EC for in-vitro diagnostic products.

Tecan's new microplate washer, Columbus Pro sets a new benchmark for high performance and excellent reliability for a broad range of applications. Building on two decades of Tecan's experience in liquid handling, Columbus Pro sets new standards in microplate washing and offers full regulatory compliance, delivering optimal value to customers.

CONTACTS:

Tecan UK Ltd. Theale Court 11-13 High Street Theale Reading RG7 5AH UK tel. +44-1189-300300 email: tecanuk@tecan.com