PerkinElmer Selected for Expanded Neonatal Screening of Every Newborn in the Netherlands
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI), a global leader in Health Sciences and Photonics, today announced that it has been selected to provide neonatal screening technology to support an expanded screening program in the Netherlands. PerkinElmer will provide four tandem mass spectrometry-based systems, reagents and software to support the Netherlands’ five hospital screening centers. The partnership expands the country’s program – which is intended to reach each of the estimated 200,000 babies born annually in the Netherlands – from screening for three disorders to a total of 14 disorders.
“We are honored that the Netherlands has selected PerkinElmer technology to aid in this expanded national initiative to identify congenital disorders early,” said Gregory L. Summe, chairman and chief executive officer of PerkinElmer, Inc. PerkinElmer recently announced that its technology was selected to expand newborn screening programs in Russia and Israel. “This agreement further fortifies PerkinElmer’s leadership position in supplying neonatal screening technology and support to countries around the world.” Summe noted that PerkinElmer has more than 10 years of experience with expanding newborn screening programs using tandem mass spectrometry and more than 20 years of experience in the field of newborn screening.
“Early intervention is critical,” Summe noted. “There is broad recognition that simple and inexpensive screenings before a family leaves the hospital and before symptoms appear is highly preferable to responding once a condition has developed.”
“A key consideration, given the number of babies to be screened in the Netherlands and the greater number of disorders being screened, was securing robust software that could support the system and manage the calculations,” Summe added. He noted that up to 100 times more data items will need to be analyzed and reviewed daily. The Specimen Gate Data Suite laboratory information management system from PerkinElmer will allow the country’s five screening centers to implement a solution that will electronically track laboratory workflow from sample receipt and preparation through analysis, quality control review, reporting and follow up to advance the pace and precision of the screening program.
PerkinElmer will support the program with comprehensive training, customer support and service to ensure total quality in every stage of the screening process. PerkinElmer is the only total solution provider with FDA and Commonwealth of Europe approval.
Other Information
Health Sciences end markets include genetic screening, environmental, service, biopharma, and medical imaging. Photonics markets include sensors and specialty lighting.
PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global technology leader driving growth and innovation in Health Sciences and Photonics markets to improve the quality of life. The Company reported revenues of $1.5 billion in 2005, has 8,000 employees serving customers in more than 125 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 Index. Additional information is available through www.perkinelmer.com or 1-877-PKI-NYSE.
