IRIS International places 40 iQ200 Elite Automated Urine Microscopy Analyzers in Mexico in 2010

IRIS International, Inc. (Nasdaq:IRIS), a leading manufacturer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and consumables, and a provider of high value personalized diagnostics testing services through its CLIA certified molecular diagnostics laboratory,has begun to significantly penetrate the Mexican healthcare market with the initial placement in 2010 of 40 iQ^®200 Elite™ Automated Urine Microscopy Analyzers within one of the largest social security healthcare systems in Mexico, it was announced today by Cesar Garcia, Chairman, President and CEO of IRIS International.

The iQ200 instruments were placed with the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, which in English translates to Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers, otherwise known as ISSSTE. The instruments were placed throughout 23 of the 31 states that comprise Mexico as well as eight units in the Federal District. 

"We are very pleased with our continuing success in the Mexican healthcare market," Mr. Garcia said. "Of the 40 iQ200 instruments placed in Mexico in 2010, 20 were sold in the fourth quarter alone. As the market leader, we believe this growth in market share will have a positive impact on our efforts toward continued placements of our iQ200 automated urinalysis microscopy analyzers in Mexico, as well as the continued implementation of our greater initiative to extend our reach throughout Latin America," he added.

"In the past few years, IRIS and its distribution partners in Mexico, have made significant strides in penetrating the healthcare market in Mexico, the second largest population in Latin America, with more than 100 million people," stated Thomas Warekois, President of the Iris Diagnostics Division. "The ISSSTE attends to the health and social care needs of insured government employees, including local, state, and federal government employees, and is among one of the largest government run health care systems in Mexico, covering some 10 million people or roughly 10% of the population. The ISSSTE, together with IMSS, the Mexican Institute for Social Security providing healthcare to insured employees of the private sector, provides health coverage to 55-60% of the population and encompasses some 1500 hospitals, clinics and laboratories," Mr. Warekois said.