A Diagnostics & Imaging Week

Dade Behring (Deerfield, Illinois), which describes it-self as the largest company solely dedicated to clinical diagnostics, and Novation (Irving, Texas), the contracting company for VHA (also Irving) and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC; Oak Brook, Illinois), reported the signing of a three-year agreement to provide MicroScan Microbiology instruments, test panels and services to VHA and UHC members nationwide.

Under the agreement, Novation has agreed to a three-year, single-source contract with two one-year options for a contract extension.

The contract includes the new MicroScan Synergies Plus test panels, which decrease turnaround time for detecting emerging strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and key antimicrobial test results.

This agreement is in addition to the current agreements between Dade Behring and Novation for the Dimension family of products, automation workcells, the Stratus CS Acute Care Diagnostic System, Syva plasma protein and hemostasis product lines.

“The renewal of this microbiology agreement reflects the strong partnership Dade Behring and Novation have built together, ensuring quality healthcare through the delivery of innovative products and services to VHA and UHC members,” said Jim Reid-Anderson, chairman, president and CEO of Dade Behring.

He said, “The addition of the new MicroScan Synergies Plus test panels extends this commitment to patient care by giving VHA and UHC providers access to one of the fastest, most accurate methods for detecting emerging strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and key antimicrobial test results in their patients.”