General Data Partners with Dako to Increase Patient Safety

Business Wire,  March 24, 2008  

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Global Provider of Anatomic Pathology Laboratory Diagnostic Solutions to Supply General Data's Unique Tissue Sample Identification and Tracking Technology

CINCINNATI -- General Data Company, Inc. (www.general-data.com) has entered into a Supply and Distribution Agreement with Dako, a global provider of solutions for tissue-based cancer diagnostics, that makes Dako the exclusive supplier of General Data's ID/Positive lab specimen identification and tracking products outside of the United States.

Over the last 27 years, General Data has established itself as a leader in bar code-based identification, tracking and error-proofing systems for healthcare. General Data's ID/Positive system, which can be integrated with a hospital's existing laboratory information system, allows lab technicians to use bar code technology to identify and track tissue specimens through the lab, reducing manual transcription errors and streamlining laboratory processes. General Data has provided its ID/Positive system to a number of hospitals throughout the US, including Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and TriCore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The FDA estimates that the use of bar code identification and data management systems in healthcare can reduce errors by more than 80 percent, and will save providers more than $83 billion over the next 20 years.

"Patient safety is a challenge to every hospital and healthcare system. Keeping track of the patient's identity through all laboratory processes is a critical step forward. We believe General Data to have the strongest product portfolio in the area of True Positive ID, and that it optimally complements Dako's portfolio of know-how, instruments, reagents and software solutions for cancer diagnostics. We see this, when considered in combination with our global distribution reach, as a very fruitful partnership," says Patrik Dahlen, CEO and President of the Dako Group.

Dako's system of distribution will allow General Data to deliver its quality products to healthcare providers in a more efficient way and on a global scale, thereby reducing life-threatening errors and increasing patient safety for health systems throughout the world. Dako's distribution rights for General Data's products cover all healthcare markets globally - and Dako becomes exclusive supplier outside the US.

"General Data is proud to partner with Dako to bring innovative bar code technologies to the lab for effective, reliable identification and tracking of tissue samples," says Pete Wenzel, CEO and President of General Data. "Integration of our ID/Positive and StainerShield product solutions with the Dako Link product, Dako's global customer base and drive for quality is a perfect fit. Our focus is on helping healthcare providers deliver higher levels of patient safety and care, and our partnership with Dako will speed that process on a global basis."

For more information about General Data Company, Inc., contact Ralph Moher at (513) 752-7978 ext. 2219 or moher@general-data.com.

About General Data Company Inc.

General Data Company, Inc. is recognized as a premiere provider of innovative bar code identification and automated data collection products and solutions that enable organizations to streamline workflow, error proof processes, better manage critical data, and improve business-process accuracy, productivity and performance. Founded in 1981, General Data is a privately held company with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio USA. More information on General Data's products and solutions can be found at www.general-data.com.

About Dako

Dako (www.dako.com) is a global leader in tissue-based cancer diagnostics. Hospital and research laboratories worldwide use Dako's know-how, reagents, instruments and software to make precise diagnoses and determine the most effective treatment for patients suffering from cancer. Employing more than 1,000 people and operating in more than 70 countries, Dako covers essentially all of the global anatomic pathology markets. Dako, based in Denmark, is owned by a private equity fund, EQT.

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