Blood testing device will boost IDS sales

Mar 3 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A MEDICAL testing company is entering what it believes will the biggest growth spurt in its history after launching an automated version of its blood testing device.

Immunodiagnostic Systems (IDS), based in Boldon, South Tyneside, believes its sales will be “significantly” increased after releasing the IDS iSYS device, which allows doctors to test blood with the touch of a button.

The device has also been released alongside a vitamin D assay, which tests whether patients are deficient in the vitamin leading to the development of a number of conditions, including cancer.

The demand for an automated product has been fuelled by greater understanding of the importance of vitamin D in helping to fend off such diseases as well as its involvement in building strong bones and teeth. Analysts now predict that the launch will see the AIM-listed company increase its turnover from £18.7m to just under £30m by next year as demand for vitamin D testing grows and the process moves closer towards being 100% automated.

IDS chief executive Dr Roger Duggan said: “The launch of the IDS iSYS represents a major milestone in the company’s history.

“Automation of our highly specialised diagnostic products will take us into much larger and more prestigious clinical and corporate laboratories, accounts that we were hitherto beyond our reach.”

The firm, which was set up in 1981, was able to give the technology a final push after raising £3.1m in December through a share issue, which it added to the £4m it received from the sale of its haematology business to US firm Escalon Medical Corporation.

The firm, which employs 75 staff between its sites in the UK, Germany, the US and Scandinavia, is now hoping to see its turnover rocket in line with analysts Daniel Stewart and Company’s (DS&C) projected leap from £19m to £25.3m this year when it reports in June.

Vadim Alexandre, equity analyst at DS&C, said: “Through the launch of its new mechanised platform, the group is now entering the fully automated assays market. Full automation of the assay process allows for far greater volumes of samples to be tested while reducing staff numbers.”