Cerner's Genomic Laboratory Technology Succeeds at Renowned Blood Cen

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. & MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2005--The Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin, renowned for its blood research, treatment and testing, announces today its success as an alpha partner for Cerner Corp.'s (Nasdaq: CERN) genomic information solution. The solution -- Cerner Millennium(R) PathNet Helix(TM) -- is now commercially available.
    Cerner created the solution, the only technology of its kind, to respond to the unique workflow and data capture needs of the molecular diagnostics laboratory. The solution puts clinicians on the cutting edge of diagnostic medicine by streamlining processes in the laboratory, providing immediate access to genetic information.
    "The technology in PathNet Helix enables us to efficiently review all aspects of a genetic workup. We are able to track the original test order, any reflex testing performed and all data generated as part of the workup," said Daniel Bellissimo, Ph.D., director of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at the Blood Center. "This tool enables us to review the genetic findings then design a person-specific report that will assist physicians in the care of their patients."
    Built on the person-centric Cerner Millennium architecture, the genome-enabled solution unifies with Cerner's additional laboratory solutions and electronic medical record. The solution also incorporates Clinical Bioinformatics Ontology(TM), a structured vocabulary to describe genetic information, melding the existing medical and research vocabularies so that laboratories may operate with a unified language.
    "We're proud to say that the Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin, with its reference laboratory's tremendous breadth and scope, agreed to be an alpha partner for this project," said J.P. Fingado, Cerner vice president and general manager for clinical centers. "With more than 220 procedures in its catalog, and specialized tests for molecular, human leukocyte antigen and blood typing, the Blood Center was the clear choice to partner with Cerner to develop this standard-setting technology."

    The Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin is a multi-faceted, world-renowned organization focused on blood collection, diagnostic testing, treatment and research. The Diagnostic Laboratories develop and perform highly specialized tests on patient samples from throughout the United States and the world. The esoteric testing and expert medical consultation provided by the Diagnostic Laboratories benefit those in need of bone marrow or organ transplants and people with bleeding and clotting disorders, as well those with immunologic, neoplastic or genetic diseases. People rely on The Blood Center's Diagnostic Laboratories for expert assistance in solving complicated clinical cases. The organization's mission is to save lives by providing blood products, medical expertise and scientific discovery.

    Cerner Corp. is taking the paper chart out of healthcare, eliminating error, variance and waste in the care process. With more than 1,500 clients worldwide, Cerner is the leading supplier of healthcare information technology. The following are trademarks of Cerner: Cerner, Cerner Millennium, PathNet Helix, Clinical Bioinformatics Ontology, Cerner's logo. Nasdaq: CERN; www.cerner.com.

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CONTACT: Cerner Corp. Media: Lindsey Henry Moss, 816-201-4321 lindsey.henry@cerner.com or Investors: Allan Kells, 816-201-2445 akells@cerner.com

KEYWORD: WISCONSIN MISSOURI INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE PRODUCT MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Cerner Corp.

Copyright Business Wire 2005