Press Release

Dr. Kirstin Henze Leica Microsystems GmbH

Tel. +49 (0)6441/29-2550 Ernst-Leitz-Straße 17-37

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Press Release

July 12, 2010

First Prizes for Scan Speed and Best-Focused Images

Leica Microsystems Wins European Scanner Contest

Vilnius, Lithuania / Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems‘ Slide Scanner Leica SCN400 and Autoloader Leica SL801 have come first in two categories of the first European Scanner Contest (ESC). The prizes were awarded in the “Scan Speed and Best-Focused Images” categories, each at 20x and 40x magnification.

The jury was convinced by the digital pathology system by Leica Microsystems: Thanks to the patented “Dynamic Focus”, the Slide Scanner Leica SCN400 produces virtual images of exceptional quality at unprecedented speed. Another product designed for high throughput in the pathology lab is the Autoloader Leica SL801, which is capable of scanning up to 384 samples at a time. “By winning first prize, Leica Microsystems has again asserted its market position. We will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of virtual microscopy and digital pathology,” said Dr. Bodo Falke, Sales Manager Central Europe for Leica Microsystems, at the award presentation in Vilnius, which hosted the 10th European Congress on Telepathology and the 4th International Conference on Virtual Microscopy last week.

The European Scanner Contest was held within the framework of “Pathology Week“, a joint event of the German Society of Pathology and the Association of German Pathologists. With this competition, the organizers have created the first opportunity to compare the speed and imaging quality of different scanners using identical samples. The contest is also intended to promote the development of virtual microscopy products.

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Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 14 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

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