3M Health Care Launches a New Weapon in the Fight Against MRSA

Munich, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

- The First Rapid Culture-Based Test With Results in Five Hours

Clinicians attending the 17th European Congress of Clinical
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) learned today that
there is a new weapon available in the fight against
Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (commonly referred to as
MRSA). Hospitals fighting the battle to stop the spread of the MRSA
superbug will have access to a new five-hour culture-based test that
detects the deadly bacteria direct from clinical specimens. The
3M(TM) BacLite(TM) Rapid MRSA Test launches today as the first rapid
culture-based test that can effectively and reliably detect the
presence or absence of MRSA in high risk patients within five hours.

MRSA is one of the most significant hospital acquired infections
in Europe. Among the G5 countries, made up of Germany, UK, France,
Italy and Spain, prevalence rates range from 21 percent to 44
percent[1]. In some European countries the proportion of MRSA
infection found among patients in intensive care units was over 60
percent[2].

"The launch of this new test represents an important advance in
the war against MRSA," explains Professor dr. Jan Kluytmans,
Consultant Microbiologist, Amphia Hospital Breda/Oosterhout and VUmc
Medical University Amsterdam. "One of the most significant things
that we can do to reduce or even halt the spread of MRSA is to
identify which patients are carriers, so that we can take appropriate
action as early as possible. This test gives us the speed we need at
a relatively low price - something that is becoming more and more
important in these days of cost containment."

The new 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA Test will help clinicians quickly
identify MRSA colonised patients so they can proactively manage
carriers. Importantly, a confirmed negative test result is available
within five hours and a confirmed positive result in 24 hours. The
improved speed of these results will mean that staff can act more
quickly to identify at risk patients, take action to control the
spread of infection and thereby help prevent the increasing burden of
hospital acquired infections.

Alternatives to 3M's BacLite Rapid MRSA Test include traditional
culture-based screening, where clinicians must wait at least 48 hours
for test results, or expensive molecular diagnostics. This is a very
cost effective option and the lowest cost MRSA test available that
provides same-day results.

Early screening may assist in the management of infection control
by reducing costs associated with isolating patients who are
suspected of carrying the deadly MRSA bacteria until confirmatory
test results can be obtained.

"The BacLite MRSA Test represents a revolutionary step in
microbiology testing," says Steve O'Hara, director of microbiology
with 3M Medical Diagnostics. "It is quick and simple to use due to
its accelerated culture-based detection of micro-organisms direct
from clinical specimen."

The test requires 45 minutes total hands-on time for 45 specimens,
which helps the laboratory's efficiency and productivity. It is easy
for health care facilities to implement, as it does not require a
high level of expertise in the laboratory to run the test. It also
has an objective endpoint, which means that the opportunity for error
is reduced.

Notes to Editors:

Costs of MRSA across Europe

In the UK, it is estimated that MRSA infections are costing EUR1.5
billion (GBP1 billion) a year. Around 15 percent (EUR224.2
million/GBP150 million) could be prevented by better application of
good practice[3]. The cost of hospital acquired infections across
all of Europe is substantially higher.

About 3M Health Care

Since inventing Ioban(TM) incise antimicrobial surgical drapes
more than 30 years ago, 3M has been a worldwide leader in developing
health care products and services that address infection control. 3M
Health Care, one of 3M's six major business segments, is dedicated to
improving the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care and is a
leading provider of solutions for medical, oral care, drug delivery
and health information markets.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen.
Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know
they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands
include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite,
Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world,
the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global
strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office;
display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety,
security and protection services; health care; industrial and
transportation. For more information, including the latest product
and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Baclite, Ioban, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate,
Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

References:

1 EARSS Annual Report 2005, p44-46.

2 ibid, p46.

3 National Audit Office. Improving Patient Care by Reducing the
Risk of Hospital Acquired Infection: a Progress Report. HC876 Session
2003-2004: 14 July 2004, p1.

ots Originaltext: 3M
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Contact: Julie Owen, 3M, +44-150-961-3372. Tara Finch, Resolute
Communications, +44-207-357-8187