special edition

Spring 2011
SPECIAL
EDITION
Grace Under Pressure
- From the Office of President and CEO John Kershaw, Sysmex America, Inc. On March 11, 2011 at 2:46 p.m. a devastating
earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter scale shook
the nation of Japan. This was followed by a tsunami
that swept away homes and cars and ultimately resulted
in significant loss of life. As of this writing, the death
toll is over 13,000 and more than 14,000 remain
missing. One hundred fifty thousand people are in
shelters around the country. Hundreds of thousands
of households are without electricity and water. Nearly
49,000 buildings have been fully destroyed, washed
away or burned down. The Japanese government has
estimated damage from the earthquake and tsunami at 16 – 25 trillion yen ($190 –
295 billion USD) the top estimate, making it the world’s costliest disaster. According
to the Foreign Ministry, 134 countries and 39 international organizations have offered
assistance.
As president of Sysmex America and as an American, I watched from afar the
aftermath of the natural disasters that struck Japan on March 11. What has
inspired me most since then is the profound strength and the respect for one
another that the Japanese people continue to demonstrate to the world.
According to Journalism.org, in Japan, where an estimated 10 million people are
active Twitter users, people were using the site within hours and days of the
ongoing disasters to exchange information about family and friends and about the
rolling power failures. There were messages that showed the courageous spirit of
the Japanese people, for example:
“At today’s morning assembly, our boss said, ‘no matter what happens to Japan now,
do not show worried faces and do not forget the hospitality to your customers and
make them feel comfortable, no matter what.’ I was touched by this. I guess I’ll work
harder. The store is now open!”
As our customers,
you are aware that
Sysmex America
is a subsidiary
of Sysmex
Corporation, Kobe,
Japan. Kobe is
located in Japan’s
southern region
– more than 400
miles away from
the epicenter of
Japan’s March 11
earthquake. We are
extremely grateful
that all of our employees are accounted for and are well. However, Sysmex
employees remain deeply concerned about their fellow citizens in the affected
areas of Japan. As such, Sysmex Corporation has provided a monetary donation of
Published by: © 2011 Sysmex America, Inc. All rights reserved
¥30 million (~$370,000 US) to the Japanese Red Cross
and other organizations to support humanitarian efforts
and assist in the recovery of the affected region.
Sysmex Operations
Because of the location of Sysmex Corporation, our
facilities were not in any danger and did not sustain
any damage as a result of these events. The location
of Sysmex Corporation also has meant that we have
been able to maintain all business operations without
interruption. The company’s manufacturing and
production facilities and Research & Development bases
have similarly been unaffected by these recent events.
Kobe’s seaport and nearby airports are fully operational
as well.
Additionally, Sysmex has conducted risk assessments
which conclude there are U.S. and non-U.S. alternative
sources for virtually all materials needed for every aspect
of our business. Shipment and materials status reviews
are conducted daily. The bottom line is that the Sysmex
“store” is open and we want you to feel comfortable no
matter what.
Supplies
­— Reagent Supply is Assured
Sysmex America manufactures reagents in Mundelein, IL
and maintains a significant supply of both raw materials
and a supply of finished goods at all times. We also have
a backup plan and infrastructure in place that facilitates
receipt of reagents from other Sysmex manufacturing
facilities from around the globe.
­— Spare Parts Supply is Assured
Sysmex America maintains a significant supply of spare
parts. We do this through both service ‘trunk stock’ and
through centralized storage and distribution via UPS. We
also have a backup plan and infrastructure in place that
facilitates receipt of parts from other Sysmex service
facilities from around the world, if needed.
­— Instrument Access Is Assured
Sysmex America maintains an inventory of analyzers
which are available to ship for order fulfillment.
Instruments also are readily available from Japan, as this
overseas inventory has been unaffected by the disaster.
As stated previously, all Sysmex Corporation business
(continued on page 2)
Grace Under Pressure (continued)
operations in Japan, the Kobe seaport and nearby
airports are fully operational. Therefore, Sysmex
America will continue to supply product to meet
current and forecasted demand. If needed, we also will
work with our Sysmex sister companies from around
the world to fulfill critical needs.
Peak Performance Program
I also want to remind you of Sysmex America’s Peak
Performance Program. This program is a rich and
comprehensive set of systems and resources that
includes a range of support functions by our staff
including supplies management, technical assistance
and training. It also ensures availability of goods and
materials required to keep our customers’ operations
fully functional.
2
Charitable Soccer Match Raises Funds for Japan
Sysmex Brazil (Latin America & the Caribbean Islands) aided Japan’s natural
disasters relief efforts by supporting the Soccer Stars Game sponsored and
organized by JAPANCHAM, an entity representing the Chamber of Commerce,
Industry Brazil and Japan. The April 7 game was held in Curitiba, Brazil, the home
of Sysmex Reagents Brazil.
According to Yuki Hyogu, Sysmex Latin America & the Caribbean Business Plan
Manager, “I am very proud to be a part of this effort. Japan is in need of help for
rebuilding. Such an event as this inspires hope for the Japanese people during a
difficult time.”
Benevolence and Inspiration
Finally, I want to note that I have been inspired
by the generosity of our Sysmex customers such
as Sutter Health System. This system, which is a
network of hospitals, physicians and other healthcare
service providers in Northern California, announced
a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross
in support of relief efforts in Japan following the
devastating earthquake and tsunami.
In Sutter’s announcement the CEO, Pat Fry, is quoted
as saying, “Supporting global relief efforts is a natural
extension of our not-for-profit mission. The American
Red Cross is a long-time, valued community partner
of Sutter Health, and we’re proud to support its
humanitarian work.”
Sutter’s donation was particularly meaningful to
Sysmex employees. But, this type of gesture is not
uncommon for Sutter as they are committed to creating
healthier communities through programs and services
that respond to public needs. In 2009 alone, Sutter
invested $667 million USD in care and services for the
underserved.
Some of the best players and former players in Brazilian soccer history played in
the Soccer Stars Game including Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico,
(former coach of the national Japanese team); Antonio de Oliveira Filho, better
known as Careca; Carlos Dunga (former coach of the national Brazilian team);
Gilmar Rinaldi, Rai Souza Vieira de Oliveira, Djalma Feitosa Dias, better known
as Djalminha; Romário de Souza Faria, better known as Romário and Paulo Rink,
among others.
I’m also proud to say that many of our employees are
providing charitable contributions to support Japan’s
disaster recovery and relief efforts through Sysmex
America’s Charitable Giving Policy. With this policy,
all donations provided to the Canadian/American Red
Cross by Sysmex employees are matched 50 cents on
the dollar by Sysmex America.
On behalf of Sysmex, I want to express our sincere
gratitude to the numerous people, customers and
companies who continue to express their concern
for our Japanese brethren and provide support
in the wake of this unprecedented tragedy.
John Kershaw
President & CEO
Sysmex America, Inc.
Sysmex joined thousands of people to support the cause and to watch some of the
best players in the world play on behalf of Japan’s rebuilding efforts.
3
Is Predictive Hematology in the Forecast?
A look at new parameter utilization at Georgetown Hospital System, South Carolina
The Georgetown Hospital
System is located just south of
Myrtle Beach, SC, a well know
golfing and tourist destination.
This very progressive system
has grown rapidly in recent
years and in addition to its
two community hospitals,
Georgetown Memorial
Hospital and Waccamaw Community Hospital; the System includes
the Francis B. Ford Cancer Treatment Center, an Imaging, and
Breast Health Center with open MRI and digital mammography,
and a Wound Healing Center that offers hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. The organization also includes a health and fitness center,
numerous adult and pediatric outpatient rehabilitation sites, two
pain management centers, and an acute inpatient rehabilitation
center. With 131 and 167 beds respectively, these hospitals have
equipped their hematology laboratories with Sysmex XE-2100™
Automated Hematology Analyzers as primary instruments and
Sysmex XS-1000i™ Automated Hematology Analyzers for backup.
Charlynn Vida Barnhill, Senior Technologist of Hematology/
Coagulation/Urinalysis and Serology has been at Georgetown
Memorial Hospital for 18 years and helped lead the switch to
Sysmex instruments in 2007. “We were having quality problems
with retics and platelet counts as well as instruments ‘going down’
and needing to call for service too much of the time,” says Barnhill.
One of the things that convinced her and her colleagues to change
to Sysmex was the automated differential which, when compared
to manual diffs, showed excellent agreement. “We can really rely on
the Immature Granulocyte (IG) information to alert us to the need
to review a smear.”
Georgetown Hospital System also appreciated the need for
standardization when they switched to Sysmex instruments.
“We have been using Sysmex instruments since 2007,” says
Barnhill. “Using the IG has allowed us to report more automated
differentials, while alerting us to those slides that truly need to be
reviewed.”
In August of 2010 they began offering the RET-He (hemoglobin
content of reticulocytes) and the Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF)
as orderable tests. As Barnhill explains it, “The IG parameter, as
mentioned earlier, has been included in our CBC with diff since we
went live with our Sysmex XE-2100. RET-He had previously been
orderable as a mail out test so we just changed to offer it in-house.
After checking to be sure that IPF was a chargeable test, we built
a test set that included IPF, Platelet count and MPV (mean platelet
volume).”
At the Georgetown Hospital System, physicians can request a
peripheral smear for pathologist review. According to Barnhill, “As
soon as our Medical Director was aware of the availability of these
parameters, they requested Ret-He and IPF be included in the CBC
with differential and reticulocyte results he was already receiving
for peripheral smear pathology reviews.”
Although the laboratory staff is preparing an informative flyer to
re-introduce the clinical utility of RET-He and IPF parameters to
attending physicians and house staff, effective way to jumpstart
utilization of the parameters is by providing them to for use by
pathologists when examining peripheral
smears. In this way, the medical staff
can see how the pathologist is using
these parameters when they assess
a patient’s hematologic status.
4
Pathologist Kent M. McGinley, M.D. takes the RET-He and IPF
measurements into account when interpreting a peripheral smear.
“We do a ‘fair number’ of peripheral smear reviews looking for
the cause of an anemia or any myelodysplasia. We also review
a lot of them for thrombocytopenia. RET-He has allowed us to
evaluate iron-deficiency anemias while the IPF is used during
smear review to give us insight into the potential mechanism of
the thrombocytopenia. Does the etiology of the disease stem from
a production or destructive process? Our studies are now more
comprehensive and allow us to provide helpful information to the
ordering physician,” he says.
If your health care system is interested in implementing new
parameters, Barnhill has this advice: “For any scientist or clinician
interested in implementation of these parameters, I would
suggest thoroughly educating all members of your team about the
application and clinical implications. These parameters are very
inexpensive, simple, and beneficial additions to a hematology test
offering.”
Intended Use
The Immature Granulocyte (IG) parameter on the Sysmex XE2100™, XE-5000™, XT-4000i™ and XT-2000i™ is intended for in
vitro diagnostic use to classify and count immature granulocyte cells
in EDTA anti-coagulated blood.
The RET-He parameter on the Sysmex XE-2100, XE-5000, XT-4000i
and XT-2000i Automated Hematology analyzers, determines the
hemoglobin of Reticulocytes for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical
laboratories.
The IPF% (Immature Platelet Fraction) on the Sysmex XE-2100,
XE-5000, XT-4000i and XT-2000i for in vitro diagnostics is used to
enumerate the immature platelet fraction.
Medical technologists Melissa Dragomer,left, and Charlynn Vida
Barnhill have been instrumental in implementing IPF and RET-He
parameters at Georgetown Hospital System.
Is the Future Predictive Hematology?
As currently used, CBC and differential counts give clinicians a
highly accurate snapshot of a patient’s hematologic status at a point
in time. But with the new RET-He and IPF parameters, hematology
studies may be potentially utilized by the clinician to be predictive
as well. As the Pathology Department accumulate RET-He and
IPF data and have more clinical experience with the parameters,
changes in these values may allow the physician to predict bone
marrow recovery or potentially circumvent the need for a platelet
transfusion if the IPF indicates a probable platelet recovery.
It is the laboratory’s responsibility to validate any off-label
applications for use in routine clinical practice.
5
Laboratories in
Sysmex Brazil
(Latin America & Caribbean Islands)
Choose Sysmex Automation Platforms
Hospitals and reference laboratories throughout Latin America
and the Caribbean have joined the ranks of Sysmex customers
benefitting from the reliability and streamlined operations of
Sysmex automated hematology solutions.
In Brazil, two of the
country’s largest and
most well known
laboratories, DASA
and Sérgio
Franco,
optimize
their sample
processing
and expedite
results for 7,800
CBCs daily and 5,000
CBCs daily respectively with
Sysmex HST lines and CellaVision
DM96 cell image analysis analyzers.
One of the largest laboratories in Bogota,
Columbia, Compensar IPS, uses the Sysmex HST line to process its
own samples as well as samples from fifteen satellite laboratories.
Laboratories in Medelin, Columbia and Guayaquil, Ecuador utilize
either the Sysmex XE-2100™ or the XE-AlphaN™. In fact, Interlab, a
private reference laboratory in Guayaquil, became the first private
lab in the country to have automation for processing its more than
1,000 CBCs weekly with the purchase of its XE-AlphaN.
In Chile, two XE-AlphaN instruments replaced existing laboratory
equipment at Catholic University after studies demonstrated the
superiority of the Sysmex hematology analyzers. According to
laboratory personnel, the addition of the Sysmex analyzers has
optimized its laboratory operations and sample processing of more
than 500 CBCs daily. In Argentina, German Hospital benefits from
the Sysmex XT-4000i™ and the instrument’s six-part diff as well as
its body fluids analysis capability.
Sysmex Customers in Brazil
Embrace Scientific Exchange
“New Parameters in
Hematology – A Clinical
Approach” was the central
focus for a joint symposium
sponsored by Sysmex
Brazil (Latin America &
the Caribbean Islands)
and its distributor Roche
Diagnostics. The joint
initiative in April brought
more than 100 people
representing Sysmex customers, distributors and other guests
together for meaningful scientific exchange in Campinas, Brazil.
Scientific experts and their presentations for the symposium
included Maria Sílvia Martinho, scientific consultant, “Use of IPF
Platelet Parameters in Clinical and Laboratorial Practice” and
Helena Zerlotti Wolf Grotto, MD, PhD, associate professor and
coordinator of the clinical pathology department of UNICAMP,
“Reticulocyte and erythrocyte parameters as an aid in the laboratory
diagnosis of anemia”.
6
Sysmex America
Website Gets New Look,
Ease-of-Use Navigation
In mid-JuLY, Sysmex America is showcasing a
brand new website at www.sysmex.com/us.
The website’s updated design and functionality
will make it easier and faster for Sysmex visitors
to access a rich and comprehensive set of e-tools
and resources.
• Webinars – Keep your laboratory knowledge up to date with
the Sysmex web-based educational conference series. Join a
conference live or access the extensive library of complimentary
on-demand seminars. Relevant topics range from result
interpretation to lab productivity and strategic planning. Each
of the webinars is provided by expert speakers in their field
and many webinars offer P.A.C.E. / Florida CEU’s. This area is
accessible to any registered visitor.
• Insight™ Inter-laboratory Quality Assessment Program –
Sysmex’s web-based inter-laboratory quality assessment program
(IQAP) for Sysmex hematology analyzers, is designed to facilitate
evaluation of analyzer performance. Quality control data is
uploaded anytime. Users can then review streamlined and
comprehensive reports with statistical and graphic presentation
of analyzer performance including peer comparison data. This
area is accessible by designated, registered representatives for
laboratories using Sysmex controls on Sysmex analyzers.
• Customer Resource Center (CRC) – The CRC is a comprehensive
library for Sysmex customers to access on-line training, product
updates, instructions for use, implementation guides, and other
resource materials. This library is customized to your needs,
based on the Sysmex products that you have in your lab. The
Sysmex CRC puts an ever-expanding library of information and
resources where they’re needed most – in your hands. This area
is accessible by registered Sysmex customers.
Depending on access level, a single password will allow visitors to
immediately connect with the above sites. Resource libraries on the
CRC will have a more intuitive organization. In addition, the new
Sysmex America website will offer an enhanced search function to
simplify the process of finding the exact document you need. The
function “Track My Order” will not change.
Visit us in July and enjoy enhanced access to
a wide variety of relevant information, in a
simpler updated format.
How to access the new Sysmex
America resource libraries
At the top of any page on www.sysmex.com/us find the Log In field.
Enter your Log In ID.
Your email is your ID.
Then enter your current
password.
If you can’t remember your password, simply enter your email ID,
and then click Forgot Your Password?
If you are not already registered but you would like to view
our webinar series, click on the Webinar area and follow the
instructions for registration.
7
Sysmex America Named
2011 Honor Roll Recipient
For a third consecutive year, Sysmex America has
been awarded Honor Roll status from the Center for
Companies That Care for its outstanding workplace
practices and community involvement.
“At Sysmex America we are
committed to serve as a meaningful
contributor to the personal and
professional development of our
employees. This, in turn, benefits the
communities in which we operate as
a company. It also serves as a natural
extension of the kind of quality
that Sysmex aims to extend to the
physicians and patients who benefit
from the customers we serve on a
daily basis. It is once again an honor
to be recognized as a company that
cares,” said Karen Stoneman, Vice President of Human Resources,
Sysmex America, Inc.
Sysmex America is joined by other U.S.-based businesses of all sizes
in diverse industries. Not surprisingly, healthcare organizations
weigh heavy again in this year’s group of distinguished winners.
One characteristic that Sysmex shares with the winning healthcare
companies is a committed focus on the “Triple Bottom Line” –
building value based on financial performance, community service,
and employee appreciation.
“These employers are among the best in the nation,” said Marci
Koblenz, Center for Companies That Care’s Co-founder and
President. “They have remained engaged with their employees
and communities to understand their needs and, in most cases, to
meet them. When times have gotten tough these employers have
increased communications and employee involvement. They clearly
realize how values-driven practices enable their success.”
Two key components of the Honor Roll selection process
include a written application and employee survey results both
of which demonstrated Sysmex America’s excellence in the “10
Characteristics” inherent to a “Company That Cares”. These
characteristics include: developing employees and leaders,
supporting the pursuit of work/life balance, sustaining a work
environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees,
providing competitive compensation and benefits, and volunteering
in the community, among others.
Healthcare Organizations
are Companies That Care
Sysmex America congratulates the following healthcare
organizations as fellow recipients of the 2011 Honor Roll for
Companies That Care from the Center for the Companies That Care:
- Delnor Health System
- Holy Name Medical Center
- Sherman Health
- University HealthSystem Consortium
- WellStar Health System
Many healthcare organizations are leaders in quality healthcare,
social initiatives and community service. For example, healthcare
companies were among the first to embrace diversity hiring and
training initiatives, to provide support for working mothers, and to
establish support groups and social media channels for patient and
care provider benefit.
Sysmex America will be officially recognized during a community
symposium in Portland, Oregon in May. The eighth annual Honor
Roll celebrates U.S.-based organizations of all sizes in diverse
industries including privately held and publicly traded organizations
as well as not-for-profit employers.
Today, more than ever before, healthcare organizations must
balance the need to provide quality, compassionate patient care
with the need to deliver that care as cost-effectively as possible.
These needs are not going to change. Therefore, Sysmex America
stands ready to provide customers with the products and services
they need to enhance their laboratory quality and efficiency;
initiatives that help institutions deliver first-rate patient care.
Center for Companies That Care is a national, not-for-profit
organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of employees,
families and communities by encouraging employers to integrate
the 10 Characteristics of Companies That Care into their daily
business practices. For more information, visit
www.companies-that-care.org.
Healthcare organizations will continue to appear each year on the
Center for Companies That Care Honor Roll, because bottom line,
our organizations are committed to our healthcare professionals
and to the communities in which we serve.
8
Sysmex America
Raises Money for Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society
Sysmex America has an unwavering commitment to hematology
and to improving outcomes for people with hematological
disorders. In a continued spirit of community support and quality
of life excellence, Sysmex has initiated fund raising efforts to
support the Illinois Chapter’s Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(LLS) Man and Woman of the Year Campaign.
The Man and Woman of the Year is a unique fundraising campaign
that recognizes extraordinary commitment in working with LLS
to find a cure for cancer. This commitment is strengthened by
partnering local patients with participating companies. This year,
Sysmex America is partnered with a little girl named Hannah
who is being treated for lymphocytic leukemia. Hannah inspires
Sysmex associates by working with the Sysmex Woman of the Year
candidate.
What does your
LLS donation do?
• $25 – Provides patients and their loved ones with FREE
booklets that contain up-to-date information on their
disease and help them make informed decisions about
their treatment options.
• $35 – Purchase 35 Charlie Brown DVD’s to explain
cancer to pediatric patients.
• $40 – Educates 4 school employees on how to ease the
transition back to school for a child with cancer.
• $50 – Provides a Family Support Group with a trained
facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences
can be shared among patients and family members
• $75 – Supports the average cost of tissue typing to
become a bone marrow donor.
• $100 – Helps supply laboratory researchers with
supplies and materials critical to carrying out their
search for cures.
Jill Pontillo is the Sysmex Woman of the Year candidate. All the
fundraising candidates earn one “vote” for each dollar donated to
LLS in their name during the campaign. Jill’s challenge is to raise
the most “votes” or dollars during the ten-week Man and Woman
of the Year Campaign March 10 – May 20. The candidates who win
2011 Man & Woman of the Year will be crowned at the Grand Finale
Gala on May 20 at the Hyatt McCormick Place in Chicago. The
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will also announce the winners
of the 2011 Citizenship Awards, recognizing those candidates who
incorporate the mission, volunteerism and community involvement
into their individual campaigns. The 2011 Man & Woman of the Year
Campaign marks the 11th anniversary of leaders in the community
raising funds to propel the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society (LLS). This is Sysmex America’s second consecutive year
as a participant of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man and
Woman of the Year Campaign.
Donations to LLS any time of the year are appreciated by the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Sysmex, patients, and their
families.
9
Save the Date...
Sysmex America Showcase at AACC
Join thousands of your peers in Atlanta, Georgia – July 24-28 – for the 2011 AACC
Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. While
you are there, make sure you stop by the Sysmex Booth # 2611. This
year’s Sysmex booth features a comprehensive portfolio of standalone
analyzers and automation systems.
HST-N™ – The HST line is a flexible, scalable, reliable automation
platform that incorporates advanced technology and proven
automation track to help laboratories work “smarter.” The
combination of XE-Series hematology systems and SP-1000i™ slide maker and stainer
enable laboratories to see improvements in their operations while providing valuable
clinical data, rapidly
and consistently.
Sysmex WAM™ –
Sysmex can show you
a unique platform to
achieve consolidated
hematology data management, provide a comprehensive set of workflow rules and give
you access to data across your enterprise. See how the Sysmex WAM can be configured
to suit your hematology workload today while giving you the flexibility to scale up in the
future.
Stand Alone Units – Whether it is automated hematology or urinalysis,
you can count on Sysmex automated hematology analyzers for their
reliability and result accuracy. Our booth will house the Sysmex
XE-5000™, Sysmex XT-4000i™, the Sysmex XS-1000i™, and the
UF-1000i™ as well as 3-part diff analyzers. In addition to these
instruments, Sysmex will showcase CellaVision and EasyCell
cell image analysis analyzers.
Show Dates and Hours are:
Tuesday, July 26th
9:30 am - 5pm
Wednesday, July 27th 9:30 am - 5pm
Thursday, July 28th
9:30 am - 2pm
Visit the Sysmex Booth #2611 and learn how you can improve your
laboratory’s productivity and efficiency while providing enhanced
clinical information. See you there.
10
Sysmex America Signs
Distributorship Agreement
with LABSCO
Sysmex America is expanding our ability to bring quality products
The agreement automatically renews for up to four successive one-
and services to the small-mid size laboratories. An amended
year periods. It is effective immediately and continues until March
distributorship agreement between Sysmex America and
31, 2015. This agreement represents Sysmex America’s second
Laboratory Supply Company (LABSCO) has been finalized. This
amended distributorship agreement with LABSCO.
agreement includes Sysmex reagents, controls and instruments:
the Sysmex pocH-100i™, Sysmex KX-21N™, and the Sysmex
XS-1000i™, XT-Series and XE-Series Automated Hematology
Analyzers. “Sysmex America has enjoyed a successful partnership
with LABSCO for several years built on trust, confidence and
collaboration. LABSCO’s Clinical lab and instrumentation
expertise/representation and focus on < 150 bed hospital, POL/
alternate site, and reference lab markets will serve Sysmex America
well as we better meet the needs of our customers,” said Michael
Messner, Director, Distributor-Primary Care, Sysmex America, Inc.
LABSCO has nine distribution centers and has grown to be the
largest privately held distributor of clinical laboratory products in
the United States. LABSCO is known for its expertise in the clinical
laboratory, but is also a full line distributor of laboratory supplies
and instrumentation and medical/surgical products to the physician
office laboratory (POL) and other alternate care settings. LABSCO
was recently acquired by Frazier Healthcare.
Sysmex America offers a variety of products to a wide range of
segments within the healthcare industry. In order to reach all
customers in the United States, Latin America and Canada, the
company partners with a network of distributors who are experts in
their respective areas.
11
Marketing
Managers
Appointed
Sysmex strives to ensure that we continually deliver
Pam Shearman
– As Sysmex America’s Associate
Director of Marketing Communications, Pam has oversight for the
company’s brand management, industry conference participation,
and collateral development supporting Sysmex America’s
strategic initiatives. She also provides leadership in the area of
media alignment. Prior to her appointment, Pam served as the
company’s National Sales Training Manager. Her 16-year tenure
as a Sysmex associate also includes product management in the
areas of coagulation and urinalysis and
oversight of marketing communications
and market research. Prior to joining
Sysmex, Pam served in management
positions with the Boehringer
Mannheim Corporation. She studied
Biology and Biochemistry at Indiana
University and Cornell University and is
a Medical Technologist.
quality products, services and information.
Sysmex has named Pam Shearman as Associate Director
of Marketing Communications; John Ebbs as the Group
Product Manager for Urinalysis Marketing; and Jackie
Guenther as Senior Product Manager for Services
Marketing. These individuals provide a wealth of
knowledge and expertise that strongly supports Sysmex
America’s continued growth and outreach initiatives.
—————————————————•—————————————————
John Ebbs
– In his role as Group Product Manager for
Urinalysis, John’s key responsibilities are product management
of the UF-1000i Automated Urine Particle Analyzer and the
CLINITEK®AUWi System. John will work collaboratively with
Sysmex America’s business development team to provide marketing
and product management support for Sysmex partner Siemens.
His business development outreach also includes the pursuit of
urinalysis growth opportunities through direct sales and additional
strategic alliance partnerships. John’s more than 20 years of sales
and marketing experience includes
14 years in the IVD market segment.
During this time he held sales, regional
sales specialist, and marketing
positions for Abbott Laboratories,
Nichols Institute Diagnostics, Bio-Rad
Laboratories and Siemens.
—————————————————•—————————————————
Jackie Guenter – Senior Product Manager for Services
Marketing is a newly created position. In her role, Jackie oversees
the management and marketing of Sysmex America’s broad array
of existing services as well as the development of new services
offerings. Jackie is an ASCP-certified medical technologist, and
holds a Masters Degree in adult education. Most recently as
the Service Business Manager for
Commercial Labs, she successfully
managed the service implementation
of LabCorp, BioReference, and
Sonic Labs. Jackie brings valuable
knowledge of the IVD industry from
a career that includes experience as
a Medical Technologist, Field Service
Representative, Service Management,
and Global Training Management.
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