Ventana acquired BioImagene last June.  This is the first of likely many improvements on their digital pathology platform.

Latest version provides pathologists with superior case management and telepathology capabilities

TUCSON, Ariz., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, announced today the availability of its next generation Virtuoso digital pathology application software. 

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The new version of Virtuoso software expands pathologists' workflow capabilities with features that deliver additional gains in efficiency, collaboration, and productivity. Pathology labs worldwide will realize significant value and workflow improvements with the upgraded software enhancements including:

Pathologist workflow enhancements – ability to create a worklist that gives pathologists the flexibility to work on cases in their desired order; the option to include gross images in case reports; synchronized image viewing that is ideal for comparing serial sections on a case with different markers; and role-based portals to ensure that individual needs are met for each person in the pathology laboratory workflow.

Telepathology enhancements – the capability to conveniently share cases for review by other pathologists; a real-time collaboration feature enabling simultaneous peer reviews; and case review guidance for residents for educational purposes.

User Interface (UI) enhancements – context-sensitive toolbars for a faster and more intuitive viewer experience and an interactive UI that allows microscope-like panning and zooming on images.

Christopher Cestaro, Lifecycle Leader, Advanced Workflow, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., commented, "Digital pathology is transforming the practice of pathology in ways that will significantly impact the delivery of healthcare in the future. Ventana digital pathology solutions fully leverage our strengths in high quality staining platforms, assays, and workflow solutions such as VANTAGE, to deliver a complete end-to-end solution for pathology laboratories. Our global leadership in the pathology market ensures that our customers continue to have access to the most innovative products and solutions."

The new features of the Virtuoso 5.0 software will improve the pathologist's ability to manage and share cases, and collaborate in real time. Virtuoso works with the VENTANA iScan Coreo Au scanner to deliver a comprehensive digital pathology solution from image acquisition to case management, report customization, and more.

Ventana test systems are for in vitro diagnostic use for specific clinical applications, and are intended for research use only for other applications.

About Ventana Medical Systems, Inc

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. ("VMSI") develops, manufactures, and markets instrument/reagent systems that automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug discovery laboratories worldwide. The Company's clinical systems are important tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. VMSI's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds. In addition, the Company offers premier workflow solutions designed to improve laboratory efficiency, providing safeguards to enhance the quality of healthcare. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. is a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group. For more information on Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. visit http://www.ventana.com.

For further information, please contact:
Jacquie Bucher
Ventana Media Relations
520-877-7288  jacquie.bucher@ventana.roche.com

SOURCE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

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