Thermo Fisher Scientific Wins R&D 100 Award for Revolutionary Three-Minute Cold Disinfection Solution


RUNCORN, Cheshire, UK - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that its Thermo Scientific HM550 Cryostat with cold disinfection has been chosen as an R&D 100 award winner by an independent judging panel and the editors of R&D. The award recognizes the HM550 Cryostat as one of the most technologically significant products to enter the marketplace this year. The system distinguished itself among other entries due to its ability to dramatically reduce laboratory staff health risks as they interact with live cells and infectious tissues. This benefit is a direct result of the instrument's capability to instantly disinfect the entire cryo chamber in three minutes.

Alternative methods of disinfection require a minimum two-hour warm-up period followed by a 30-minute disinfection process, or UV light which also takes at least 30 minutes. In comparison, cold disinfection efficiently removes aerobic bacteria and fungi in only three minutes. In addition to improving the safety of laboratory work conditions, the speed of cold disinfection dramatically reduces work flow interruption, as the HM550 Cryostat is safe to use directly after the disinfection process is complete. This new cold disinfection technology functions 100-times faster than previously existing disinfection methods, greatly increasing efficiency and overall throughput.

The Thermo Scientific HM550 Cryostat's pioneering cold disinfection technology uses Sanosil® (Sanosil Ltd., Switzerland), a strong disinfectant and virucide that is proven to be 99.99 percent effective when fighting more than 144 pathogens. As a result, users can confidently work with the knowledge that their cryostat is hygienic and safe. The R&D 100 award also acknowledged that unlike other methods of chemical disinfection, which can produce toxic compounds that are dangerous when inhaled in high concentrations, Sanosil is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, ensuring the health and safety of lab technicians.

"We are delighted to have been selected for the R&D 100 Award. Thermo Fisher Scientific recognizes the invaluable service provided by laboratory staff, and the development of the HM550 Cryostat is a testament to our commitment in ensuring continued safety within all laboratories," said Giulio Cerroni, vice president of commercial operations for anatomical pathology in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The competition has been particularly strong this year so it is a great compliment to the Thermo Scientific HM550 Cryostat with cold disinfection to be acknowledged by industry leaders as one of the most valuable and significant products released to the market."

R&D will honor the Thermo Scientific HM550 Cryostat project team during a Gala Awards Banquet on November 11, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. For more information about the winning innovations and award criteria, please visit www.rdmag.com

For more information about the new Thermo Scientific HM550 Cryostat with cold disinfection, please call + 44 (0)800 018 9396, e-mail pathology@scottpr.com or visit http://www.thermoscientific.com/pathology

Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of more than $10 billion, we have approximately 35,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit www.thermofisher.com.

For further press information please contact:
Laura Browne,
The Scott Partnership,
1 Whiteside, Station Road,
Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AA,
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 1477 539539
Fax: +44 1477 539 540
E-mail: pathology@scottpr.com

Anatomical Pathology Division
Media Contact Information:
Name: Laura Browne/Michelle Valentine
Phone: +44 1477 539539
Email: pathology@scottpr.com

Secondary Contact Information:
Name: Peter Brooks
Phone: +44 1928 534121
Email: peter.brooks@thermofisher.com

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