Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories Acquires Maxxam Analytics' Drug and Alcohol Testing Business

Website:  www.gamma-dynacare.com

BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories announced today that it has acquired the drug and alcohol testing business of Maxxam Analytics, a leading provider of analytical services and solutions to the energy, environmental, food and DNA industries.

"This acquisition expands our toxicology business and establishes Gamma-Dynacare as the industry leader in the provision of drug and alcohol testing in Canada," said Naseem Somani, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories. "We are expecting this important market to grow significantly over the next few years as more organizations adopt random testing programs to improve workplace and public safety as well as productivity."

Gamma-Dynacare's operations include a specialized toxicology laboratory at its facility in London, Ontario, which provides services to help companies and healthcare providers monitor the well-being of their employees and patients, minimize health risks and promote wellness.   Gamma-Dynacare also plans to open a certified instrumented initial testing facility in Edmonton, Alberta in October 2012, to provide toxicology screening services to the oil and gas sector and other industries in Western Canada.

Gamma-Dynacare is certified by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and offers substance abuse testing for a variety of organizations that are highly regulated, including transportation companies subject to the randomized screening program established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).  In addition to drug and alcohol testing, Gamma-Dynacare offers a broad range of other occupational testing services, including trace metals testing, pre-employment blood testing, biological monitoring, pulmonary function testing, electrocardiography (ECG) and industrial allergy testing.

Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Maxxam Analytics' drug and alcohol testing operations serve clients across a broad range of sectors, including transportation, resources, law enforcement, construction, retail and the federal government.  Its services include SAMHSA-certified drug testing for urine samples, breath and urine alcohol testing, oral fluid drug and alcohol screening, validated on-site screening devices, litigation packages and expert witness testimony, program set-up and training programs.

"This acquisition brings well-established client relationships and experience with which to grow Gamma-Dynacare's drug and alcohol testing business," said Ms. Somani.  "We look forward to integrating the technical and service expertise of both organizations and leveraging our scale and geographic reach to benefit clients across Canada."

About Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories

Providing Information.  Impacting Lives.  Caring for People.  By living this mission, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories will achieve its vision of becoming the trusted leader in transforming laboratory information and services into solutions that improve health, wellness and the Canadian health care system.

Gamma-Dynacare (www.gamma-dynacare.com) is one of Canada's largest and most respected providers of laboratory services and solutions, with more than 50 years of experience serving Canadians. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Gamma-Dynacare operates laboratories in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.  In addition, Gamma-Dynacare operates 200 Patient Services Centres in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.  Gamma-Dynacare's more than 2,000 skilled and dedicated employees perform millions of tests each year, supporting patients, healthcare professionals and public and private sector clients with the laboratory services and critical information necessary for good health care and health-related decisions.

SOURCE: Gamma Dynacare Medical Laboratories

Shelley Jourard, Director, Corporate Communications, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, [phone], ext. 5377 or 1-866-790-3515, ext. 5377 or [email protected]