IH Systems' RIVA Surpasses 100,000 Automated Patient Doses

WINNIPEG , Feb. 9 /CNW/ - Intelligent Hospital Systems' RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags - is proving robotic automation's place in health care after surpassing 100,000 safe patient doses this January.

While RIVA has been proven effective in validation tests - eliminating potential microbial contamination in the direct compounding area introduced by human contact while also reducing drug residue in the compounding environment and on surfaces of prepared doses - the true success of the system has been its full integration into health care operations.

In addition to enhanced patient safety, automation has helped improve working conditions for hospital staff by freeing them from repetitive tasks, expediting the compounding process, reducing waste and reducing their exposure to a multitude of drug compounds. "In January alone, our clients using RIVA averaged in excess of 26 doses per hour and 210 doses per day. One of our clients exceeded 27 doses per hour and used RIVA to prepare an average of about 300 doses per day," notes Niels Erik Hansen , Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. "In addition to these throughput numbers, all of our clients are running at least 12 different drug compounds in RIVA on a regular basis for both patient specific and batch preparations," Hansen concludes.

For Jane Arnot , IH Systems VP Customer Sales and Service, the continued success of RIVA in hospitals and pharmacies is definitely positive and has provided assurance for institutions who have not yet adopted automated systems. "As hospitals and pharmacies are becoming familiar with RIVA, the system's efficiencies are really becoming apparent. Doses are continuing to climb and we expect over 200,000 by the end of May from the three systems currently in place." In addition to the thorough research, development and commissioning program of the RIVA System, the success of RIVA in day-to-day health care practices has been integral in building confidence and support from directors of pharmacies worldwide.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags - is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems. For more information, please visit www.rivasystem.com.

For further information: Jane Arnot, VP Customer Sales and Service, Cell: [phone]