SUNNYVALE, CA, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Molecular Devices, a division of MDS Analytical Technologies and a leader in innovative solutions for drug discovery and life sciences research, announced today the launch of the AquaMax(R) 2000 and AquaMax(R) 4000 series of microplate washers. The unique modular design of this new washer platform allows researchers to configure the system for their current microplate format and applications, and provides an affordable upgrade path when assay requirements change. The system's 96- and 384-well wash heads are interchangeable to extend the capabilities of the system on a single instrument platform. The AquaMax system washes the wells of microplate-based biological assays, an integral component of life science research. Primary applications for this instrument include ELISA, immunoassays, and cytotoxicity assays, and many cell-based assays used in high-throughput screening during the drug discovery process. The system washes all wells in the microplate simultaneously, resulting in very fast microplate processing unlike conventional washers that sequentially fill wells by strip or quadrant dispensing. On-board, touch-screen programming gives researchers a high degree of control over microplate processing parameters resulting in fast and efficient plate washing. The system's highly efficient washing capability minimizes background interference and maximizes assay sensitivity. A comprehensive cleaning routine prevents clogged dispense head and probes, the primary cause of microplate washer failure. Unlike competitive instruments, AquaMax is completely self-contained and does not require external pumps or computers. "The AquaMax washer series represents the latest advancements in liquid handling products. With the ability to use both 96- and 384-well wash heads on the base platform, customers can switch easily and quickly between formats, increasing their range of applications using one instrument," said Andy Boorn, President of MDS Analytical Technologies. "With the system's increased reliability, speed and flexibility, we expect customers will see significant time and cost savings over conventional wash systems." About MDS Inc. MDS Inc. (TSX: MDS; NYSE: MDZ) is a global life sciences company that provides market-leading products and services that our customers need for the development of drugs and diagnosis and treatment of disease. We are a leading global provider of pharmaceutical contract research, medical isotopes for molecular imaging, radiotherapeutics, and analytical instruments. MDS has more than 6,200 highly skilled people in 28 countries. Find out more at http://www.mdsinc.com/ or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day. About MDS Analytical Technologies MDS Analytical Technologies is a newly established MDS Inc. business unit and is a world-class organization comprised of two main lines of business. The Sciex product portfolio offers proven market leadership in mass spectrometry through its joint ventures with two of the world's leading analytical instrumentation and life sciences companies, Applied Biosystems, a business of the Applera Corporation and PerkinElmer Inc. The Molecular Devices product portfolio is the gold standard in high-performance bioanalytical measurement systems that accelerate and improve drug discovery and other life sciences research. Find out more at http://www.moleculardevices.com/ or http://www.mdssciex.com/. DATASOURCE: MDS Analytical Technologies CONTACT: Media: Cheri Salazar, Director, Marketing Communications, Molecular Devices, now part of MDS Analytical Technologies, (408) 548-6316, ; Investors: Sharon Mathers, Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and External Communications, MDS Inc., (416) 675-6777 x 34721,

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