News ReleaseFor Immediate Release Dec. 6, 2016

Streck announces European patent for blood collection tubes

Newswise — Omaha, NE – The European Patent Office awarded Streck a patent regarding its Cell-Free DNA BCT® CE, a direct-draw blood collection tube that stabilizes nucleated blood cells. The patent, EP 2,228,453, will grant on Dec. 7, 2016. The patent relates to the use of Streck’s proprietary Cell-Free DNA BCT CE product for the collection of samples to analyze fetal nucleic acid for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

“Our unique blood collection tube has allowed many NIPT providers in Europe to stabilize, conveniently transport and store blood specimens for testing,” said Streck CEO and President Connie Ryan. “The award of a European patent is very exciting for us.”

In addition to the European patent, Streck recently was awarded a Canadian patent and has several patent applications pending in the United States covering its blood collection tube technology.

The Streck tube, Cell-Free DNA BCT CE, prevents the release of genomic DNA, allowing isolation of high-quality cell-free DNA for a wide range of downstream applications commonly used in clinical research studies, drug discovery and diagnostic assay development. The tube reduces the need for immediate plasma preparation due to its unique stabilization properties. Cell-free DNA is stable for up to 14 days, and circulating tumor cells are stable for up to 7 days at room temperature, allowing convenient sample collection, transport and storage.

Cell-Free DNA BCT CE is for Export Only. Not to be sold in the U.S.

About Streck, Inc.Established in 1971, Streck develops and manufactures products for clinical and research laboratories. Streck’s passion for innovation, quality and service has allowed the organization to become a world leader in the development of quality control and diagnostic products that help laboratories ensure accurate and timely results for patients. Streck offers the industry’s leading automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate instrument and is a worldwide supplier of blood collection tubes that standardize methods for sample collection, stabilization and transportation. Expanding product lines include flow cytometry, body fluids and urinalysis with emerging products being developed for the burgeoning field of molecular diagnostics. For more information, visit www.streck.com.