Westbrook, ME (April 27, 2009) – As part of the American mission to help Iraqi law enforcement agencies bolster their operational capabilities and technological proficiency, the U.S. Army recently purchased four PCS® Pipette Calibration Systems from Artel for use in forensics laboratories in Iraq. The systems will be used in Iraqi IP Criminal Evidence Laboratories in Baghdad, Basrah, and Erbil for routine pipette calibration. The Iraqi laboratories are full-service forensic analysis facilities that examine evidence for the country’s criminal justice system.

The U.S. military is currently working closely with the Iraqi criminal justice community to develop the country’s modern crime scene investigation capacity. An important part of this mission is the establishment of forensics laboratories that include the modern equipment necessary to build strong cases within the burgeoning justice system. Modern forensic analytical procedures require accurate and precise measurements of reaction components. The handling of minute sample volumes with accuracy and precision is critical. The Iraqi forensics laboratories will use the ARTEL PCS to calibrate their pipettes at six month intervals for stronger assurance of data integrity.

“We are glad to have the opportunity to support the Iraqi justice system in their challenging assignment. Their requirements are world-class forensic analysis producing unimpeachable data. Artel technology will help them reach that goal.” said Kirby Pilcher, President, Artel.

The PCS produces traceable, standardized results, allowing the laboratories to ensure that analyses are consistent with international quality standards. The system was selected as the pipette calibration tool of choice due to its ease of use and ability to measure small liquid volumes with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

The PCS is a rapid, user-friendly instrument that automatically measures and documents the accuracy and precision of volumes dispensed from single-channel pipettes. Portable and robust, the PCS can be used on the bench and calibrates pipettes in minutes, providing laboratories the flexibility and convenience of an internal calibration method.

About Artel

Artel is the worldwide leader in liquid handling quality assurance. Artel manufactures the most accurate, precise and easy-to-use systems for ensuring data integrity in any process requiring liquid volume measurement. Artel systems, based on proprietary Ratiometric Photometry, conform to ISO 8655-7 and provide NIST-traceable results to ensure reproducible data and regulatory compliance. In addition, Artel provides liquid handling quality assurance support and consultation services including on-site pipetting technique training and certification for pipette users and laboratory managers, and Liquid Handler Performance Verification services for automated laboratories. Since 1982, Artel technology has been proven in daily use in thousands of laboratories including pharmaceutical, clinical, forensic, public health and environmental. Leading institutions such as Amgen, ARUP, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centers for Disease Control, DuPont, Eli Lilly, FBI, Genentech, Genomic Health, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Merck, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and U.S. FDA depend on Artel technology to help them meet their objectives for quality and productivity. For more information, contact Artel at 25 Bradley Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092; Tel: 207-854-0860; Fax: 207-854-0867; Website: www.artel-usa.com.