IDEXX Laboratories Announces New and Improved ECG Teletransmitter [Trade]

WESTBROOK, Maine, December 27, 2004—IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), in cooperation with UK-based Vetronic Services, LTD., announces the development of a new and improved ECG Teletransmitter for release by January 2005. The teletransmitter facilitates the transmission of an electrocardiogram signal from a veterinary patient to IDEXX Telemedicine for easy access to cardiology consultation services.

"We are very excited to bring this new transmitter to the veterinary market, and are very pleased with the relationship we have built with Vetronic Services," said IDEXX Telemedicine General Manager James Carroll. "This evolution of ECG transmission devices will benefit veterinarians worldwide."

Features of the new transmitter:

• New ergonomic design, simple set up and use
• Improved, gentler lead clips
• Automatic lead switching for hands-free operation
• Record and playback capability
• ECG transmission at the clinic's convenience
• Optional limb plate electrodes

The unit consists of a small, hand-held, battery-powered unit that uses four lead connections to the patient. The signal is transmitted over a phone line and captured by a state-of-the-art software system for review and consultation by one of IDEXX Telemedicine's board-certified specialists.

"We are pleased to be working with IDEXX Telemedicine in bringing this new state-of-the-art technology to the market. This represents a significant step forward in the practice of telemedicine, to the benefit of all," said Vetronic Services Managing Director Keith Simpson.

IDEXX Telemedicine offers cardiology consulting services to support an array of veterinary needs. With the launch of the ECG Teletransmitter, IDEXX continues its commitment to innovation in veterinary medicine and diagnostics. For details on the complete list of IDEXX Telemedicine services, please visit www.idexx.com/telemedicine or call 1-800-726-1212.

About Vetronic Services LTD
Vetronic Services LTD, based in the United Kingdom, specializes in the development of new veterinary equipment and has a product portfolio encompassing a range of monitoring equipment and small animal ventilators.

About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-based products and services for veterinary, food and water applications. The Company's largest business is focused on companion animal health, combining biotechnology, medical device technology and information technology to aid veterinarians in providing better medicine while building successful practices. IDEXX Laboratories' food and water businesses are focused on employing innovative technologies to monitor production animal health and the safety and quality of drinking water and milk. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 2,600 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements about the Company's business prospects that are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's expectations of future events as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Actual results could differ materially from management's expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the following: the Company's ability to develop, manufacture, introduce and market new products and enhancements to existing products; the effectiveness of the Company's sales and marketing activities; the Company's ability to develop, license or obtain rights to new technologies; the Company's ability to identify acquisition opportunities, complete acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; the impact of competition and technological change on the markets for the Company's products; the effect of government regulation on the Company's business, including government decisions about whether and when to approve the Company's products and decisions regarding labeling, manufacturing and marketing products; the impact of distributor purchasing decisions on sales of our products that are sold through distribution; changes or trends in veterinary medicine that affect the rate of use of the Company's products and services by veterinarians; the Company's ability to obtain patent and other intellectual property protection for its products, successfully enforce its intellectual property rights and defend itself against third party claims against the Company; disruptions, shortages or pricing changes that affect the Company's purchases of products and materials from third parties, including from sole source suppliers; the effects of government regulatory decisions, customer demand, pricing and other factors on the realizability of the Company's inventories; the Company's ability to manufacture complex biologic products; the effects of operations outside the U.S., including from currency fluctuations, different regulatory, political and economic conditions, and different market conditions; and the loss of key employees. A further description of these and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (4,003 KB) and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 (2,581 KB), in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

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