RALEIGH, N.C., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiovascular Diagnostics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: CVDI) announced today that it has signed a distribution agreement
with Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, S.p.A. (Italy) ("Ortho"), a Johnson & Johnson
company, for CVDI's Thrombolytic Assessment System (TAS(TM)) analyzer and
related tests for monitoring coagulation parameters.
    Milano, Italy-based Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is the leading supplier of
coagulation reagents to hospitals throughout Italy.  With  access to CVDI's
unique TAS analyzer and test cards, Ortho has enhanced its value to the
healthcare system, with a complementary product line which offers time
sensitive coagulation testing for critical care applications at the patient
bedside (point-of-care).
    Commenting on this important new relationship, Elmar Landwehr, CVDI's
European Marketing Director, said, "We are delighted to have solidified this
relationship with Ortho, which we believe is the best partner for CVDI in
Italy.  As the market leader in providing coagulation reagents, Ortho's
interest in point-of-care testing, such as is provided by our TAS system,
reflects the current unmet demand for critical care testing in Italy.  It also
signals to the market that point-of-care technology is capable of providing
near real-time testing results, which may allow physicians to therapeutically
intervene on behalf of their patients at a much faster rate.  The goal, of
course, is to improve patient healthcare and turnover, and thus, reduce total
hospital costs."
    John Funkhouser, CVDI's President stated, "This latest agreement with
Ortho is part of the Company's corporate marketing and distribution strategy.
Specifically, CVDI has a two-pronged partnering strategy focused on,
(1) improving product distribution and (2) expanding and developing our test
menu.  Current distribution partners include DADE International, Avecor
Cardiovascular, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVEC), Nycomed and now, Ortho.  Additionally,
development agreements to fund new test efforts have been completed with DADE
International, Bayer AG, Knoll AG and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY).  CVDI
is pleased to distribute through some of the largest coagulation companies,
while also partnering with leading pharmaceutical companies conducting
research in cardiovascular therapeutics.  This is a testament to the TAS
technology; its ability to provide rapid test results and the potential
flexibility of the platform to monitor new drugs."
    Cardiovascular Diagnostics, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets
systems designed to deliver rapidly and accurately, blood test results at the
point-of-care ("POC").  CVDI's novel technology platform has allowed the
Company to develop a menu of diagnostic tests, including new specialty tests.
The Company believes that its Thrombolytic Assessment System ("TAS")
technology is the only POC system capable of monitoring both the formation and
dissolution of blood clots -- a critical factor in treating heart attacks,
strokes and a variety of other medical conditions.

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FAX -- no cost -- please dial 1-800-PRO-INFO.  Use company's ticker, CVDI.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future
events and the future performance of Cardiovascular Diagnostics that involve
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  Information
concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from
those in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Company's SEC
filings, including Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports.

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