Sydney, Feb 18, 2009 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Polartechnics Limited (ASX:PLT)(PINK:PLTFF) proprietary self-sampling device, CerviScreen, has now been adapted to test for STI's including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomoniasis for both men and women. The new self-sampling target market for the STI device is sexually active men and women aged 15 to 50.

This device provides the population with an opportunity to self-sample for sexually transmitted infections without the need for a prior medical consultation or an invasive physical exam. The Polartechnics device is the world's first commercially available self-sampling solution.

The self-sampling device conforms to international government policies. It will play a major role in reducing STI's both in Australia and worldwide. It is estimated that, globally, there are over 340 million new cases of curable STI's in men and women annually.1 Polartechnics estimates the global market potential to be in excess of 75 million tests per annum, valued at over $3 billion.

Polartechnics has initially contracted to sell the device to Gribbles Pathology Limited (part of the Healthscope Limited Group) for distribution through their Australian network. Gribbles are excited by the self-sampling market opportunity. The results from the Polartechnics device are identical with those using physician obtained samples as the same pathology services are used.

China and ASEAN Markets

The Polartechnics device will be distributed in China and the ASEAN region directly to the public from pharmacies, enabling home based self-sampling.

Europe and US Markets

The STI self-sampling device has been approved for clinical use in Europe, Australia and the USA. Furthermore, the device can be used for home use in the US market. Polartechnics is in the process of developing both pathology and distribution contracts in Europe and the US.

The Polartechnics STI self-sampling device is not technically complicated and high volume production contracts are in existence.

Contact

Ben Dillon
Managing Director
Polartechnics Limited
Tel: +61-2-8568-5333
Web: www.polartechnics.com



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