News Release

BAXTER LAUNCHES NEW AUTOMATED COMPOUNDING SYSTEM

Microsoft® Windows® Operating System and Bar Coding Technology To Help Reduce Medication Errors in Preparing Total Parenteral Nutrition

DEERFIELD, Ill., December 8, 2003 – Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced today the launch of a new automated compounding system providing further enhancements to reduce medication errors and increase efficiencies in preparing total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Baxter's Enhanced Automated Compounding System utilizes MICROSOFT WINDOWS™--based software specifically designed for the system and barcoding technology that provides added quality checks, making it easier for clinicians to use. The new integrated system was evaluated by customers in a controlled market release.

"Baxter's new system has had a significant impact at our facility, " explained Ed Troell, R.Ph., MBA, sterile products manager at Phoenix Children's Medical Center. "The combination of the LOGIX CM software program and the bar-code scanning technology of the MICROMIX BCR compounder has elevated our level of quality assurance. This system has enhanced our compounding flexibility, resource management, and has strengthened our final TPN formulations with regard to patient safety."

The LOGIX CM software is a true MICROSOFT WINDOWS™--based solution that can be directly connected to the compounders, making it an integrated system with less room for error. The software offers ease-of-use with MICROSOFT WINDOWS™-functionality and provides an integrated link between order entry, processing and compounding. This system helps to increase safety and efficiency by providing a streamlined process that allows users to enter and send orders from remote sites or facilities. While the system can control the compounding communications with multiple compounders, it has been designed to be flexible in meeting the compounding needs of small, medium or large operations. Additionally, a delivery report provides immediate verification and documentation as to the ingredient volume each station delivered allowing easy compliance with the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines on the safe use of automated compounding devices for the preparation of parenteral nutrition admixtures. (AJHP. 2000;57:1343-1348. )

The MICROMIX BCR barcode reader included in the system is used to verify correct placement of source solutions, prior to mixing, and eliminates reliance on a manual solution verification process. It also provides the user the means to identify and download patient formulations to the MICROMIX BCR by scanning a barcode.

"The enhanced features added to our compounding system will provide customers with an integrated system to help improve productivity and facilitate the preparation of multiple and complex parenteral nutrition therapies. New compounding system features, including bar coding technology and MICROSOFT WINDOWS™-based software, have been designed to provide increased assurance of compounding accuracy which helps to reduce medication errors and enhance patient safety." explained Jane Kiernan, general manager, Baxter's nutrition business.

Total parenteral nutrition is a complete form of nutrition administered to critically ill patients by intravenous infusion. Parenteral nutrition is a complex therapy that is composed of amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, vitamins , trace elements and water. The amount of each component needed is determined by the patient's clinical status and nutritional requirements. As a result, parenteral nutrition formulas can be complex, requiring multiple additives in varying amounts. Errors in the amount of any of the components may result not only in a patient receiving inadequate nutrition, but also in serious complications, which may be life-threatening. Accuracy in compounding and administering the TPN formula is essential to avoid serious errors and harm to the patient.

Baxter has a more than 70-year legacy of developing products that work together to drive efficiency, value and a safer health care environment. The company was the first to introduce flexible, closed-systems for the delivery of intravenous medications and needleless access systems, as well as the first and only infusion pump to offer automatic tube-loading. Baxter has pioneered products that help reduce errors throughout the medication management process by advancing technology and improving the interface between technology and clinicians. Baxter offers a comprehensive and integrated suite of products designed to help reduce medication errors including, the Colleague Infusion Pump, ENLIGHTENEDHRBC Bar Code Technology, ClearLink Needleless Access System, Syndeo PCA Syringe Pump, and the Patient Care System – a wireless patient information and medication management system. For more information about Baxter's comprehensive patient safety portfolio and related resources, visit www.baxter.com/patientsafety.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal domestic operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX). Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

(Baxter, ClearLink, Colleague, ENLIGHTENEDHRBC , Micromix, Patient Care System, and Syndeo are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. and its affiliates.)

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