Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and Premier Purchasing Partners have entered into new three-year agreements for hemostasis, urinalysis and microbiology systems and reagents, and for sole source contracts of Premier's Ascend (Accelerated Supply Chain Endeavor) program for the same product lines.
Ascend claimed that it assists nearly 200 member hospitals in their ongoing efforts to control costs through simplified purchasing processes, appropriate clinical utilisation, and specially negotiated contracts.
The new Siemens contracts are in addition to six other agreements with Premier, providing members access to Siemens’ portfolio of diagnostic systems, tests and automation solutions.
The companies said that the urinalysis and hemostasis agreements, which took effect on 1 August 2010, include the Clinitek family of products and the entire portfolio of Siemens hemostasis instruments.
The microbiology agreement will take effect on 1 November 2010 and cover purchases of the MicroScan family of products.
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics CEO Michael Reitermann said that they are pleased to continue the long term relationship with Premier and offer their customers a broad portfolio of products.