iSoft has won a contract for its LabCentre laboratory information system with Gemotest, a Moscow-based private laboratory group as the company continues its expansion in Russia
The system is being installed initially at Gemotest's main laboratory at Moscow before the end of 2008.
Here, 50 of the group's 100 staff process 10,000 specimens a day.
But the investment in LabCentre will also underpin Gemotest's growth strategy, which includes plans to establish a further six laboratories in Russia within two years.
An important factor for Gemotest is that LabCentre is already proven in Russia.
The system is used by KDL Test, a private laboratory chain, at its laboratories in Moscow, Omsk, Perm, and Krasnodar.
The high degree of flexibility and scalability were also key as the system is easily configured to specific customer needs and processes.
Under the project plan, iSoft will install the clinical laboratory module first and then microbiology.
LabCentre will be integrated with 16 analyser systems to optimise workflows, improve specimen control and increase efficiency.
Russia is a key market for iSoft and the company sees huge potential for its range of laboratory, radiology and hospital information systems.
The market is currently worth US$2 billion a year but is growing at a rate of 15% annually.
Russia's 'National Health Programme' includes US$1.7 billion for 15 new specialised health centres.
Andrea Fiumicelli, iSoft chief operating officer, said: "The agreement with Gemotest is an important step in our expansion strategy in Russia.
"This is a relatively immature market, but our early involvement will pay dividends in the long run."
