TORONTO, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spectral Diagnostics Inc. ("Spectral"), (TSX: SDI), today announced the signing of an exclusive, five year distribution agreement with Estor S.p.A. ("Estor") for commercial sales of its novel sepsis test, the Endotoxin Activity Assay ("EAA(TM)"), in Italy. This agreement builds upon the initial arrangement signed with Estor in June of this year. Estor, a leading supplier of medical devices for the treatment of sepsis technologies in Italy, will market and distribute Spectral's new assay instrument and its reagents for use in emergency departments and intensive care units.

"We are very pleased to solidify a long term relationship with Estor," stated Dr. Paul Walker, President & CEO of Spectral. "Early acceptance of our EAA(TM) product in Italy has been positive and this new exclusive arrangement should provide for consistent growth in the Italian marketplace over the term of the agreement," added Dr. Walker.

"As the distributor of PMX, a device for the extracorporeal removal of endotoxins in septic patients, we definitely need a proven diagnostic tool to bundle with the therapy. Estor began its marketing campaign with the successful launch of EAA(TM) during the last Italian meeting of the ICU scientific society (SIAARTI) held in Perugia on October 11th and 12th", stated Dr. Gualtiero Guadagni, Sales & Marketing Director of Estor.

Spectral is a developer of innovative technologies for rapid diagnostics. Spectral provides accurate and timely information to clinicians enabling the early initiation of appropriate and targeted therapy. Current products include rapid diagnostics for sepsis (EAA(TM)) and West Nile Virus as well as a range of other biological reagents. Spectral's common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange: SDI.

Information in this news release that is not current or historically factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Implicit in this information, the future outlook of Spectral and anticipated events or results are assumptions based on beliefs of Spectral's senior management as well as information currently available to it. While these assumptions were considered reasonable by Spectral at the time of preparation, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of Spectral to take advantage of business opportunities in the biomedical industry, the granting of necessary approvals by regulatory authorities as well as general economic, market and business conditions, and could differ materially from what is currently expected.

CONTACT: Spectral Diagnostics Inc. - Mr. Anthony Businskas, Chief
Financial Officer, (416) 626-3233 ex. 2200