AVTI Avitar Inc (CE)

Avitar Inc. (OTCBB:AVTI), manufacturers of nationally branded oral fluid testing diagnostic devices and customized polyurethane applications used in wound dressings, announced today that the company is poised to take advantage of the conversion by several major international companies from traditional urine-based drug testing to AVITAR�S ORALscreen rapid on-site test for drugs-of-abuse. Peter Phildius, Avitar�s Chairman and CEO, said, �We are very pleased with the response that our Canadian distribution partner and our ORALscreen technology are receiving from major international corporations and their suppliers. Together we have identified opportunities that could generate up to $500,000 in sales over the next twelve months as these companies begin to convert from urine-based testing to our on-site oral fluid drug tests.� Phildius continued, �We are looking forward to the Canadian market�s continued growth and believe that this opportunity presents an exceptionally strong revenue opportunity for AVITAR in the months ahead.� The ability of oral fluid technology to detect recent drug use more effectively and conveniently than traditional urine-based testing will play a key role in better serving the needs of Canadian employers. Canadian corporations face a dilemma due to the fact that substance abuse is considered a disability, which must be dealt with via employee assistance programs, yet they are also charged with maintaining a safe workplace. The convenience of Avitar�s ORALscreen on-site tests combined with the ability to detect on-the-job drug abuse will play an important role in addressing this conflict those employers in Canada face. Most drug metabolites can not be detected in urine until several hours post-consumption. As a result urine is useful for detecting historical drug abuse, while not as effective at detection during the impairment period for most drugs. On the other hand, comparable research notes that the detection periods for oral fluid are earlier and shorter, for marijuana as example, detection extends from within minutes of consumption, out to a maximum of 18 to 24 hours. This factor helps to protect employees� rights to privacy �off-the-job� as well as �on-the-job� safety. Avitar�s positioning as a consultative drug-free workplace technology and services provider, is expected to play an important role in the development of comprehensive, effective drug-free workplace programs in Canada. About Avitar, Inc. Avitar Inc. develops, manufactures and markets innovative proprietary products. Markets include fluid diagnostics, disease and clinical testing, and customized applications for wound dressings. Principal products include ORALscreen�, (the first non-invasive, rapid, onsite oral fluid test for drugs-of abuse), and Hydrasorb�, (an absorbent topical dressing for moderate to heavy exudating wounds). Avitar is also developing diagnostic strategies for disease and clinical testing in the estimated $25 billion in-vitro diagnostics market. Conditions targeted include influenza, diabetes, and pregnancy. For more information, see Avitar's website at http://www.avitarinc.com. Avitar Inc. is a fully reporting company whose stock trades on the OTCBB under the symbol �AVTI.OB�. For information, contact Investor Relations 781-821-2440 - Peter Cholakis, VP � Marketing. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties including the development and marketing of new applications and other risks that are detailed from time to time in the Company�s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In view of such risks and uncertainties, the Company�s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.