Abbott announced has signed a new group purchasing agreement with Novation, LLC, the health care contracting services company of VHA Inc., and the University HealthSystem Consortium, two national health care alliances, for a broad line of the company's diagnostic equipment.

The three-year contract covers all of Abbott's immunochemistry analysers, reagents and accessories, as well as the Architect ci8200 and ci16200.

Abbott also will work with Novation, LLC to help with laboratory automation, which may assist alliance member hospitals in delivering quality lab results while maximizing resources.

The contract represents potential sales to Novation alliance members in excess of $350 million in supplies over three years.

"Abbott has a strong presence in immunoassay testing Our Architect platforms promote integrated platforms to the hospital market and bring advantages to the customer," said Larry Pitts, divisional vice president, Abbott Diagnostics "Abbott has a longstanding relationship with Novation and we look forward to partnering with them further in the future."

"Novation is pleased to offer VHA and UHC members a complete offering of immunochemistry testing," said Sherry Dobis, director, contract services, Novation.