Milestones

• 1944: Dr. Philip Levine, a pioneer in the field of hematology, joined Ortho to continue his breakthrough research into the mechanics of the Rh system in human blood. This marked the beginning of the company's commitment to diagnostic medicine. Among Dr. Levine's many contributions was research that led to the development of anti-Rh gamma globulin to protect Rh-negative women against isoimmunization, saving the lives of thousands.
  
  
• 1947: Developed the first blood bank anti-D test for the clinical market. This advance revolutionized the ability to assess the cause and character of problems in the burgeoning blood banking industry.
  
  
• 1968: Introduced RhoGAM®, the first drug developed to prevent Rh hemolytic disease of the newborn. This major milestone in the history of medicine established the company's reputation as a leader in the field of immunohaematology.
  
  
• 1978: Introduced patented thin-film dry-slide technology, once again revolutionizing the field of diagnostics by providing clinical professionals with the means to receive high-quality results quickly, cleanly and economically
  
  
• 1989: Introduced the first test for the detection of antibodies to hepatitis C.
  
  
• 1996: Introduced the first test kit to screen blood for antigens to HIV-1, the virus that is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS cases in the U.S.
  
  
• 1997: Introduced the most advanced immunodiagnostic system available in the industry. The innovative VITROS® ECi Immunodiagnostic System allows labs to conduct more sensitive tests such as thyroid, fertility, anemia, endocrinology and cardiology with greater speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
  
  
•  1997: Introduced the first fully automated blood banking system in Europe.
  
  
• 1999: Introduced the first fully automated blood and plasma screening system available in the U.S.
  
  
• 2000: Introduced the first blood screening kit for HCV antigen.
  
  
• 2001: Introduced the Trak-C, for the quantitative estimation of HCV antigen