WESTBROOK, Maine, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDXX), announced today that it placed in excess of 2,000 Catalyst Dx® chemistry analyzers in 2009, bringing the installed base to nearly 2,800. Catalyst Dx, introduced in the first quarter of 2008, is a next generation chemistry instrument that adds to the IDEXX VetLab® integrated suite of analyzers and significantly expands the range and capability of the veterinary practice's in-house diagnostic laboratory.

The Company also announced that its installed base of IDEXX SmartService(TM) customers had grown to over 2,000. SmartService provides veterinary practices using the IDEXX VetLab suite of instruments with proactive, secure service and support over the Internet, reducing potential instrument downtime while improving practice work flow.

"We are very pleased with the strength of our Catalyst Dx placements during the fourth quarter, which exceeded our expectations from October," said Jonathan Ayers, Chief Executive Officer. "We also are excited about the growth in SmartService installations, as SmartService allows us to provide better and faster service and updates to our IDEXX VetLab customers. Both Catalyst Dx and SmartService support our objective to provide products and services that help veterinary practices offer a higher standard of care and improve their businesses."

As previously announced, IDEXX Laboratories is participating in the J.P. Morgan 28th Annual Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, California and will be making a presentation today about the business, including the items disclosed in this press release.

About IDEXX Laboratories

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for the production animal industry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 4,700 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.

Contact: Merilee Raines, Investor Relations, (207) 556-8155

SOURCE IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.