Chembio Diagnostics Appoints Sharon Klugewicz as Vice President of Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Technical Operations

MEDFORD, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CEMI), a leader in point-of-care diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, today announced the appointment of Sharon Klugewicz as Vice President of Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") and Technical Operations.

In this newly created position, Ms. Klugewicz will be responsible for all QA/QC operations including leading Chembio's manufacturing groups responsible for technology transfer from R&D to operations, process improvements, validations, and product investigations, to address the Company's rapid growth in point-of-care diagnostic products and technologies.

Ms. Klugewicz joins Chembio from Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL), a world leader in filtration, separation and purification technologies, where her most recent role was Sr. Vice President, Scientific & Laboratory Services (SLS). In this role, she was responsible for operational and scientific staff management globally. During her more than 20 years of experience since joining Pall as a molecular biologist, Ms. Klugewicz held a number of positions in the Pall Life Sciences Division, in Marketing, Product Management, and Field Technical Services, including Sr. Vice President, Global Quality Operations.

Commenting on this new addition to Chembio's executive management team, Lawrence Siebert, Chief Executive Officer, said, "Sharon has an outstanding record of success in laboratory operations, quality assurance and compliance. She brings a wealth of relevant experience and skills that are critical to the success of our company. I am delighted to welcome Sharon to Chembio."

Ms. Klugewicz commented, "I look forward to joining the Chembio team and contributing to the continued growth of the Company."

Ms. Klugewicz holds an M.S. in Biochemistry from Adelphi University and a B.S. in Neurobiology from Stony Brook University.

About Chembio Diagnostics

Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. develops, manufactures, licenses and markets proprietary rapid diagnostic tests in the growing $10 billion point-of-care testing market. Chembio's two FDA PMA-approved, CLIA-waived, rapid HIV tests are marketed in the U.S. by Alere, Inc. (formerly, Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc.). Chembio markets its HIV STAT-PAK^® line of rapid HIV tests internationally to government and donor-funded programs directly and through distributors. Chembio has developed a patented point-of-care test platform technology, the Dual Path Platform (DPP^®) technology, which has significant advantages over lateral-flow technologies. This technology is providing Chembio with a significant pipeline of business opportunities for the development and manufacture of new products based on DPP®. Headquartered in Medford, NY, with approximately 170 employees, Chembio is licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is certified for the global market under the International Standards Organization (ISO) directive 13.485.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Such statements, which are estimates only, reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions, and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events, or performance may differ materially from the above forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to Chembio's ability to obtain additional financing and to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, as well as the demand for Chembio's products. Chembio undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in Chembio's expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that may impact Chembio's success are more fully disclosed in Chembio's most recent public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Chembio Diagnostics

         Susan Norcott

         (631) 924-1135, ext. 125

         snorcott@chembio.com

         

         LHA

         Anne Marie Fields

         (212) 838-3777

         AFields@lhai.com

         @LHA_IR_PR