Earnings Down at Biopool in Wake of Xtrana Merger

Biopool International Inc./Xtrana in Ventura said sales for the third quarter that ended Sept. 30 increased 20% to $2.4 million, compared with $2 million for the same period one year ago.

However, the company reported a net loss of $153,000 or 1 cent per share, compared with net income of $77,000 or 1 cent per share in the same period of 1999.

Biopool merged with Xtrana Inc., a Denver-based company, on Aug. 10. Xtrana has developed DNA-testing technologies, which it plans to market for genomic research, testing of genetic predisposition to disease, and human identity testing in forensics and paternity cases.

Biopool manufactures test kits to assess and diagnose blood disorders, and specialty toxicology controls used to monitor and measure the presence of drugs.

“We are very pleased to now have the merger behind us and our new management team on board,” said John H. Wheeler, president and chief executive. “Biopool’s [blood diagnosis] business has continued to perform extremely well. We will also further strengthen our investment in the Xtrana business lines.”