December 21, 2005 -- Andover, Massachusetts, USA - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) announced today that its medical systems division has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for two new single-patient-use SpO2 pulse oximetry sensors used primarily for infant and neonatal patients. These patients frequently have sensitive skin, and the new disposable sensors are designed to provide greater comfort while maintaining a secure fit, using soft foam material and special adhesives. These new disposable Sp02 sensors complement Philips' proven line of reusable and disposable sensors -- giving hospitals a choice of sensors -- to meet their clinical requirements.

SpO2 sensors measure blood-oxygen saturation, which is an important parameter in the clinical environment. The new Infant disposable sensor can be used on patients 3-10kg.

The new Neonatal disposable SpO2 sensor comfortably fits a range of patient sizes, from less than 3kg for the neonate to 10-20kg for the larger infant; in addition, it can also be used on larger patients over 40kg.
"These two new sensors offer clinicians a wider selection of disposable sensors to better address the needs of their smallest patients," said Jim Polewaczyk, senior director and general manager, medical consumables, for Philips Medical Systems. "Now our customers can choose from an even broader portfolio of both reusable and disposable sensors for every area of their hospital."

The new disposable SpO2 sensors are compatible with Philips, Agilent, Hewlett-Packard, and qualified competitors' monitors. In addition, all Philips sensors are compatible with Philips FAST-SpO2 algorithm technology, which can discern a steady signal during patient movement and supports the widest array of SpO2 sensors in the industry.

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