Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Additions and improvements are capitalized, and maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Included in property, plant and equipment are buildings and equipment acquired under capital lease arrangements, reagent rental equipment and capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use.

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are generally as follows: buildings, 10-50 years; leasehold improvements, the life of the improvements or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter; reagent rental equipment, 1-5 years; equipment, 3-12 years; and computer software, 3-5 years.

When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are relieved from the accounts and the net gain or loss is included in operating expenses.

Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

10 years

Minimum [Member] | Reagent Rental Equipment [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

1 year

Minimum [Member] | Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

3 years