Lifestream Technologies Inc., of Post Falls, says the big Rite Aid Corp. drug-store chain has agreed to distribute its home cholesterol monitor and should have the units on its shelves in time for holiday sales.


All of Rite Aids 3,600 stores nationwide will carry the monitors, says Brett Sweezy, Lifestreams chief financial officer. Shipments of the product to the chains stores already have begun, he says.


Lifestream says that Rite Aid, based in Harrisburg, Pa., is the third-largest drug-store chain in the country, and by securing distribution (through the chain), we continue to significantly broaden our availability and visibility to consumers nationwide.


Lifestream has said that securing broad distribution arrangements will be key to the companys future.


Rite-Aid stores will carry the $129 deluxe version of the Lifestream cholesterol monitor, which includes software to help track results over time and a smart-card reader on which to store results, Sweezy says.


Lifestream recently introduced a lower-priced model of the monitor that sells for $99, which wont be sold at Rite Aid.


In the past, Lifestream has said that its lower-priced model is designed to help it crack the mass-merchandiser market, served by giants such as Wal-Mart and Target.


The company, which employs 38 at its headquarters in the Riverbend Commerce Park, earlier announced distribution pacts with other big drug-store chains, including Walgreens, Longs Drug Stores, and Eckerd Drug.