To accelerate this effort, Cytyc has enlisted the support of Battelle's Medical Products Group, a recognized leader for technical innovations in the healthcare industry. With a staff of 7,000 scientists and engineers at more than 60 locations worldwide, Battelle is one of the largest technology development firms in the world. Battelle personnel have access to some of the most advanced technologies available today. The Medical Products Group is a core team of individuals within Battelle focused specifically on applying those technologies to the medical arena.

"Over the past 24 months, Cytyc and Battelle have conducted extensive feasibility studies that have confirmed the viability of the design and implementation strategy of the ThinPrep Imaging System," said Ted S. Geiselman, Cytyc's vice president of technical operations. "In addition, after extensive discussions with the laboratory community Cytyc believes that for most, their expectations of computer assisted cervical cancer screening are currently not being met."

"The ThinPrep Imaging System will utilize computer imaging technology to complement the abilities of cytotechnologists and will allow them to focus their expertise and decision-making on pre-selected areas of each slide," added Geiselman. "Our experience and expertise in cytology coupled with our feasibility results have confirmed the necessity of keeping the final decision in human hands. Our goal is to enhance productivity and job satisfaction while continuing the commitment to improved detection we have established with the Thin Prep®Pap Test™. We are very excited about the progress thus far and are confident of our approach."

"We regularly work with some of the biggest and best technology and product development companies in the world." said Richard Rosen, vice president and general manager of Battelle Medical Products Group. "We have been extremely impressed with Cytyc's vision, breadth of knowledge and commitment to quality. Based upon the results we've seen to date, we're confident that Battelle can continue to make a significant contribution to the ultimate success of the project."

"With the ever increasing acceptance of the ThinPrep Pap Test in the marketplace, we believe the timing is now right to announce the significant progress we've in imaging research and our commitment to a product development program," said Patrick J. Sullivan, Cytyc's president and chief executive officer. "Providing an imaging product to the cytology laboratory has been a goal since the company was founded. In fact, the necessity to provide a clear, readable slide for computer analysis was the reason we developed and introduced the ThinPrep Pap Test."

Mr. Sullivan concluded, "Our ultimate mission is to provide a complete integrated system, based on the proven success of ThinPrep technology, that meets the needs of the cytology laboratory in the new millennium. The ThinPrep Imaging System, coupled with the industry leading ThinPrep 2000 slide processing system, will allow us to meet that goal."

Cytyc Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets the ThinPrep® System for medical diagnostic applications. The ThinPrep System consists of the Thin Prep® 2000 Processor and related reagents, filters, and other supplies. Since introduction, Cytyc has manufactured over 1,000 ThinPrep 2000 Processors and 10 million ThinPrep Pap Tests® for cervical cancer screening.

Cytyc® and ThinPre® are registered trademarks and ThinPrep® Pap Test™ and ThinPrep® Imaging System™ are trademarks of Cytyc Corporation.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.