Bio-Rad Introduces Chromogenic Medium in the U.S. For Rapid Screening of MRSA

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO) and (AMEX: BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced the introduction to the U.S. market of its MRSASelect(TM) test, a chromogenic medium used for the rapid screening of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Bio-Rad received FDA clearance for marketing its MRSASelect test in the U.S. in September. With high sensitivity and specificity as well as rapid and direct identification, the MRSASelect test can identify MRSA carriers in 24 hours. The MRSASelect test was introduced in Canada in 2005 and today it is the market leader there.

MRSA is an infectious bacterial strain that is resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin and methicillin. According to a summary of data presented in the October 17, 2007 issue of “The Journal of the American Medical Association,” MRSA is estimated to have caused more than 94,000 life-threatening infections and approximately 19,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2005, most of them connected with healthcare settings. Several states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, are beginning to mandate screening for MRSA in hospitals. Individuals can become carriers of MRSA by physical contact with (or inhalation of) the organism. To prevent transmission, the goal is to quickly identify and isolate carriers. The MRSASelect test will enable laboratories to speed up this process.

The MRSASelect test is performed on nasal specimens from patients and healthcare workers to screen for MRSA colonization. Chromogenic media are used to grow bacteria in the laboratory and identify them based on a color reaction. With this media MRSA can be differentiated from other microorganisms.

“The rapid detection time of MRSASelect provides hospitals with the ability to quickly implement appropriate infection control,” said Norman Schwartz, Bio-Rad President and CEO. “This is key to minimizing the spread of this pathogen.”

About Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO) and (AMEX: BIOb), has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 6,300 people globally and had revenues of nearly $1.3 billion in 2006. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, “believe,”"expect,”"may,”"will,”"intend,”"estimate,”"continue,” or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding the Company’s risks and uncertainties, please refer to the “Risk Factors” in the Company’s public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 For more information contact: Tina Cuccia Corporate Communications Manager Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 510-724-7000 Email Contact

SOURCE: Bio-Rad Laboratories