Beckman Coulter and Specialty Laboratories Team to Speed Development of Multi-Analyte Assays.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BIOWIRE2K

FULLERTON, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 13, 2002

Beckman Coulter, Inc. (NYSE:BEC), today announced it has signed a cross-licensing agreement with Specialty Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:SP) for the development of multi-analyte assays on Beckman Coulter's new Progressive MicroArray platforms.

The agreement also provides Specialty Laboratories with early access to Beckman Coulter's patented Universal Linker capture technology, which simplifies assay development. In return, Beckman Coulter gains access to any multi-analyte assays Specialty Laboratories may develop as a result of this agreement. The first testing services resulting from the collaboration are expected to be offered by Specialty Laboratories as early as the end of 2002.

"This agreement allows us to leverage our technology with the expertise of Specialty Laboratories' researchers, who are known worldwide for methods development and their skill at identifying new diagnostic panels," said John P. Wareham, chairman, president and chief executive officer for Beckman Coulter. "Teaming up with Specialty Laboratories further illustrates our commitment to the development of new assays in a standardized format around the entire biomedical testing continuum."

"The Universal Linker capture technology that Beckman Coulter is applying to their Progressive MicroArray platforms will enable us to obtain multiple analytical results with a single sample incubation," said James B. Peter, MD, PhD, chairman and chief executive officer of Specialty Laboratories. "Specialty Laboratories is very excited to be involved with these latest technologies from Beckman Coulter. We believe their innovations will enable us to simplify and speed the analysis of specimens, reduce costs and improve our assay development process. The ultimate goal of new assay development is to put clinically valuable information in the hands of the physician in a cost-effective, accurate and timely fashion. The ability to apply advances in platform technology to esoteric testing, independent of core assay principles, would do just that."

Specialty Laboratories, Inc.

Specialty Laboratories (Specialty), a leading research-driven clinical reference laboratory serving the hospital, laboratory and physician specialist community, offers a broad menu of more than 3,500 specialized tests. Specialty complements its clinical testing services and national distribution channel with distinguished R&D capabilities. Through internal research programs and partnerships with biotechnology companies, Specialty focuses on the development of new and enhanced tests that provide excellent clinical value for reliable and cost-effective patient assessment. In addition, Specialty's commitment to innovative information technology applications and the electronic reporting of clinical data has made it a leader in serving the needs of hospitals and physician specialists. Today, Specialty is recognized as the largest single source of specialized testing in the United States. Specialty's Web address is www.specialtylabs.com.

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Beckman Coulter, Inc. is a leading provider of instrument systems and complementary products that simplify and automate processes in life science and clinical laboratories. The company's products are used throughout the world in all phases of the battle against disease, from pioneering medical research and drug discovery to diagnostic testing that aids in patient treatment. Annual sales for the company totaled $2 billion in 2001. For more information about Beckman Coulter, visit www.beckmancoulter.com.

Specialty Laboratories Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Important factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by us, including our Registration Statement on Form S-1 declared effective on December 7, 2000 (Registration No. 333-45588) and our periodic filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and include new strategic partnerships that may not yield new test developments, our process enhancements and automation initiatives that may not generate the level of laboratory productivity anticipated, delays in making the new testing services available, and the application of licensed technology not enabling us to reduce costs and improve our assay development process. Specialty undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Beckman Coulter, Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on the company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. Investors are encouraged to review the risk factors set forth in our 2000 annual report and our most recent SEC filings.