Cytyc Announces UK Appraisal Committee Preliminary Report Recommends Use of Liquid-Based Cytology.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

BOXBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2003

Cytyc Corporation (Nasdaq:CYTC) announced today that the U.K. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Appraisals Committee has issued a preliminary evaluation report recommending the use of liquid-based cytology "as the primary means of collecting samples in the cervical screening programme in England and Wales." The Appraisal Consultation Document was posted on the NICE website today and is intended to generate comments on the contents. The document does not constitute the Institute's formal guidance.

The NICE Appraisals Committee evaluated the use of liquid-based cytology (LBC) for cervical cancer screening in order to provide guidance to the National Health Service (NHS). The committee assessed a number of factors related to this technology including sensitivity, specificity, specimen adequacy, laboratory efficiency, and cost.

In considering all these factors, the Appraisals Committee concluded that, "There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend one LBC product over another." However, the Committee did state, "An important factor in the assessment of the increased sensitivity of LBC was its enhanced ability to detect high-grade (severe dyskaryosis), which was confirmed by the results from the pilot study." The previously reported results of the pilot study showed that only the ThinPrep(R) Pap Test demonstrated a significant increase in the detection of severe dyskaryosis.

"While we recognize that this is a preliminary report and is subject to change, we are encouraged by the Committee's recommendation," said Patrick J. Sullivan, Cytyc's chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "We look forward to the final report and the issuance of guidance to the NHS."

The Committee will reconsider the Appraisal Consultation Document in May of this year and issue a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) thereafter. The FAD may be used as the basis for the Institute's guidance to the NHS expected in August 2003.

Cytyc Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets products for medical diagnostic applications primarily focused on women's health. The ThinPrep(R) System consists of the ThinPrep(R) 2000 Processor, ThinPrep(R) 3000 Processor, and related reagents, filters, and other supplies. Cytyc is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CYTC.

Cytyc and ThinPrep are registered trademarks of Cytyc Corporation.

Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's financial condition, operating results and future economic performance, and management's expectations regarding future growth opportunities, product acceptance and business strategy, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among others, dependence on key personnel and proprietary technology, uncertainty of product development efforts, management of growth, risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, risks associated with the FDA regulatory approval processes and any domestic and international healthcare reimbursement policies, and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading "Certain Factors Which May Affect Future Results" in its 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in Company expectations or events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.