Dade Behring Launches Microbiology Test Panels with Streamlined Extended Spectrum B-Lactamase (ESBL) Confirmation.

Allows for more rapid detection of emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Dade Behring Inc. (NASDAQ:DADE) today announced that it has launched MicroScan([R]) Dried Gram-Negative Overnight and Synergies Plus[TM] Panels with Streamlined Extended Spectrum [eth]-Lactamase (ES[eth]L) tests for the confirmation of ES[eth]Ls in certain bacteria. ES[eth]Ls are enzymes that cause bacteria to become antibiotic resistant. These new test panels will automate the process to confirm the presence of ES[eth]L enzymes, allowing laboratory personnel to confirm test results more rapidly so physicians can choose the best antibiotic therapy for their patients sooner than before.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern in our global health care community," said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO, Dade Behring. "Dade Behring is addressing this situation by developing new tests that allow for earlier detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to help improve patient therapy and limit the possibility of spreading antimicrobial resistance."

The company's new test panels will include confirmation of ES[eth]L enzymes in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. These bacteria are resistant to multiple commonly prescribed antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins, cephams and monobactams.

The new test panels eliminate the need for laboratory personnel to perform an additional test to confirm the presence of ES[eth]L enzymes, saving them time, increasing their productivity and providing them with the potential to reduce costs otherwise spent on performing a second test.

Dade Behring is the world's largest company solely dedicated to clinical diagnostics and is also a global leader in automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The company has nearly 60 MicroScan([R]) panels of tests, with up-to-date antibiotics including overnight, rapid and specialty panels. Dade Behring has taken a leadership role in the area of developing tests for detecting emerging antibiotic resistance. Dade Behring was the first company to offer an automated identification and susceptibility testing system cleared for improved detection of the emerging resistant bacterium vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA).

About Dade Behring

With 2005 revenue of nearly $1.7 billion, Dade Behring is the world's largest company solely dedicated to clinical diagnostics. It offers a wide range of products, systems and services designed to meet the day-to-day needs of laboratories, delivering innovative solutions to customers and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Additional company information is available on the Internet at www.dadebehring.com.

This press release may contain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward statements include information regarding the intent, belief or current expectation of the company and members of its senior management team, including, without limitation, expectations regarding prospective performance and opportunities and the outlook for the company's businesses, performance, opportunities and regulatory approval. In addition, the company is in the process of a major new product launch, which involves risks and uncertainties regarding product performance, costs of introduction and support, and customer acceptance. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the company.