Varian, Inc. Helix System Accessory Increases Productivity Four-Fold.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 18, 2002

Varian, Inc. (Nasdaq:VARI) today introduced the 364 multichannel fluorescence detector, a BioSolution(TM) accessory allowing molecular biologists to quadruple their productivity with use of Varian's Helix(TM) System, a fully automated tool for determining variations in the DNA sequence.

The 364 multichannel fluorescence detector is designed to generate faster results through increased productivity, reduce costs relative to buffer consumption, column consumption and labor, and save valuable time in the laboratory.

By using the 364 detector with Varian's Helix System, molecular biologists can simultaneously detect four pooled samples in one injection, increasing sample throughput four-fold, or up to 680 samples per day versus a single-channel detector analyzing only 170 per day.

The 364 is primarily dedicated for denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), an assay used to detect variations in DNA that are associated with disease or track genetic traits in a given population. DHPLC applications screen and discover DNA sequence polymorphisms or changes in DNA sequences, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DHPLC applications often times involve large-volume sample screening, therefore making high-throughput technology a primary concern for molecular biologists. The 364 detector's ability to increase sample throughput translates to faster results for the user, and reduces costs in terms of buffer consumption, column consumption and labor.

The multichannel fluorescence detector works with Varian's Helix(TM) Fluorescence Standards (see related release entitled, "Helix(TM) Fluorescence Standards Validate 364 Multi-channel Fluorescence Detector"). The fluorescence standards consist of two types of standards: Fluorescence Oligos and FAM-DYS271. Fluorescence Oligos are a mixture of four fluorescently tagged DNA fragments used to ensure that all four channels on the 364 detector are working, and the FAM-tagged DYS271 is a fluorescently labeled standard used to validate the instrument as a whole for DHPLC applications. The 364 detector includes filters that are specific for four dyes (FAM, TET, TAMRA, Cascade Blue), which are incorporated into the user's samples prior to DHPLC analysis.

"Our BioSolutions products are designed to help our customers solve problems quickly, reliably and repetitively," said Garry Rogerson, senior vice president, Scientific Instruments, Varian, Inc. "As we continue to leverage our core competencies and product lines for the life science industry, we will also invent new products, such as this fluorescence detector, that will enhance our customers' existing application-specific solutions."

Additionally, the 364 includes a driver that fully integrates the 364 software with Star Workstation, making it easy and intuitive for Helix users to retrieve and review data files.

For additional information, literature contact:

Varian, Inc.

Marketing Department

2700 Mitchell Drive

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

www.varianinc.com/biosolutions

Varian, Inc. (Nasdaq:VARI) is a major supplier of scientific instruments, vacuum technologies, and specialized contract electronics manufacturing services. These businesses serve life science, health care, chemical analysis, industrial, and electronics customers worldwide. The company manufactures in 15 locations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim and employs some 4,100 people. Varian, Inc. had fiscal year 2001 sales of $749 million. Additional information about Varian, Inc. is available at www.varianinc.com