<PAGE>


                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND AMONG

                          SPECIALTY LABORATORIES, INC.,

                        BBI CLINICAL LABORATORIES, INC.,

                                       AND

                             BOSTON BIOMEDICA, INC.













                          Dated as of February 20, 2001



<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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<S>                                                                                                              <C>
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS          ...................................................................................1
         Section 1.01          Certain Defined Terms..............................................................1

ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE   ...................................................................................9
         Section 2.01          Transferred Assets.................................................................9
         Section 2.02          Excluded Assets...................................................................10
         Section 2.03          Assumption and Exclusion of Liabilities...........................................10
         Section 2.04          Purchase Price; Allocation of Purchase Price......................................11
         Section 2.05          Post-Closing Audit................................................................12
         Section 2.06          Closing...........................................................................13
         Section 2.07          Closing Deliveries by Seller......................................................14
         Section 2.08          Closing Deliveries by Parent......................................................14
         Section 2.09          Closing Deliveries by Purchaser...................................................14
         Section 2.10          Post-Closing Revenue Adjustment...................................................15

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER.............................................................16
         Section 3.01          Organization, Authority and Qualification of Seller...............................16
         Section 3.02          Capitalization and Voting Rights..................................................16
         Section 3.03          No Subsidiaries...................................................................16
         Section 3.04          No Conflict.......................................................................17
         Section 3.05          Approvals and Consents............................................................17
         Section 3.06          Financial Information; Books and Records..........................................18
         Section 3.07          No Undisclosed Liabilities........................................................18
         Section 3.08          Receivables.......................................................................19
         Section 3.09          Inventories.......................................................................18
         Section 3.10          Conduct in the  Ordinary  Course;  Absence of Certain  Changes,  Events and
                               Conditions........................................................................19
         Section 3.11          Litigation........................................................................20
         Section 3.12          Compliance with Laws..............................................................20
         Section 3.13          Environmental and Other Permits and Licenses; Related Matters.....................20
         Section 3.14          Material Contracts................................................................20
         Section 3.15          Intellectual Property.............................................................21
         Section 3.16          Assets............................................................................24
         Section 3.17          Customers.........................................................................24
         Section 3.18          Suppliers.........................................................................25
         Section 3.19          Employee Benefit Matters..........................................................25
         Section 3.20          Labor Matters.....................................................................25
         Section 3.21          Taxes.............................................................................26
         Section 3.22          Insurance.........................................................................27
         Section 3.23          Full Disclosure...................................................................27
         Section 3.24          Warranty Obligations..............................................................28
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<S>                                                                                                              <C>
         Section 3.25          Affiliate Transactions............................................................28
         Section 3.26          Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.....................................................28
         Section 3.27          Brokers...........................................................................29
         Section 3.28          Medicare/Medicaid Compliance......................................................29

ARTICLE IIIA REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT............................................................29
         Section 3A.01         Organization and Authority of Parent..............................................29
         Section 3A.02         No Conflict.......................................................................29
         Section 3A.03         Brokers...........................................................................30

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER...........................................................30
         Section 4.01          Organization and Authority of Purchaser...........................................30
         Section 4.02          No Conflict.......................................................................30
         Section 4.03          Governmental Consents and Approvals...............................................31
         Section 4.04          Brokers...........................................................................31

ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS..................................................................................31
         Section 5.01          Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing..........................................31
         Section 5.02          Access to Information.............................................................32
         Section 5.03          Regulatory and Other Authorizations; Notices and Consents.........................32
         Section 5.04          Notice of Developments............................................................32
         Section 5.05          Use of Intellectual Property......................................................33
         Section 5.06          Bulk Transfer Laws................................................................33
         Section 5.07          Cooperation with Financial Disclosures............................................33
         Section 5.08          No Solicitation...................................................................34
         Section 5.09          Public Disclosure.................................................................34
         Section 5.10          Transition of Customer Files......................................................34
         Section 5.11          Confidentiality...................................................................34
         Section 5.12          Further Action....................................................................35
         Section 5.13          Reagent Rental Agreements.........................................................35

ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS    ..................................................................................35
         Section 6.01          Employees.........................................................................35

ARTICLE VII TAX MATTERS        ..................................................................................35
         Section 7.01          Indemnity.........................................................................35
         Section 7.02          Conveyance Taxes..................................................................36
         Section 7.03          Miscellaneous.....................................................................36

ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING...............................................................................36
         Section 8.01          Conditions to Obligations of Seller...............................................36
         Section 8.02          Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser............................................37
</TABLE>



<PAGE>

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<S>                                                                                                              <C>
ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION     ..................................................................................39
         Section 9.01          Survival of Representations and Warranties........................................39
         Section 9.02          Seller and Parent Indemnification; Escrow Provisions..............................39
         Section 9.03          Third-Party Claims................................................................40
         Section 9.04          Purchaser Indemnification.........................................................42

ARTICLE X TERMINATION AND WAIVER.................................................................................42
         Section 10.01         Termination.......................................................................42
         Section 10.02         Effect of Termination.............................................................43
         Section 10.03         Waiver............................................................................43

ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS       ..................................................................................43
         Section 11.01         Expenses..........................................................................43
         Section 11.02         Notices...........................................................................43
         Section 11.03         Headings..........................................................................44
         Section 11.04         Severability......................................................................44
         Section 11.05         Entire Agreement..................................................................44
         Section 11.06         Assignment........................................................................45
         Section 11.07         No Third Party Beneficiaries......................................................45
         Section 11.08         Amendment.........................................................................45
         Section 11.09         Governing Law.....................................................................45
         Section 11.10         Arbitration.......................................................................45
         Section 11.11         Counterparts......................................................................46
         Section 11.12         Specific Performance..............................................................46
</TABLE>



ANNEX A: ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE
ANNEX B: EXCLUDED ASSETS

EXHIBIT A:        ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT B:        BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT
EXHIBIT C:        TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT D:        FORM OF SELLER'S COUNSEL LEGAL OPINION
EXHIBIT E:        NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT F:        TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT G:        ESCROW AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT H:        ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT


<PAGE>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of February 20, 2001 (as hereafter
amended, modified or supplemented, this "AGREEMENT"), among Specialty
Laboratories, Inc., a California corporation ("PURCHASER"), Boston Biomedica,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("PARENT") and BBI Clinical Laboratories,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("SELLER").


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates a clinical laboratory located in New
Britain, Connecticut (the "BUSINESS");

     WHEREAS, Seller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent; and

     WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to
purchase from Seller, certain assets relating to the Business and in connection
therewith Purchaser is willing to assume certain liabilities of Seller relating
thereto, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein (the
"ASSET ACQUISITION").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
and covenants hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
Purchaser and Seller hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.01 CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS. Unless the context otherwise requires,
the following terms, when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective
meanings specified below:


     "ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT" shall mean the Accounts Receivables
Agreement to be executed by Purchaser and Seller on the Closing Date in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT H.

     "ACQUISITION DOCUMENTS" shall mean this Agreement, the Ancillary
Agreements, and any certificate, Financial Statement, Interim Financial
Statement, Closing Balance Sheet, report or other document delivered pursuant to
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

     "ACTION" shall mean any action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, order,
claim, governmental inquiry, hearing, assessment with respect to fines or
penalties or litigation (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative
or informal) commenced, brought,


                                       1

<PAGE>


conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental
Authority (as defined below).

     "AFFILIATE" shall mean, with respect to any specified Person, any other
Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified
Person.

     "ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS" shall mean the Assumption Agreement, the Bill of
Sale, the Non-Competition Agreement, the Trademark License Agreement, the Escrow
Agreement, and the Transition Services Agreement.

     "ANNUALIZED DEFICIT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.10(a).

     "APPROVAL" shall mean any approval, authorization, consent, permit,
qualification or registration, or any waiver of any of the foregoing, required
to be obtained from or made with, or any notice, statement or other
communication required to be filed with or delivered to, any Governmental
Authority, or any other Person.

     "ASSET ACQUISITION" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to
this Agreement.

     "ASSETS" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.01.

     "ASSUMED LIABILITIES" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.03(a).

     "ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT" shall mean the Assumption Agreement to be executed
by Purchaser and Seller on the Closing Date substantially in the form of EXHIBIT
A.

     "AUGUST REVENUE REPORT" shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.10(a).

     "BAY STATE OBJECTION NOTICE" shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.10(b).

     "BAY STATE REVENUE" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10(a).

     "BILL OF SALE" shall mean the Bill of Sale and Assignment to be executed by
Seller on the Closing Date substantially in the form of EXHIBIT B.

     "BUSINESS" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other
day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in the City of
Los Angeles, California.

     "BUSINESS COMBINATION" shall mean with respect to any Person, (i) any
merger, consolidation or other business combination to which such Person is a
party, (ii) any sale, dividend, split or other disposition of 10% of the then
outstanding Common Stock or other equity interests of such Person, (iii) any
tender offer (including a self tender), exchange offer, recapitalization,
restructuring, liquidation, or dissolution, (iv) any sale, dividend or other


                                       2
<PAGE>

disposition of all or a material or significant portion of the assets and
properties of such Person (including by way of exclusive license or joint
venture formation) or (v) the entering into of any agreement or understanding,
the granting of any rights or options, or the acquiescence of such Person, with
respect to any of the foregoing.

     "CLOSING" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.06.

     "CLOSING BALANCE SHEET" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
2.05(a).

     "CLOSING DATE" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.06.

     "CLOSING WORKING CAPITAL AMOUNT" shall have the meaning set forth in
SECTION 2.05(a).

     "CMS REVENUE" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10(a)."CODE"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through the date
hereof.

     "COMPETING PROPOSED TRANSACTION" shall have the meaning specified in
SECTION 5.08.

     "DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" shall mean the Disclosure Schedule attached hereto,
dated as of the date hereof, and forming a part of this Agreement.

     "ENVIRONMENT" shall mean surface waters, groundwaters, soil, subsurface
strata and ambient air.

     "ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION" means a condition relating to or arising or
resulting from a failure to comply with any applicable Environmental Law or
environmental Permit or a Release of Hazardous Materials into the Environment.

     "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean any Law, now or hereafter in effect and as
amended, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including
any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, relating to
the environment, health, safety or Hazardous Materials.

     "EQUIPMENT" shall mean all furniture, fixtures and all equipment used for
the operation of the Assets and/or the Business (including remanufactured
equipment) and all personal computers and computer-related equipment and related
supplies owned or, to the extent legally transferable, used by Seller which (i)
are located at the real property Asset locations and support the Assets and/or
(ii) are necessary to operate the Business.

     "ERISA" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 3.17(a).

     "ESCROW AGENT" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "ESCROW AGREEMENT" shall mean the Escrow Agreement to be executed by
Purchaser, Seller, and Escrow Agent on the Closing Date in substantially the
form of EXHIBIT G.


                                       3
<PAGE>

     "ESCROW AMOUNT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.04(b).

     "ESCROW FUND" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 9.02(b).

     "ESCROW PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 9.02(c).

     "EXCLUDED ASSETS" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.02.

     "EXCLUDED INVENTORY" shall mean the Inventory that is neither suitable nor
merchantable for filling orders in the Ordinary Course of Business and at normal
prices, including, but not limited to, items that are obsolete or items that are
damaged.

     "EXCLUDED LIABILITIES" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.03(b).

     "FISCAL YEAR-END FINANCIAL STATEMENT" shall have the meaning specified in
SECTION 5.07(a).

     "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall mean the unaudited balance sheets of Seller as
of each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 through December 31, 1999,
respectively, and the related unaudited statements of operations and statements
of cash flows for each of the fiscal years then ended without notes thereto.

     "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles and practices in
effect from time to time applied consistently throughout the periods involved.

     "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" and "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES" shall mean any
national, federal, state, municipal or local or other government, governmental,
regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission or any court,
tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.

     "GOVERNMENTAL ORDER" shall mean any order, writ, judgment, injunction,
decree, stipulation, determination, agreement or award entered by or with any
Governmental Authority.

     "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" shall mean (a) petroleum and petroleum products,
radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable,
urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment that contain
polychlorinated biphenyls, and radon gas, (b) any other chemicals, materials or
substances defined as or included in the definition of "hazardous substances,"
"hazardous wastes," "hazardous materials," "extremely hazardous wastes,"
"restricted hazardous wastes," "toxic substances," "toxic pollutants,"
"contaminants" or "pollutants", or words of similar import, under any applicable
Environmental Law, and (c) any other chemical, material or substance exposure to
which is regulated by any Governmental Authority.

     "INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
2.05(b).

     "INITIAL CASH CONSIDERATION" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
2.04(a).

     "INSURANCE POLICIES" shall have the mean specified in SECTION 3.22(a).


                                       4
<PAGE>

     "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean, with respect to the Business (i)
inventions, whether or not patentable, whether or not reduced to practice, and
whether or not yet made the subject of a pending patent application or
applications, (ii) national (including the United States) and multinational
statutory invention registrations, patents, patent registrations and patent
applications (including all reissues, divisions, continuations,
continuations-in-part, extensions and reexaminations) and all rights therein
provided by international treaties or conventions and all improvements to the
inventions disclosed in each such registration, patent or application, (iii)
trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names and corporate names,
whether or not registered, including all common law rights, and registrations
and applications for registration thereof, (iv) copyrights (registered or
otherwise) and registrations, applications for registration and licenses
thereof, and all rights therein provided by international treaties or
conventions, (v) trade secrets and confidential, technical and business
information (including ideas, formulas, compositions, customer lists,
inventions, and conceptions of inventions whether patentable or unpatentable and
whether or not reduced to practice), (vi) copies and tangible embodiments of all
the foregoing, in whatever form or medium, (vii) all rights to obtain and rights
to apply for patents, and to register trademarks and copyrights, and (viii) all
rights to sue or recover and retain damages and costs and attorneys' fees for
present and past infringement of any of the foregoing.

     "INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENT" shall mean the unaudited balance sheet of
Seller as of December 31, 2000, and the related unaudited statement of
operations and statement of cash flows for the twelve-month period ended on such
date.

     "INVENTORY" or "INVENTORIES" shall mean all test kits, laboratory supplies
and packaging related to the Business, maintained, held or stored by or for
Seller on the Closing Date and any prepaid deposits for any of the same,
EXCLUDING, HOWEVER, the Excluded Inventory.

     "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.

     "LAW" shall mean any national, federal, state, municipal or local or other
statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, other requirement or
rule of law.

     "LEASE DOCUMENTS" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 3.16(e).

     "LEASED REAL PROPERTY" shall mean the real property related to the Business
leased by Seller as tenant, together with, to the extent leased by Seller, all
buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements currently or
hereafter (prior to Closing) located thereon, all fixtures, systems, equipment
and items of personal property of Seller related to the Business attached or
appurtenant thereto, and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances
relating to the foregoing.

     "LETTER OF INTENT" shall mean that Letter of Intent executed by Seller and
Purchaser on January 16, 2001.

     "LIABILITIES" shall mean any and all debts, liabilities and obligations,
whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured or
determined or determinable, including, without limitation, those arising under
any Law (including, without limitation, any


                                       5
<PAGE>

Environmental Law), Action or Governmental Order and those arising under any
contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or undertaking.

     "LICENSE" shall mean any contract or agreement that grants a Person the
right to use or otherwise enjoy the benefits of any Intellectual Property
(including without limitation any covenants not to sue with respect to any
Intellectual Property).

     "LICENSED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean all Intellectual Property
licensed or sublicensed by Seller from a third party, other than shrink wrap
computer software which is generally available.

     "LIENS" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, assessment, security interest,
interest, lease, lien, easement, license, covenant, condition, restriction,
claim, adverse claim, levy, charge, option, equity, or restriction or other
encumbrance of any kind, or any conditional sale contract, title retention
contract or other contract to give any of the foregoing, except for any
restrictions on transfer generally arising under any applicable federal or state
securities law.

     "LOSS" shall mean Liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses,
interest, awards, judgments and penalties.

     "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean any circumstance, change in, or effect
on, the Business that, individually or in the aggregate with any other
circumstances, changes in, or effects on, the Business (i) is, or could
reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, operations,
assets or liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities),
employee relationships, customer or supplier relationships, results of
operations, or the financial condition of the Business or (ii) could materially
adversely affect the ability of Purchaser to operate or conduct the Business in
the manner in which it is currently operated or conducted by Seller.

     "MATERIAL CONTRACTS" shall mean all contracts and agreements, whether or
not made in the Ordinary Course of the Business, which are material to the
conduct of the Business, or the absence of which would have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Business.

     "NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT" shall mean the sum of $50,000 paid by Purchaser to
Seller upon execution of the Letter of Intent.

     "OBJECTION NOTICE" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.05(b).

     "ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS" shall mean the usual, regular and ordinary
course of business of the Seller consistent with the past custom and practice
thereof.

     "OWNED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean all Intellectual Property in and
to which Seller has right, title and interest.

     "PARENT" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "PERMITS" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 3.13.


                                       6
<PAGE>

     "PERMITTED LIENS" shall mean the following: (a) liens which arise by
operation of law for Taxes, assessments or charges not yet due and payable or
which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and, as
to such contested amounts (as set forth on SECTION 1.01(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, adequate reserves exist in the Interim Financial Statements; (b)
carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's liens or other
like encumbrances arising in the Ordinary Course of Business, provided that the
obligations secured by such liens are not delinquent or are being contested in
good faith as set forth on SECTION 1.01(b) of the Disclosure Schedules and, as
to such contested amounts, for which adequate reserves exist in the Interim
Financial Statements; (c) pledges or deposits in connection with worker's
compensation and unemployment insurance laws and other social security
legislation as set forth on SECTION 1.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule; (d)
deposits to secure the performance of any or all of the following: bids, trade
contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance
bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the Ordinary Course of
Business and none of which is in default as set forth on SECTION 1.01(d) of the
Disclosure Schedule; (e) purchase money security interests as set forth on
SECTION 1.01(e) of the Disclosure Schedule; and (f) loans on vehicles included
within the Assets as set forth on SECTION 1.01(f) of the Disclosure Schedule.

     "PERSON" shall mean any individual, partnership, firm, corporation,
association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any
syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "PLANS" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 3.19(a).

     "PTO" shall mean the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

     "PURCHASE PRICE" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.04(a).

     "PURCHASER" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "PURCHASER'S ACCOUNTANT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
2.05(b).

     "PURCHASER DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
9.05.

     "PURCHASER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
9.02(b).

     "PURCHASER'S COMPUTATION" shall have the meaning specified in Section
2.10(a)."RECEIVABLES" shall mean any and all accounts receivable, notes and
other amounts receivable from third parties, including, without limitation,
customers and employees, arising from the conduct of the Business before the
Closing Date, whether or not in the ordinary course, together with any unpaid
financing charges accrued thereon.

     "REGULATIONS" shall mean the Treasury Regulations (including Temporary
Regulations) promulgated by the United States Department of Treasury with
respect to the Code or other federal tax statutes.


                                       7
<PAGE>

     "RELEASE" shall mean disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking,
leaching, dumping, emitting, escaping, emptying, seeping, placing and the like
into or upon any land or water or air or otherwise entering into the
Environment.

     "REPRESENTATIVES" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 5.08.

     "SELLER" shall have the meaning specified in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "SELLER'S ACCOUNTANT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.05(a).

     "SELLER'S COMPUTATION" shall mean Seller's calculation of the working
capital based upon the Closing Balance Sheet.

     "SELLER DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
9.02(b)(i).

     "SELLER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean all Intellectual Property that is
currently used in the Business, or that is necessary to conduct the Business as
presently conducted.

     "SELLER REGISTERED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean all Seller
Intellectual Property comprising United States, international and foreign: (i)
patents and patent applications (including provisional applications); (ii)
registered trademarks and service marks, applications to register trademarks and
service marks, intent-to-use applications, other registrations or applications
to trademarks or service marks, or trademarks or service marks in which common
law rights are owned or otherwise controlled; (iii) registered copyrights and
applications for copyright registration; (iv) any mask work registrations and
applications to register mask works; and (v) any other Intellectual Property
that is the subject of an application, certificate, filing, registration or
other document issued by, filed with, or recorded by, any Governmental
Authority.

     "TARGET WORKING CAPITAL" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION
2.05(a).

     "TAX" or "TAXES" shall mean any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties,
tariffs, imposts, and other charges of any kind, including, but not limited to,
income, excise, property, sales, transfer, franchise, payroll, withholding,
social security or other taxes (together with any and all interest, penalties,
loss, damage, liability, expense, additions to tax and additional amounts or
costs incurred or imposed with respect thereto), imposed by any United States
federal, state, local or foreign taxing authority.

     "TAX RETURN" shall mean any return, report, information return, schedule or
other document (including any related or supporting information) filed or
required to be filed with respect to any taxing authority with respect to Taxes.

     "THIRD PARTY CLAIM" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 9.03(b).

     "TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT" shall mean the Trademark License Agreement to
be executed by Purchaser, Seller, and Parent on the Closing Date in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT F.


                                       8
<PAGE>

     "TRADEMARKS" shall mean Seller's trademarks, service marks, trade dress,
logos, trade names and corporate names, whether or not registered, including all
common law rights, and registrations and applications for registration thereof.

     "TRANSFER" shall have the meaning specified in SECTION 2.01.

     "TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT" shall mean the Transition Services
Agreement to be executed by Purchaser and Seller on the Closing Date in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT C.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                PURCHASE AND SALE

     Section 2.01 TRANSFERRED ASSETS. Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date, Seller shall sell, transfer,
assign and deliver to Purchaser, free and clear of all Liens except for as
otherwise set forth herein in SECTION 3 ("TRANSFER"), and Purchaser shall
purchase from Seller, for the consideration hereinafter described, all of the
right, title and interest of Seller in and to all of the properties, assets and
rights owned by Seller or used by it in connection with the Business, as the
same shall exist on the Closing Date other than the Excluded Assets (as defined
below), including, without limitation (collectively, the "ASSETS"):

          (a)  all cash and cash equivalents of Seller;

          (b)  all Inventories;

          (c)  all rights to collections from Receivables of (i) Seller's
affiliates for services rendered by Seller or (ii) Seller except those which
have been set forth in SECTION 2.01(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, whether or
not invoices relating thereto have been issued, the collection and transfer of
which Receivables from Seller to Purchaser shall occur as set forth in the
Accounts Receivable Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT H;

          (d)  an option to acquire any of the specific Equipment owned by
Seller on the Closing Date and listed on SECTION 2.01(d) of the Disclosure
Schedule as designated by Purchaser by December 1, 2001, up to a maximum net
book value of $150,000 as of the Closing Date based on the asset schedule to the
balance sheet, dated September 30, 2000, without further payment;

          (e)  all causes of action, demands, judgments, claims (including
insurance claims), indemnity rights or other rights of Seller, relating to the
Assets or arising under express or implied warranties from suppliers with
respect to the Assets; and

          (f)  all Seller Intellectual Property, Licensed Intellectual Property,
and Licenses excluding the trade name and corporation name of "BBI Clinical
Laboratories" or "BBI Clinical Laboratories, Inc." and any modifications or
derivations thereof including the name "BBI" and the related logo; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, Seller shall grant Purchaser a worldwide, non-transferable (provided
that such license may be transferred at Purchaser's option in connection with
(A) the acquisition of the Purchaser by another entity by means of any
transaction or series of related


                                       9
<PAGE>

transactions (including, without limitation, any reorganization, merger or
consolidation in which the Purchaser is not the surviving entity, but excluding
a mere reincorporation transaction); (B) a sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Purchaser; UNLESS the Purchaser's stockholders of record as
constituted immediately prior to such acquisition or sale will, immediately
after such acquisition or sale (by virtue of securities issued as consideration
for the Purchaser's acquisition or sale or otherwise), hold at least fifty
percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity; or (C) a
sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the stock of the Purchaser (a "CHANGE OF
CONTROL")), non-sublicenseable, non-exclusive (except as to Seller), irrevocable
(except for certain limited circumstances identified in the Transition Services
Agreement) and royalty-free license to use the trade name, "BBI Clinical
Laboratories," but not any derivations or modifications thereof including "BBI"
and the related logo solely in connection with conducting or operating the
Business for a period of one (1) year from the Closing Date pursuant to the
Trademark License Agreement.

     Section 2.02 EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding anything contained in SECTION
2.01 to the contrary, Seller shall not Transfer to Purchaser, and Purchaser
shall not accept the Transfer of, the following properties, assets and rights,
all of which shall be retained by Seller (the "EXCLUDED ASSETS"):

          (a)  Seller's rights under this Agreement;

          (b)  all assets of Seller set forth on ANNEX B;

          (c)  the trade name and corporate name of "BBI Clinical Laboratories"
and BBI Clinical Laboratories, Inc. and the logo and trademark "BBI," and any
modifications or derivations of any of the foregoing;

          (d)  all causes of action, demands, judgments, claims (including
insurance claims), indemnity rights or other rights of Seller relating to any of
the assets of Seller set forth on ANNEX B and any of the Excluded Liabilities;
and

          (e)  all of Seller's right, title and interest to and in (i) any
Medicare, Medicaid or other governmental healthcare program provider
participation agreements or provider numbers, or (ii) any of Seller's Permits as
defined in Section 3.13 herein.

     Section 2.03 ASSUMPTION AND EXCLUSION OF LIABILITIES.

          (a)  On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement,
Purchaser shall, on the Closing Date, assume and agree to pay, honor and
discharge when due all of the following: (i) all accounts payables reflected in
the Closing Balance Sheet including accounts payable reflected in the Closing
Balance Sheet related to reagent rental agreements and (ii) all accounts
payables outstanding as of the Closing Date and incurred in the Ordinary Course
of Business since the Closing Balance Sheet and included in the Closing Working
Capital Amount (the "ASSUMED LIABILITIES").

          (b)  Seller shall be responsible for paying, performing and
discharging when due, and Purchaser shall not assume or have any responsibility
for, all Liabilities of Seller or the


                                       10
<PAGE>

Business other than the Assumed Liabilities (the "EXCLUDED LIABILITIES"),
including, without limitation:

               (i)  all Taxes now or hereafter owed by Seller or any Affiliate
of Seller, or attributable to the Assets or the Business, relating to any
period, or any portion of any period, ending on or prior to the Closing Date (as
provided in SECTION 7.01). Purchaser shall pay when due all Taxes attributable
to the Assets or the Business relating to any period or any portion of any
period ending after the Closing Date (as provided in SECTION 7.01);

               (ii) Liabilities and obligations with respect to litigation
commenced before or related to acts, events or omissions occurring prior to the
Closing Date;

               (iii) tortious or negligent acts committed before the Closing
Date;

               (iv) Liabilities of the Seller arising out of the ownership, use
and operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date (such as, but not
limited to, warranty claims);

               (v)  employee Liabilities arising before the Closing Date;

               (vi) Liabilities, other than those reimburseable in connection

with the Transition Services Agreement, arising out of any employee benefit plan
maintained by the Seller, or with respect to which Seller is obligated to
contribute, (including, but not limited to, those plans and arrangements
disclosed or required to be disclosed in SECTION 3.19 of the Disclosure
Schedule), arising after the Closing Date for acts, events or omissions on or
prior to the Closing Date;

               (vii) Liabilities arising under the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act or other equivalent state or local laws;

               (viii) Liabilities arising under any reagent rental agreement not
within the Assumed Liabilities;

               (ix) to the fullest extent permitted by Law, Environmental
Liabilities associated with Environmental Conditions occurring prior to the
Closing Date;

               (x)  Liabilities arising from or related to Seller's
participation in the Medicare program, the Medicaid program or any other federal
or state healthcare program, including without limitation any liabilities for
overpayments or the submission of false or fraudulent claims; and

               (xi) Any other debts, obligations or liabilities of Seller which
arise from or relate to any incident or circumstance occurring prior to the
Closing Date, including, without limitation, any liability under federal or
state antikickback laws, or under federal or state physician anti-referral laws,
whether known or unknown, fixed, contingent or otherwise, which are not
expressly assumed by Purchaser hereunder.

     Section 2.04 PURCHASE PRICE; ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE.


                                       11
<PAGE>

          (a)  PURCHASE PRICE. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein, in consideration for the Transfer of the Assets pursuant to
SECTION 2.01 of this Agreement, on the Closing Date the Purchaser shall pay to
the aggregate amount of Nine Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($9,500,000)
in cash (the "INITIAL CASH CONSIDERATION"). The Initial Cash Consideration shall
be paid as follows:

               (i)  the Non-Refundable Deposit which Seller acknowledges that
Purchaser has already paid to Seller;

               (ii) $900,000 (the "ESCROW AMOUNT") of the Initial Cash
Consideration which has already been deposited into an escrow account to secure
payment to Purchaser under ARTICLES VII and IX pursuant to the Escrow Agreement;

               (iii) $5,801,413.13 of the Initial Cash Consideration shall be
paid via wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated
in writing by Fleet National Bank as payment in full of the liabilities under
that certain First Amended and Restated Commercial Loan Agreement dated June
30,1999, as amended, as specified in the payoff letter to Parent; and

               (iv) $2,748,586.87 of the Initial Cash Consideration shall be
paid via wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated
in writing by Seller.

     The Initial Cash Consideration, subject to adjustment pursuant to this
Agreement, is also referred to herein as the "PURCHASE PRICE."

          (b)  The sum of the Purchase Price and the Assumed Liabilities shall
be allocated among the Assets as of the Closing Date in accordance with ANNEX A.
Any subsequent adjustments to the sum of the Purchase Price and Assumed
Liabilities shall be reflected in the allocation hereunder in a manner
consistent with Treasury Regulation ss. 1.1060-1T(f). For all Tax purposes,
Purchaser and Seller agree to report the transactions contemplated in this
Agreement in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the
allocation under ANNEX A, and that neither of them will take any position
inconsistent therewith in any Tax return, in any refund claim, in any
litigation, or otherwise.

     Section 2.05 POST-CLOSING AUDIT.


          (a)  Seller will prepare and deliver to Purchaser, within thirty (30)
calendar days after the Closing Date and with at least five (5) days prior
written notice, a balance sheet of the Business as of January 31, 2001 (the
"CLOSING BALANCE SHEET") and a reconciliation (the "RECONCILIATION") of cash,
Inventory, gross Receivables and accounts payable from that date to the Closing
Date , which shall be reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (the "SELLER'S
ACCOUNTANT") and the Seller's Computation (as defined below). Based on the
Closing Balance Sheet and the Reconciliation, Seller shall calculate in writing
(the "SELLER'S COMPUTATION") the working capital which shall equal the
difference of (x) the sum of the gross Receivables, cash, and Inventories of the
Seller minus (y) the accounts payable of the Seller, determined in accordance
with GAAP, subject to normal, recurring year-end adjustments as if the Seller's
fiscal year-end ended immediately prior to the Closing Date and prior to giving
effect to the Asset Acquisition (the "CLOSING WORKING CAPITAL AMOUNT"). If the
Closing Working Capital


                                       12
<PAGE>

Amount is less than Two Million Three Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Dollars
($2,371,000) (the "TARGET WORKING CAPITAL"), the Initial Cash Consideration
shall be reduced by an amount equal to such deficiency and the Escrow Fund shall
be reduced accordingly without respect to any limitation on Seller or Parent
indemnification set forth in Section 9.02(b)(i).

          (b)  Purchaser will have ten (10) days after receipt of the Closing
Balance Sheet and Seller's Computation to review and deliver a written notice of
objection (the "OBJECTION NOTICE") to Seller. The Objection Notice shall state
each item to which Purchaser takes exception. The Objection Notice shall specify
in reasonable detail the nature and amount of any such exception. In connection
with such review, the Purchaser and Ernst & Young LLP (the "PURCHASER'S
ACCOUNTANT") will have the right to review the methods used in the preparation
of the Closing Balance Sheet and Seller's Computation, including the right to
review all work papers related to the review by the Seller's Accountant, and to
confer with Seller and the Seller's Accountant. If Purchaser does not provide an
Objection Notice to Seller within such ten (10) days after receipt of the
Closing Balance Sheet and the Seller's Computation, Purchaser will be deemed to
have accepted and agreed to the Seller's Computation as the Closing Working
Capital Amount. If Purchaser delivers an Objection Notice to Seller within such
time period, then within ten (10) days after the Objection Notice is received by
Seller, the Purchaser and the Seller shall (i) meet to consider such objections
and may agree to revise the Seller's Computation, in which case the amount so
agreed will be the Closing Working Capital Amount and will be binding on the
Purchaser and the Seller, or (ii) specify that an independent firm of public
accountants of nationally recognized standing mutually selected by the Seller
and the Purchaser, it being agreed that KPMG LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP are
mutually acceptable (the "INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT"), will review the Seller's
Computation and the Objection Notice and report to the Seller and the Purchaser
the Independent Accountant's determination of the Closing Working Capital
Amount, which determination will be made within sixty (60) days after the date
that the Independent Accountant receives the Seller's Computation and the
Objection Notice. Such determination by the Independent Accountant will be final
and binding on the Purchaser and the Seller.

          (c)  The determination of the Closing Working Capital Amount shall be
made in accordance with GAAP, applied consistently with the practices applied in
the preparation of the Closing Balance Sheet, prior to giving effect to the
Asset Acquisition (except that Inventory shall be valued at lower of cost or
market).

          (d)  All of the fees and expenses of the Independent Accountant, if
any, shall be paid equally by the Purchaser, on the one hand, and the Seller, on
the other hand.

     Section 2.06 CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the sale and purchase of the Assets and the assumption of the Assumed
Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at a closing (the
"CLOSING") to be held at the offices of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP, 550
South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California at 10:00 A.M. California time on the
day upon which all conditions to the obligations of the parties set forth in
Article VIII have been satisfied or waived, or at such other place or at such
other time or on such other date as Seller and Purchaser may mutually agree upon
in writing (the day on which the Closing takes place being the "CLOSING DATE").


                                       13
<PAGE>

     Section 2.07 CLOSING DELIVERIES BY SELLER. At the Closing, Seller shall
deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser:

          (a)  the Bill of Sale, and such other instruments, in form and
substance satisfactory to Purchaser, as may be requested by Purchaser to
transfer the Assets to Purchaser or evidence such transfer on the public
records;

          (b)  executed counterparts of the Assumption Agreement;

          (c)  executed counterparts of the Non-competition Agreement;

          (d)  executed counterparts of the Transition Services Agreement;

          (e)  executed counterparts of the Escrow Agreement;

          (f)  executed counterparts of the Trademark License Agreement;

          (g)  a receipt for the Purchase Price; and

          (h)  the applicable opinions, certificates and other documents
required to be delivered pursuant to SECTION 8.02.

     Section 2.08 CLOSING DELIVERIES BY PARENT. At the Closing, Parent shall
deliver or cause to be delivered to

Purchaser:

          (a)  executed counterparts of the Non-competition Agreement;

          (b)  executed counterparts of the Transition Services Agreement;

          (c)  executed counterparts of the Escrow Agreement;

          (d)  executed counterparts of the Trademark License Agreement; and

          (e)  the applicable opinions, certificates and other documents
               required to be delivered pursuant to SECTION 8.02.

     Section 2.09 CLOSING DELIVERIES BY PURCHASER. At the Closing, Purchaser
shall deliver to Seller:


          (a)  The consideration in accordance with Article II hereof;

          (b)  executed counterparts of the Assumption Agreement;

          (c)  executed counterparts of the Transition Services Agreement;

          (d)  executed counterparts of the Escrow Agreement;

          (e)  executed counterparts of the Trademark License Agreement; and


                                       14
<PAGE>

          (f)  the opinions, certificates and other documents required to be
delivered pursuant to SECTION 8.01.

     Section 2.10 POST-CLOSING REVENUE ADJUSTMENT.

          (a)  Purchaser will prepare and deliver to Seller, within thirty (30)
calendar days of August 31, 2001 and with at least five (5) days prior written
notice, revenues from the Bay State Medical Center accounts ("BAY STATE
REVENUE") and Correctional Medical Services accounts ("CMS REVENUE") for the
month of August 2001 (together, such revenue accounts shall be referred to as
the "AUGUST REVENUE REPORT") which shall be reviewed by Purchaser's Accountant.
The difference between the Bay State Revenue during the month of August 2001 and
the average monthly revenue for Bay State during calendar year 2000 as reflected
on SECTION 2.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, shall be the "Bay State Deficit." If
the difference between the Bay State Deficit and the CMS Revenue is greater than
zero, then the Initial Cash Consideration shall be reduced by an amount equal to
such difference multiplied by 12 ("ANNUALIZED DEFICIT", and such calculation of
the Annualized Deficit shall be the "PURCHASER'S Computation"). Accordingly,
Seller and Parent, shall jointly and severally be liable for the Annualized
Deficit to Purchaser (which shall be paid out of the Escrow Fund unless
otherwise exhausted), without respect to any limitation on indemnification of
Seller or Parent set forth in SECTION 9.02(b)(i).

          (b)  Seller will have ten (10) days after receipt of the August
Revenue Report to review and deliver a written notice of objection (the "BAY
STATE OBJECTION NOTICE") to Seller. The Bay State Objection Notice shall state
each item to which Seller takes exception. The Bay State Objection Notice shall
specify in reasonable detail the nature and amount of any such exception. In
connection with such review, the Seller and Seller's Accountant will have the
right to review the Purchaser's Computation, the methods used in the preparation
of the August Revenue Report, including the right to review all work papers
related to the review by the Purchaser's Accountant, and to confer with
Purchaser and the Purchaser's Accountant. If Seller does not provide an Bay
State Objection Notice to Purchaser within such ten (10) days after receipt of
the August Revenue Report, Seller and Parent will be deemed to have accepted and
agreed to the Purchaser's Computation as to the amount of the Annualized
Deficit. If Seller delivers an Bay State Objection Notice to Purchaser within
such time period, then within ten (10) days after the Bay State Objection Notice
is received by Purchaser, the Purchaser and the Seller shall (i) meet to
consider such objections and may agree to revise the Purchaser's Computation, in
which case the amount so agreed will be the Annualized Deficit and will be
binding on the Purchaser and the Seller, or (ii) specify that an Independent
Accountant, will review the Annualized Deficit and the Bay State Objection
Notice and report to the Seller and the Purchaser the Independent Accountant's
determination of the Bay State Revenue and CMS Revenue, which determination will
be made within sixty (60) days after the date that the Independent Accountant
receives the Purchaser's Computation and the Bay State Objection Notice. Such
determination by the Independent Accountant will be final and binding on the
Purchaser and the Seller.

          (c)  All of the fees and expenses of the Independent Accountant, if
any, shall be paid equally by the Purchaser, on the one hand, and the Seller, on
the other hand.


                                       15
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE III

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby
represents and warrants to Purchaser, as follows:

     Section 3.01 ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY AND QUALIFICATION OF SELLER. Seller is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has all necessary corporate power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, to
carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Seller is duly licensed or
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the properties owned or leased by it or the operation of its business makes such
licensing or qualification necessary. SECTION 3.01 of the Disclosure Schedule
sets forth each jurisdiction where the Seller is so qualified, licensed or
admitted to do business and separately lists each other jurisdiction in which
Seller owns, uses, licenses or leases its properties (including the Assets), or
conducts business or has employees or engages independent contractors. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by Seller,
the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the
consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have
been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Seller and Parent.
This Agreement has been, and upon their execution the Ancillary Agreements will
be, duly executed and delivered by Seller, and (assuming due authorization,
execution and delivery by Purchaser) this Agreement constitutes, and upon their
execution the Ancillary Agreements will constitute, legal, valid and binding
obligations of Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with their
respective terms except as limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting
enforcement of creditors' rights and (ii) general principles of equity that
restrict the availability of equitable remedies (regardless of whether
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

     Section 3.02 CAPITALIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS. The authorized capital of
Seller consists of:

          (a)  COMMON STOCK. 200,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01
("SELLER COMMON STOCK"), 10 of which are issued and outstanding.

          (b)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.02(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights (including
conversion or preemptive rights) or agreements for the purchase or acquisition
from Seller of any shares of its capital stock. Seller is not a party or subject
to any agreement or understanding, and there is no agreement or understanding
between any Persons and/or entities, which affects or relates to the voting or
giving of written consents with respect to any security or by a director of
Seller.

     Section 3.03 NO SUBSIDIARIES. Seller does not own, beneficially or of
record, any capital stock of any corporation or other business entity nor does
Seller own, beneficially or of


                                       16
<PAGE>

record, any partnership interests in any general, limited or limited liability
partnerships or any units or other membership interests in any limited liability
companies.

     Section 3.04 NO CONFLICT. Assuming the making and obtaining of all filings,
notifications, consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions referred to
in SECTION 3.05, and except as may result from any facts or circumstances
relating solely to the Purchaser, the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by Seller do not and will not (a)
violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the charter
or bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of Seller, (b) conflict with or
violate (or cause an event which could have a Material Adverse Effect as a
result of) any Law or Governmental Order applicable to Seller or any of its
assets, properties or businesses, including, without limitation, the Assets and
the Business, or (c) except as set forth in SECTION 3.04 of the Disclosure
Schedule, conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event
which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a
default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment,
acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of, or result in the
creation of any encumbrance on any of the Assets of Seller pursuant to, any
note, bond, mortgage or indenture, contract, agreement, lease, sublease,
license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which Seller is
a party or by which any of such assets or properties is bound or affected.

     Section 3.05 APPROVALS AND CONSENTS.


          (a)  SECTION 3.05(a) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all
Approvals of Governmental Authorities relating to the business conducted by
Seller which are required to be given to or obtained by Seller from any and all
Governmental Authorities in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (other than such
consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and
filings as may be required under applicable Laws).

          (b)  SECTION 3.05(b) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all
consents which are required to be given to or obtained by Seller from any and
all third parties other than Governmental Authorities in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements.

          (c)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.05(c)(1) of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller has obtained all Approvals from Governmental Authorities
necessary to conduct the business conducted by Seller in the manner as it is
currently being conducted and there has been no written notice received by
Seller of any violation or non-compliance with any such Approvals. All Approvals
from Governmental Authorities necessary to conduct the business conducted by
Seller as it is currently being conducted are set forth in SECTION 3.05(c)(2) of
the Disclosure Schedule.

          (d)  The affirmative vote of the sole shareholder of the Seller is the
only shareholder vote necessary to approve the Asset Acquisition.

          (e)  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
each Ancillary Agreement by Seller do not and will not require any consent,
approval, authorization


                                       17
<PAGE>

or other order of, action by, filing with or notification to, any Governmental
Authority, except as described in SECTION 3.05(e) of the Disclosure Schedule.

     Section 3.06 FINANCIAL INFORMATION; BOOKS AND RECORDS.

          (a)  SECTION 3.06 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth true and
complete copies of (i) Financial Statements, (ii) the Interim Financial
Statement, and (iii) the Closing Balance Sheet, each of which has been delivered
by Seller to Purchaser. The Financial Statements, Interim Financial Statement
and the Closing Balance Sheet (x) were prepared in accordance with the books of
account and other financial records of Seller, (y) present fairly the financial
condition and results of operations of Seller related to the Business as of the
dates thereof or for the periods covered thereby, (z) have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the past practices of
Seller and throughout the periods involved, except for the omission of normal
footnote disclosure required under GAAP and subject to normal recurring accruals
and customary year end adjustments.

          (b)  The books of account and other financial records of Seller as
they relate to the Business: (i) reflect all items of income and expense and all
assets and Liabilities required to be reflected therein in accordance with GAAP
applied on a basis consistent with the past practices of Seller and throughout
the periods involved, and (ii) are in all material respects complete and
correct, and do not contain or reflect any material inaccuracies or
discrepancies.

     Section 3.07 NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. There are no Liabilities of Seller
related to the Business other than Liabilities (i) reflected or reserved against
on the Closing Balance Sheet, (ii) disclosed in SECTION 3.07 of the Disclosure
Schedule, (iii) incurred since the date of this Agreement in the Ordinary Course
of Business of Seller related to the Business and which do not and could not
have a Material Adverse Effect, or (iv) that are Assumed Liabilities. Reserves
are reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet against all Liabilities of Seller
related to the Business, other than Liabilities relating to the Excluded
Liabilities, in amounts that have been established on a basis consistent with
the past practices of Seller related to the Business and in accordance with
GAAP.

     Section 3.08 RECEIVABLES. Except to the extent, if any, reserved for on the
Closing Balance Sheet and except as set forth in SECTION 3.08 of the Disclosure
Schedule, all Receivables reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet related to the
Business arose from, and the Receivables existing on the Closing Date related to
the Business will have arisen from, the sale of Inventory or services to Persons
not affiliated with Seller and in the Ordinary Course of Business and, except as
reserved against on the Closing Balance Sheet, constitute or will constitute, as
the case may be, only valid, undisputed claims of Seller not subject to valid
claims of set-off or other defenses or counterclaims other than normal cash
discounts accrued in the Ordinary Course of Business. Seller warrants that 85%
of all Receivables, net of reserves as reflected in the Closing Working Capital
Amount, will be collected no later than December 31, 2001.

     Section 3.09 INVENTORIES. The Inventories on the Financial Statements,
Interim Financial Statement, Closing Balance Sheet and the Reconciliation are at
the lower of cost (last in, first out method) or market in accordance with GAAP
applied on a consistent basis. The Inventories do not consist of items that are
obsolete or items that are damaged. The Inventories


                                       18
<PAGE>

do not consist of any items held on consignment. The Inventories are owned by
Seller free and clear of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien). Seller is not
under any obligation or liability with respect to accepting returns of items of
Inventory or merchandise in the possession of its customers. The Inventories are
in good and merchantable condition in all material respects, are suitable and
usable for the purposes for which they are intended and are in a condition such
that they can be sold in the Ordinary Course of Business.

     Section 3.10 CONDUCT IN THE ORDINARY COURSE; ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES,
EVENTS AND CONDITIONS. Since the date of the Letter of Intent, except as
disclosed in SECTION 3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Business has been
conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business. Seller has not permitted or
suffered any Liens (other than a Permitted Lien) or encumbrances on the Assets,
made any unusual payments, purchases, transactions, capital expenditures or
agreements. As amplification and not limitation of the foregoing, since the date
of the Letter of Intent, Seller has not:

          (a)  written down or written up (or failed to write down in accordance
with GAAP consistent with past practice) the value of any Inventories or
Receivables or revalued any assets of Seller related to the Business other than
in the Ordinary Course of Business and in accordance with GAAP;

          (b)  (i) granted any increase, or announced any increase, in the
wages, salaries, compensation, bonuses, incentives, pension or other benefits
payable by Seller related to the Business to any of its employees, including,
without limitation, any increase or change pursuant to any Plan, or (ii)
established or increased or promised to increase any benefits under any Plan, in
either case except as required by Law, any collective bargaining agreement, or
involving ordinary increases consistent with the past practice of Seller related
to the Business or increases specifically used to retain key employees for the
six months after Closing and previously accepted by Purchaser;

          (c)  not failed to maintain a sufficient number of employees to
conduct the Business in the same manner prior to Closing subject to volume
limitations;

          (d)  entered into any agreements with suppliers of products or
services except in the Ordinary Course of Business and after providing prior
notice thereof to Purchaser;

          (e)  purchased, sold, leased or disposed of any material property or
assets, licensed or transferred ownership of any of Seller Intellectual
Property, incurred any material Liability, or made any material commitment or
enter into any other material transaction except in the Ordinary Course of
Business;

          (f)  issued any shares of capital stock or other securities or options
or rights to purchase capital stock or other securities;

          (g)  made any dividend, redemption or similar distribution or any
stock split, recapitalization or stock issuance of any kind; or

          (h)  suffered any Material Adverse Effect related to the Business
other than as a result of the seasonality of tick borne disease testing.


                                       19
<PAGE>

     Section 3.11 LITIGATION.


          (a)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.11(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, there are no Actions by or against Seller related to the Business, or
affecting any of the Assets or the Business, pending before any Governmental
Authority (or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened to be brought by or before
any Governmental Authority).

          (b)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.11(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, neither Seller nor any of its assets or properties, including, without
limitation, the Assets, is subject to any Governmental Order (nor, to the
knowledge of Seller, are there any such Governmental Orders threatened to be
imposed by any Governmental Authority).

     Section 3.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth in Section
3.05(c)(1) of the Disclosure Schedule, Seller has conducted and continues to
conduct the Business in accordance with all Laws and Governmental Orders
applicable to Seller or any of its properties or assets, including, without
limitation, the Assets and the Business, and Seller is not in violation of any
such Law or Governmental Order. In particular, Seller has not engaged in any
activities which are prohibited under federal Medicare or Medicaid statutes or
any regulations promulgated pursuant to such statutes, under antikickback Laws
or Laws prohibiting physician referrals, under Laws requiring disclosure of
financial interests held by physicians in entities to which they may refer
patients, under Laws related to the submission of false claims, or under Laws
relating to the marketing and/or advertising of health care services. Seller is
not a party to an Integrity Agreement or other compliance-related agreement with
any Governmental Authority, nor is Seller in violation of any agreement with any
court or Governmental Authority.

     Section 3.13 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER PERMITS AND LICENSES; RELATED MATTERS.
Seller currently holds all the health and safety and other permits, licenses,
authorizations, certificates, exemptions and approvals of Governmental
Authorities (collectively, "PERMITS") necessary or proper for the current use,
occupancy and operation of the Assets and the conduct of the Business, and all
such Permits are in full force and effect. There is no existing practice, action
or activity of Seller and no existing condition of the Assets and the Business,
which will give rise to any civil or criminal Liability under, or violate or
prevent compliance with, any health or occupational safety or other applicable
Environmental Law. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.13 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller has not received any notice from any Governmental Authority
revoking, canceling, rescinding, materially modifying or refusing to renew any
Permit or providing written notice of violations under any Environmental Law
related to the Assets or the Business. Seller is in all respects in compliance
with the Permits and the requirements thereof.

     Section 3.14 MATERIAL CONTRACTS.


          (a)  SECTION 3.14(a) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true and
complete list of each of the Material Contracts (true and complete copies or, if
none, reasonably complete and accurate written descriptions of which, together
with all amendments and supplements thereto and all waivers of any terms
thereof, have been made available to Purchaser prior to the execution of this
Agreement) to which Seller is a party or by which the Assets are bound.


                                       20
<PAGE>

          (b)  Except as disclosed in SECTION 3.14(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, each Material Contract: (i) is legal, valid and binding on the
respective parties thereto and is in full force and effect and (ii) upon
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements, except to the extent that any consents set forth in
SECTION 3.05 of the Disclosure Schedule are not obtained, immediately following
the Closing Date, shall be in full force and effect without penalty or other
adverse consequence. Seller is not in breach of, or default under, any Material
Contract.

          (c)  Except as disclosed in SECTION 3.14(c) of the Disclosure
Schedule, no other party to any Material Contract is in breach thereof or
default thereunder.

     Section 3.15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

          (a)  SECTION 3.15(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all Seller
Intellectual Property (including all trademarks and service marks that Seller
has used with the intent of creating or benefiting from any common law rights
relating to such marks) and lists any proceedings or actions pending as of the
date hereof before any court or tribunal (including the PTO or equivalent
authority anywhere in the world) related to any of Seller Intellectual Property.

          (b)  The Seller has all requisite right, title and interest in or
valid and enforceable rights to use all Seller Intellectual Property necessary
to the conduct of the Business as it is currently conducted or as reasonably
contemplated to be conducted. Each item of Seller Intellectual Property,
including all Seller Registered Intellectual Property listed in SECTION 3.15(a)
of the Disclosure Schedule, is owned exclusively by Seller (excluding Licensed
Intellectual Property) and is free and clear of any Liens except Permitted
Liens. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.15(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, Seller
(i) owns or licenses exclusively all Assets constituting or comprising
trademarks, service marks and trade names used by Seller in connection with the
operation or conduct of the Business; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Seller may use
trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties which are licensed to
Seller or are in the public domain, and (ii) owns exclusively, and has good
title to, all Assets constituting or comprising copyrighted works that are
Seller products or other works of authorship that Seller otherwise purports to
own; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such works may incorporate copyrighted works or
works of authorship, trademarks or trade names of third parties which are
licensed to Seller or are in the public domain.

          (c)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.15(c) of the Disclosure
Schedule, no Seller Intellectual Property has been developed or created by any
Person other than Seller. Seller has a written agreement with each person listed
in SECTION 3.15(c) of the Disclosure Schedule with respect thereto and Seller
has either obtained ownership of, and is the exclusive owner of, all such
Intellectual Property by operation of law or by valid assignment of any such
rights. In each case in which Seller has acquired ownership of any Intellectual
Property rights from any Person, Seller has obtained a valid and enforceable
assignment sufficient to transfer all rights in such Intellectual Property
(including the right to seek past and future damages with respect to such
Intellectual Property) to Seller. Seller hereby represents that no recordation
of any such assignment (other than any assignments contemplated by this
Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements) of any Registered Intellectual Property
is necessary or required with any governmental entity, including the PTO, the
U.S. Copyright Office, or their respective


                                       21
<PAGE>

equivalents in any relevant foreign jurisdiction, to protect Seller's ownership
rights in and to such Intellectual Property.

          (d)  SECTION 3.15(d) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all Licensed
Intellectual Property. Except for the Licensed Intellectual Property listed in
SECTION 3.15(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, Seller has not transferred ownership
of or granted any License of or other right to use or authorized the retention
of any rights to use any Seller Intellectual Property, to any other Person.

          (e)  The Seller Intellectual Property constitutes all the Intellectual
Property used in and/or necessary to the conduct of the Business as it currently
is conducted.

          (f)  SECTION 3.15(f) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all Licenses
(including all inbound Licenses) to which Seller is a party with respect to any
Seller Intellectual Property except for shrink-wrap computer software which is
generally commercially available. No Person other than Seller has ownership
rights to improvements made by Seller in Licensed Intellectual Property.

          (g)  The operation of the Business as currently conducted or as
presently proposed to be conducted by Seller, including Seller's development and
use of the Inventory does not infringe or misappropriate the Intellectual
Property of any Person, violate the rights of any Person (including rights to
privacy or publicity), or constitute unfair competition or an unfair trade
practice under any Laws, and Seller has not received notice from any Person
regarding any pending overt threat from any Person, claiming that such operation
or any act, product, technology or service of Seller infringes or
misappropriates the Intellectual Property of any Person or constitutes unfair
competition or trade practices under any Laws, including notice of third party
patent or other Intellectual Property rights from a potential licensor of such
rights.

          (h)  Each item of Seller Registered Intellectual Property is valid and
subsisting, and all necessary registration, maintenance, renewal fees, annuity
fees and Taxes in connection with such Seller Registered Intellectual Property
have been paid. Seller has not been required to file any documents and
certificates in connection with such Seller Registered Intellectual Property
with any patent, copyright, trademark or other authorities in the United States
or foreign jurisdictions for the purposes of maintaining such Seller Registered
Intellectual Property. SECTION 3.15(h) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
copyright registrations by Seller with the U.S. Copyright Office for the latest
version of each of those Assets comprising products or technology that
constitutes or includes a copyrightable work, if any.

          (i)  There are no Licenses between Seller and any other Person with
respect to Seller Intellectual Property under which there is any dispute (or, to
the best knowledge of the Seller, facts that may reasonably lead to a dispute)
known to Seller regarding the scope of such License, or performance under such
License, including with respect to any payments to be made or received by Seller
thereunder.

          (j)  To the knowledge of the Seller, no Person is infringing or
misappropriating any Seller Intellectual Property.


                                       22
<PAGE>

          (k)  No Seller Intellectual Property or Asset comprising a product,
technology or service of Seller is subject to any proceeding or outstanding
Governmental Order, or stipulation that restricts, the use, transfer or
licensing of any Seller Intellectual Property by Seller or that may affect the
validity, use or enforceability of such Seller Intellectual Property.

          (l)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.15(l) of the Disclosure
Schedule, neither this Agreement nor any transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will result in Purchaser granting any rights or Licenses with respect
to Seller Intellectual Property to any Person.

          (m)  SECTION 3.15(m) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of
(x) all software which Seller has Licensed from any third party that is
incorporated in or used with any of the Assets, and (y) a list of all "freeware"
and "shareware" incorporated in or used with any Assets comprising products.
Seller has all rights necessary to the use of such software, "freeware" and
"shareware."

          (n)  Seller has, and enforces, a policy requiring each employee,
consultant and independent contractor to execute proprietary information,
confidentiality and invention assignment agreements in the forms previously
provided to Purchaser, and all current employees, consultants and independent
contractors of Seller have executed such an agreement or will execute such an
agreement upon Closing. Copies of all such agreements have been provided to
Purchaser or made available to Purchaser for review. Seller has taken all
reasonably necessary and appropriate steps to protect and preserve ownership of
Seller Intellectual Property. In the event that any consultant is concurrently
retained by Seller and a third party, Seller has taken additional steps to
ensure that any Seller Intellectual Property developed by such a consultant does
not belong to the third party or conflict with the third party's consulting
agreement (such steps include, but are not limited to, ensuring that all
research and development work performed by such a consultant are performed only
on Seller's facilities and only using Seller's resources), except as set forth
in SECTION 3.15(n) of the Disclosure Schedule.

     Section 3.16 ASSETS.


          (a)  Except as set forth in SECTION 3.16(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller owns, leases or has the legal right to use all the Assets and
has good and marketable title to, or, in the case of leased or subleased Assets,
valid and subsisting leasehold interests in, all the Assets, free and clear of
all Liens (except any Permitted Liens).

          (b)  The Assets and Leased Real Properties constitute all the
properties, assets and rights used or intended to be used by Seller in, and all
such properties, assets and rights as are necessary in the conduct of, the
Business. SECTION 3.16(b) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true and correct
list of (i) the Leased Real Properties and (ii) all Liens relating to or
affecting any of the Leased Real Properties to which Seller is a party. Seller
owns no real property other than Seller owned leasehold improvements, if any, on
the Leased Real Property.

          (c)  Subject to the terms of its respective leases, Seller has a valid
and subsisting leasehold estate in and the right to quiet enjoyment of each of
the Leased Real Properties for the full term of the leases (including renewal
periods) relating thereto. Each lease referred to in SECTION 3.16(b) above is a
legal, valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its


                                       23
<PAGE>

terms, of Seller and of each other Person that is a party thereto, and except as
set forth in SECTION 3.16(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no, and Seller
has not received notice of any, default (or any condition or event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) thereunder. Seller
does not owe brokerage commissions or finders fees with respect to any such
Leased Real Property, except to the extent that Seller may renew the term of any
such lease, in which case, any such commissions and fees would be in amounts
that are reasonable and customary for the spaces so leased, given their intended
use and terms.

          (d)  Except as disclosed in SECTION 3.16(d) of the Disclosure
Schedule, all improvements on the Leased Real Property (i) comply with and are
operated in accordance with applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws) and
all applicable Liens, Approvals, contracts, covenants and restrictions and (ii)
are in all material respects in good operating condition and in a state of good
maintenance and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and such improvements
are in all material respects adequate and suitable for the purposes for which
they are presently being used and there are no condemnation or appropriation
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened against any of
such real property or the improvements thereon.

          (e)  True and correct copies of the documents under which the Leased
Real Property is leased, subleased (to or by Seller or otherwise), utilized,
and/or operated (the "LEASE DOCUMENTS") have been delivered to Purchaser. The
Lease Documents are in full force and effect, and there are no other contracts
or agreements between Seller and any third party(ies), or, to Seller's
knowledge, by and among any third party(ies), claiming an interest in the
interest of Seller in the Leased Real Property or otherwise relating to the use
and occupancy of the Leased Real Property.

          (f)  Subject to any consents required to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as listed on Section 3.05 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller has the full and unrestricted power and unqualified right to
sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver the Assets to Purchaser without
penalty or other adverse consequences.

     Section 3.17 CUSTOMERS. Except as set forth on SECTION 3.17 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Seller has not received any notice, written or otherwise,
from any significant customer (defined for purposes of this SECTION 3.17 to be a
customer who has purchased $50,000 of products produced by or services sold by
the Business, in the aggregate, in any twelve (12) month period in any of the
last two fiscal years of Seller) that such customer has ceased, or will cease,
to use the products or services of Seller produced or sold by the Business or
has substantially reduced, or will substantially reduce, the use of such
products or services at any time. SECTION 3.17 of the Disclosure Schedule sets
forth all of Seller's significant customers, their addresses, and revenue for
the 12-month period ended December 31, 2000. Seller has provided to the
Purchaser the contact person and the telephone number for the significant
customers listed on SECTION 3.17 of the Disclosure Schedule. Seller believes
that the relationships with all of its significant customers are good. Except as
set forth in SECTION 3.17 of the Disclosure Schedule, Seller has not received
any customer complaints, written or otherwise, since the Letter of Intent
regarding its products or services in connection with the Business. Except as
disclosed in SECTION 3.17 of the Disclosure Schedule, to the knowledge of the
Seller, no such customer is threatened with bankruptcy or insolvency.


                                       24
<PAGE>

     Section 3.18 SUPPLIERS. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.18 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Seller has not received any notice, written or otherwise,
that any significant supplier will not sell raw materials, supplies, merchandise
and other goods related to the Business to Seller at any time after the Closing
Date on terms and conditions similar to those imposed on current sales to the
Business, subject only to general and customary price increases. Except as
disclosed in Section 3.18 of the Disclosure Schedule, to the knowledge of the
Seller, no such supplier is threatened with bankruptcy or insolvency.

     Section 3.19 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT MATTERS.

          (a)  PLANS AND MATERIAL DOCUMENTS. SECTION 3.19(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule lists all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) and all
bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, incentive, deferred
compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement,
severance or other benefit plans, programs or arrangements, and all employment,
termination, severance or other contracts or agreements, whether legally
enforceable or not, to which Seller is a party with respect to the Business,
with respect to which Seller has any obligation or which are maintained,
contributed to or sponsored by Seller for the benefit of any current or former
employee, officer or director of Seller with respect to the Business
(collectively, "PLANS").

          (b)  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES AND EVENTS. There has been no
prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section
4975 of the Code) with respect to any Plan. Seller has not incurred any
liability for any excise tax arising under Section 4971, 4972, 4980 or 4980B of
the Code and to the best of Seller's knowledge no fact or event exists which
could give rise to any such liability. Seller has not incurred any liability
under, arising out of or by operation of Title IV of ERISA (other than liability
for premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation arising in the ordinary
course), including, without limitation, any liability in connection with (i) the
termination or reorganization of any employee benefit plan subject to Title IV
of ERISA, or (ii) the withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple
Employer Plan, and no fact or event exists which could give rise to any such
liability. No complete or partial termination has occurred within the five years
preceding the date hereof with respect to any Plan. No reportable event (within
the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA) has occurred or is expected to occur with
respect to any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA. No Plan had an accumulated
funding deficiency (within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of
the Code), whether or not waived, as of the most recently ended plan year of
such Plan.

     Section 3.20 LABOR MATTERS. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.20 of the
Disclosure Schedule, (a) Seller is not a party to any collective bargaining
agreement or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by Seller
with respect to the Business, and currently to the knowledge of Seller, there
are no organizational campaigns, petitions or other unionization activities
seeking recognition of a collective bargaining unit which could affect the
Business; (b) there are no controversies, strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages
pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened between Seller and any of the
employees of the Business, and Seller has not experienced any such controversy,
strike, slowdown or work stoppage within the past three years; (c) Seller has
not breached or otherwise failed to comply with the provisions of any


                                       25
<PAGE>

collective bargaining or union contract with respect to the Business and there
are no grievances outstanding against Seller under any such agreement or
contract; (d) there are no unfair labor practice complaints pending against
Seller with respect to the Business before the National Labor Relations Board or
any other Governmental Authority or any current union representation questions
involving employees of the Business; (e) Seller is currently in compliance with
all applicable Laws relating to the employment of labor, including those related
to wages, hours, collective bargaining, employee benefits and the payment and
withholding of taxes and other sums as required by the appropriate Governmental
Authority with respect to the Business and has withheld and paid to the
appropriate Governmental Authority or is holding for payment not yet due to such
Governmental Authority all amounts required to be withheld from employees of the
Business and is not liable for any arrears of wages, taxes, penalties or other
sums for failure to comply with any of the foregoing; (f) Seller has paid in
full to all employees of the Business or adequately accrued for in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses,
benefits and other compensation due to or on behalf of such employees; (g) there
is no claim with respect to payment of wages, salary or overtime pay that has
been asserted or is now pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened before any
Governmental Authority with respect to any Persons currently or formerly
employed by Seller in the Business; (h) Seller is not a party to, or otherwise
bound by, any consent decree with, or citation by, any Governmental Authority
relating to employees or employment practices with respect to the Business; (i)
there is no charge or proceeding with respect to a violation of any occupational
safety or health standards that has been asserted or is now pending or, to
Seller's knowledge, threatened with respect to the Business; and (j) there is no
charge of discrimination in employment or employment practices, for any reason,
including, without limitation, age, gender, race, religion or other legally
protected category, which has been asserted or is now pending or, to Seller's
knowledge, threatened before the United States Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, or any other Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction in which
Seller has employed or currently employs any Person with respect to the
Business.

     Section 3.21 TAXES. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.21 of the Disclosure
Schedule, the Seller and each of its subsidiaries, and any affiliated,
consolidated, combined, unitary or aggregate group for Tax purposes of which the
Seller or any of its subsidiaries is or has been a member ("TAX MEMBER"), (i)
has or will have filed with the appropriate foreign taxing authorities or
Governmental Authorities all Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect
to Seller on or before the Closing Date, and such Tax Returns are or will be
true, correct and complete in all material respects and (ii) has paid in full or
has made adequate provision for in the Financial Statements, Interim Financial
Statement and Closing Balance Sheet (in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis) all Taxes which are due or claimed to be due from them by any
Governmental Authority. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.21(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, there are no Liens for Taxes upon the assets of Seller except for
statutory liens for current Taxes not yet due. The reserves for Taxes (except
for deferred taxes) reflected in the Parent's most recent financial statements
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are sufficient for the payment
of all unpaid Taxes (whether or not currently disputed) (including those of
other Tax Members) accrued through the date thereof. No Tax Member has requested
any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, which Tax Return has
not since been filed or, except as set forth in SECTION 3.21(a) of the
Disclosure Schedule, has waived any statute of limitations for, nor agreed to
any extension of time which has expired with respect to, the assessment of Taxes
of such Tax Member. Except as set forth in SECTION 3.21(a) of the


                                       26
<PAGE>

Disclosure Schedule, no power of attorney has been executed by Seller with
respect to any matter relating to Taxes which is currently in force.

     Section 3.22 INSURANCE.

          (a)  All material assets, properties and risks of the Business are,
and for the past five years have been, covered by valid and, except for policies
that have expired under their terms in the ordinary course, currently effective
insurance policies or binders of insurance (including, without limitation,
general liability insurance, property insurance and workers' compensation
insurance) issued in favor of Seller (the "INSURANCE POLICIES"), in each case
with insurance companies, in such types and amounts and covering such risks as
are consistent with customary practices and standards of companies engaged in
businesses and operations similar to those of Seller with respect to the
Business. SECTION 3.22 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true and complete
list (including the names and addresses of the insurers, the expiration dates
thereof, the annual premiums and payment terms thereof, the period of time
covered thereby and a brief description of the interests insured thereby) of the
Insurance Policies currently in effect that (a) have been issued to Seller or
(b) to the knowledge of Seller, have been issued to any Person (other than
Seller) for the benefit of Seller. The Insurance Policies set forth in SECTION
3.22 of the Disclosure Schedule will not terminate or lapse by reason of any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Ancillary
Agreements.

          (b)  At no time subsequent to December 31, 1998 has Seller (i) been
denied any insurance or indemnity bond coverage which it has requested with
respect to either the Assets or the Business, (ii) made any material reduction
in the scope or amount of its insurance coverage with respect to either the
Assets or the Business, or received notice from any of its insurance carriers
that any insurance premiums will be subject to increase in an amount materially
disproportionate to the amount of the increases with respect thereto (or with
respect to similar insurance) in prior years or that any insurance coverage
listed in SECTION 3.22(a) of the Disclosure Schedule will not be available in
the future substantially on the same terms as are now in effect or (iii)
suffered any extraordinary increase in premium for renewed coverage with respect
to either the Assets or the Business. Since December 31, 1998, no insurance
carrier has cancelled, failed to renew or materially reduced any insurance
coverage for Seller with respect to either the Assets or the Business or given
any notice or other indication of its intention to cancel, not renew or reduce
any such coverage with respect to either the Assets or the Business.

          (c)  SECTION 3.22(c) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all
claims made under any insurance policies covering Seller in the last two years.
Seller has not received notice that any insurer under any policy listed (or
required to be listed) in SECTION 3.22(a) of the Disclosure Schedule is denying,
disputing or questioning liability with respect to a claim thereunder or
defending under a reservation of rights clause. Seller has, in the reasonable
judgment of Seller, in light of its Business, location, operations and Assets,
maintained, at all times, without interruption, appropriate insurance, both in
scope and amount of coverages.

     Section 3.23 FULL DISCLOSURE

          (a)  Seller is not aware of any facts pertaining to Seller or the
Business which affect adversely Seller or the Business or which are likely in
the future to affect adversely Seller


                                       27
<PAGE>

or the Business and which have not been disclosed in this Agreement, the
Disclosure Schedule, the Financial Statements, the Interim Financial Statement,
the Closing Balance Sheet, or otherwise disclosed to Purchaser by Seller in
writing.

          (b)  No representation or warranty of Seller in this Agreement, nor
any statement or certificate furnished or to be furnished prior to or at the
Closing to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, or in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, contains or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

     Section 3.24 WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS.

          (a)  Seller does not have any written warranties, guarantees or
warranty policies.

          (b)  No salesperson, employee or agent of Seller is authorized to
undertake obligations to any customer or other Person in excess of the
statements in Seller's test manual previously delivered to Purchaser.

     Section 3.25 AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.

          (a)  Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 3.25 of the Disclosure Schedule,
(i) there are no agreements (written or oral) or Liabilities between the Seller,
on the one hand, and any current or former officer, director, shareholder, or to
Seller's knowledge, any Affiliate of the Seller, on the other hand, (ii) Seller
does not provide or cause to be provided any assets, services or facilities to
any such current or former officer, director, shareholder, or Affiliate, (iii)
neither Seller nor any such current or former officer, director, shareholder, or
Affiliate provides or causes to be provided any assets, services or facilities
to Seller and (iv) Seller does not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, any
interest in any such entity owned by current or former officer, director,
shareholder, or Affiliate.

          (b)  Except as disclosed in SECTION 3.25(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, each of the agreements and Liabilities listed in SECTION 3.25(b) of
the Disclosure Schedule were entered into or incurred, as the case may be, on
terms no less favorable to Seller (in the reasonable judgment of the Seller)
than if such agreement or Liability was entered into or incurred on an arm's
length basis on competitive terms. Any agreement to which Seller is a party and
in which any director of Seller has a financial interest in such agreement was
approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors of
Seller and shareholders of Seller in accordance with applicable Laws.

     Section 3.26 FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT. Neither Seller, nor to the
knowledge of Seller, any agent, employee or other Person associated with or
acting on behalf of Seller has, directly or indirectly, used any corporate funds
for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses
relating to political activity, made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic
government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or
campaigns from corporate funds, violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended or made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence
payment, kickback or other similar unlawful payment.


                                       28
<PAGE>

     Section 3.27 BROKERS. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to
any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements based
upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Seller.

     Section 3.28 MEDICARE/MEDICAID COMPLIANCE.

     Seller is qualified for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid
programs, has current and valid provider contracts with such programs, and is in
material compliance with the conditions of participation in such programs.
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, Seller has not received any notice from
the Medicare or Medicaid program of any pending or threatened investigations or
surveys, and Seller has no reason to believe that any such investigations or
surveys are pending, threatened or imminent.

                                  ARTICLE IIIA

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT

     As an inducement to Seller to enter into this Agreement, Parent hereby
represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

     Section 3A.01 ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY OF PARENT. Parent is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has all necessary corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it
is a party, to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and
delivery by Parent of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements to
which it is a party, the performance by Parent of its obligations hereunder and
thereunder and the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part
of Parent. This Agreement has been, and upon the execution of each of the
Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party will be, duly executed and delivered
by Parent, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Purchaser)
this Agreement constitutes, and upon their execution, each of the Ancillary
Agreements to which is a party, will constitute, legal, valid and binding
obligations of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with their
respective terms except as limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting
enforcement of creditors' rights and (ii) general principles of equity that
restrict the availability of equitable remedies (regardless of whether
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

     Section 3A.02 NO CONFLICT. Except as may result from any facts or
circumstances relating solely to Purchaser, the execution, delivery and
performance by Parent of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreementsto which it
is a party, do not and will not (a) violate, conflict with or result in the
breach of any provision of the Restated Articles of Organization or bylaws (or
other organizational documents) of Parent, (b) conflict with or violate any Law
or Governmental Order applicable to Parent or (c) conflict with, or result in
any breach of, constitute a default (or an event which with the giving of notice
or lapse of time, or both,


                                       29
<PAGE>

would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any
rights of termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or
cancellation of, or result in the creation of any encumbrance on any of the
assets or properties of Parent pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage or
indenture, contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or
other instrument or arrangement to which Parent is a party or by which any of
such assets or properties is bound or affected, which would have a material
adverse effect on the ability of Parent to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or by the Ancillary Agreements.

     Section 3A.03 BROKERS. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled
to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements based
upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Purchaser.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     As an inducement to Seller to enter into this Agreement, Purchaser hereby
represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

     Section 4.01 ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY OF PURCHASER. Purchaser is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of California and has all necessary corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, to carry out its
obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Ancillary Agreements by Purchaser, the performance by Purchaser of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by Purchaser of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all
requisite action on the part of Purchaser. This Agreement has been, and upon
their execution the Ancillary Agreements will be, duly executed and delivered by
Purchaser, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Seller)
this Agreement constitutes, and upon their execution the Ancillary Agreements
will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable
against Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms except as limited by
(i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights and (ii)
general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable
remedies (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law).

     Section 4.02 NO CONFLICT Assuming the making and obtaining of all filings,
notifications, consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions referred to
in SECTION 4.03, except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating
solely to Seller or Parent, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements by Purchaser, do not and will not (a)
violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of the Articles
of Incorporation or bylaws (or other organizational documents) of Purchaser, (b)
conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to Purchaser
or (c) conflict with, or result in any breach of, constitute a default (or an
event which with the


                                       30
<PAGE>

giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under,
require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination,
amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of, or result in
the creation of any encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of Purchaser
pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage or indenture, contract, agreement, lease,
sublease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which
Purchaser is a party or by which any of such assets or properties is bound or
affected, which would have a material adverse effect on the ability of Purchaser
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or by the
Ancillary Agreements.

     Section 4.03 GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a
party by Purchaser do not and will not require any consent, approval,
authorization or other order of, action by, filing with, or notification to, any
Governmental Authority.

     Section 4.04 BROKERS. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to
any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements based
upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Purchaser.

                                   ARTICLE V

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     Section 5.01 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING.

          (a)  Seller covenants and agrees that, between the date hereof and the
Closing, Seller shall not conduct the Business other than in the Ordinary Course
of Business. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller shall:

               (i)  carry on its business as presently conducted and only in the
Ordinary Course of Business;

               (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve its
business organization intact, to retain the services of its present employees
and to preserve the goodwill of its suppliers and customers;

               (iii) not purchase, sell, lease or dispose of any material
property or assets, license or transfer ownership of any of its Seller
Intellectual Property, incur any material liability, or make any material
commitment or enter into any other material transaction except in the Ordinary
Course of Business;

               (iv) not enter into any agreements with suppliers of products or
services except in the Ordinary Course of Business and after providing prior
notice thereof to purchaser;

               (v)  not issue any shares of capital stock or other securities or
options or rights to purchase capital stock or other securities;


                                       31
<PAGE>

               (vi) not make any dividend, redemption similar distribution or
any stock split, recapitalization or stock issuance of any kind; and

               (vii) not increase the compensation of any officer, employee or
agent, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business unless compensation
increases are specifically used to retain key employees for the six months after
Closing, and are previously accepted in writing by Purchaser.

          (b)  Except as described in SECTION 5.01(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller covenants and agrees that, prior to the Closing, without the
prior written consent of Purchaser, Seller will not do any of the things
enumerated in SECTION 3.10.

     Section 5.02 ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

          (a)  From the date hereof until the Closing, upon reasonable notice,
Seller shall and shall cause each of Seller's agents to: (i) afford the
Purchaser and agents of Purchaser reasonable access, during normal business
hours, to Seller's offices, properties, plants, other facilities, books and
records and to Seller's agents, and (ii) furnish to the Purchaser and agents of
Purchaser such additional financial and operating data, reasonable access to
other information regarding the Business and the assets, properties and goodwill
of Seller as Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request.

     Section 5.03 REGULATORY AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS; NOTICES AND CONSENTS.

          (a)  Seller shall use reasonable efforts to obtain all Approvals of
all Governmental Authorities and customers, vendors and other parties who may
have or be able to assert legal rights with respect to this transaction that may
be or become necessary for execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the
performance of Seller's obligations pursuant to, this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements and will reasonably cooperate with Purchaser in promptly
seeking to obtain all such Approvals. Purchaser shall cooperate with Seller if
reasonably requested by Seller to obtain such Approvals.

          (b)  Seller and Purchaser agree that, in the event any Approval
necessary or desirable to preserve for the Business or Purchaser any material
right or benefit under any lease, license, contract, commitment or other
agreement or arrangement that is part of the Assets or Assumed Liabilities to
which Seller is a party is not obtained prior to the Closing, Seller will,
subsequent to the Closing, cooperate with Purchaser in attempting to obtain such
Approval as promptly thereafter as practicable. If such Approval cannot be
obtained, Seller will use its reasonable efforts to provide Purchaser with the
rights and benefits of the affected lease, license, contract, commitment or
other agreement or arrangement for the term of such lease, license, contract or
other agreement or arrangement, and, if Seller provides such rights and
benefits, Purchaser shall assume the obligations and burdens thereunder.

     Section 5.04 NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENTS. Prior to the Closing, Seller shall
promptly notify Purchaser in writing of (a) all events, circumstances, facts and
occurrences arising subsequent to the date of this Agreement which could have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Business, and (b) all other material developments
affecting the Assets, Liabilities, business, financial condition,


                                       32
<PAGE>

operations, prospects, results of operations, customer or supplier relations,
employee relations or projections of the Business not in the Ordinary Course of
Business.

     Section 5.05 USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.


          (a)  Except as set forth in SECTION 5.05(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, from and after the Closing, Seller shall not use any of the Owned
Intellectual Property or the Licensed Intellectual Property.

          (b)  Seller grants to Purchaser an exclusive (even as to Seller),
worldwide, paid-up, non-transferable (except in connection with a Change of
Control of Purchaser), non-sublicenseable, irrevocable (except in certain
limited circumstances identified in the Transition Services Agreement),
royalty-free license for one year from the Closing Date to use the name "BBI
Clinical Laboratories" and no derivations or modifications thereof including the
trademark "BBI" or the related logo, solely in connection with the Business as
set forth in the Trademark License Agreement.

     Section 5.06 BULK TRANSFER LAWS. Prior to Closing, Seller shall comply with
any applicable bulk sale or bulk transfer laws of any jurisdiction in connection
with the sale of the Assets to Purchaser (other than any obligations with
respect to the application of the proceeds herefrom).

     Section 5.07 COOPERATION WITH FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.


          (a)  Not later than the longer of (i) 45 days after the Closing or
(ii) March 1, 2001, Seller shall, at Seller's own expense, deliver to Purchaser
unaudited balance sheets of Seller as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
and the related unaudited statements of operations and shareholders' equity
(collectively, the "FISCAL YEAR-END FINANCIAL STATEMENT"). The Fiscal Year-End
Financial Statement (i) shall be prepared in accordance with the books of
account and other financial records of Seller, (ii) present fairly the financial
condition and results of operations of Seller related to the Business as of the
dates thereof or for the periods covered thereby, (iii) be prepared in
accordance with GAAP excluding notes applied on a basis consistent with the past
practices of Seller and throughout the periods involved, and (iv) include all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary
for a fair presentation of the financial condition of Seller related to the
Business and the results of the operations of Seller related to the Business as
of the dates thereof for the periods covered thereby. Seller shall be
responsible for any costs, expenses and fees of outside auditors in connection
with this SECTION 5.07(a).

          (b)  To the extent that additional financial disclosures relating to
the Business are required for the Purchaser to comply with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "RULES"), or if such
Rules require that the financial statements described in SECTION 3.06 hereof be
audited and/or included in any registration statement or report of Purchaser,
Seller shall cooperate on a timely basis with the reasonable requests of
Purchaser to achieve compliance with such disclosure or audit requirements.
Purchaser shall be responsible for any costs, expenses and fees of outside
auditors in connection with this SECTION 5.08(b).


                                       33
<PAGE>

     Section 5.08 NO SOLICITATION. Until March 10, 2001, Seller will not take
(and since January 16, 2001 inclusive has not taken), nor will Seller permit any
of Seller's officers, directors, employees, stockholders, attorneys, investment
advisors, agents, representatives or Affiliates (collectively,
"REPRESENTATIVES") to (directly or indirectly), take any of the following
actions with any Person other than Purchaser and its designees: (a) solicit,
encourage, initiate, entertain, accept receipt of, review or encourage any
proposals or offers from, or participate in or conduct discussions with or
engage in negotiations with, any Person relating to any offer or proposal, oral,
written or otherwise, formal or informal (a "COMPETING PROPOSED TRANSACTION"),
with respect to any possible Business Combination with Seller, (b) provide
information with respect to Seller to any Person, other than Purchaser, relating
to (or which Seller believes would be used for the purpose of formulating an
offer or proposal with respect to), or otherwise assist, cooperate with,
facilitate or encourage any effort or attempt by any such Person with regard to,
any possible Business Combination with Seller, (c) agree to, enter into a
contract with any Person, other than Seller, providing for, or approve a
Business Combination with Seller, (d) make or authorize any statement,
recommendation, solicitation or endorsement in support of any possible Business
Combination with Seller other than by Purchaser, or (e) authorize or permit any
of Seller's Representatives to take any such action. Seller shall immediately
cease and cause to be terminated any such contacts or negotiations with any
Person relating to any such Business Combination. In addition to the foregoing,
if Seller or any of its Representatives receives prior to the earlier of the
Closing or the termination of this Agreement any offer or proposal (formal or
informal, oral, written or otherwise) relating to, or any inquiry or contact
from any Person with respect to, a Competing Proposed Transaction, Seller shall
immediately notify Purchaser thereof and provide Purchaser with the details
thereof, including the identity of the Person or Persons making such offer or
proposal, and will keep Purchaser fully informed on a current basis of the
status and details of any such offer or proposal and of any modifications to the
terms thereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this provision shall not in any way be
deemed to limit the obligations of Seller and its Representatives set forth in
the previous sentence. Each of Seller and Purchaser acknowledge that this
SECTION 5.08 was a significant inducement for Purchaser to enter into this
Agreement and the absence of such provision would have resulted in either (i) a
material reduction in the Purchase Price to be paid or (ii) a failure to induce
Purchaser to enter into this Agreement.

     Section 5.09 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. Unless otherwise required by Law (including
federal and state securities laws) or by the rules and regulations of the NASD
or the New York Stock Exchange, prior to the Closing Date, no disclosure
(whether or not in response to any inquiry) of the existence of any subject
matter of, or the terms and conditions of, this Agreement shall be made by any
party hereto unless approved by Purchaser and Seller in writing prior to
release; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed.

     Section 5.10 TRANSITION OF CUSTOMER FILES. Seller shall provide reasonable
cooperation to effect the timely and accurate transition of all customer files
(including files in electronic format) to Purchaser's facilities and/or computer
servers.

     Section 5.11 CONFIDENTIALITY. The parties acknowledge that Purchaser and
Seller have previously executed the Letter of Intent and that the Letter of
Intent contains confidentiality provisions which shall continue in full force
and effect, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or integration of
the Letter of Intent into this Agreement.


                                       34
<PAGE>

     Section 5.12 FURTHER ACTION. Each of the parties hereto shall use all
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, do or
cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable
Laws, including obtaining any necessary consents or approvals from, or making
any necessary filings with any domestic regulatory agencies, and execute and
deliver such documents and other papers, as may be required to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and consummate and
make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary
Agreements.

     Section 5.13 REAGENT RENTAL AGREEMENTS.

     Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts in assisting Seller in
terminating any reagent rental agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Purchaser shall not assume any reagent rental agreements of Seller under this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                EMPLOYEE MATTERS

     Section 6.01 EMPLOYEES SECTION 6.01 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a
true and complete list of all employees of the Business as of the date hereof
and sets forth their position, current salary and status. Seller shall update
such information with as much notice to Purchaser as possible prior to the
Closing Date. Seller shall be obligated to pay to each employee all wages,
salaries, commissions, compensation for accrued vacation, and bonuses earned by
him or her prior to the Closing Date other than bonuses which by their terms are
not payable unless such employee remains employed through the Closing Date.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   TAX MATTERS

     Section 7.01 INDEMNITY. Purchaser shall be responsible for Taxes in
connection with use of the Assets and the Business after the Closing Date.
Seller agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser against all other Taxes
and against any loss, damage, liability or expense, including reasonable fees
for attorneys and other outside consultants, incurred in contesting or otherwise
in connection with such other Taxes, including without limitation, (i) Taxes
imposed on Purchaser or the Business with respect to taxable periods ending on
or before the Closing Date; (ii) with respect to taxable periods beginning
before the Closing Date and ending after the Closing Date, Taxes imposed on
Purchaser or the Business which are allocable to the portion of such period
ending on the Closing Date; and (iii) Taxes imposed on Purchaser as a result of
any breach of warranty or misrepresentation under SECTIONS 2.04(b) OR 3.21 of
this Agreement. Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Seller against
all other Taxes and against any loss, damage, liability or expense, including
reasonable fees for attorneys and other outside consultants, incurred in
contesting or otherwise in connection with such other Taxes, including without
limitation, (i) Taxes imposed on Seller or the Business with respect to taxable
periods beginning after the Closing Date; (ii) with respect to taxable periods
beginning before the Closing Date and ending after the Closing Date, Taxes
imposed on Seller or the Business which are allocable to the portion of such
period after the Closing Date.


                                       35
<PAGE>

     Section 7.02 CONVEYANCE TAXES. Seller shall be liable for and shall hold
Purchaser harmless against any real property transfer or gains, sales, use,
transfer, value added, stock transfer, and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording,
registration, and other fees, and any similar Taxes which become payable in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements.

     Section 7.03 MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a)  Seller and Purchaser agree to treat all payments made by either
to or for the benefit of the other under this Article VII, under other indemnity
provisions of this Agreement and for any misrepresentations or breach of
warranties or covenants, as adjustments to the Purchase Price for Tax purposes
and that such treatment shall govern for purposes hereof.

          (b)  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary,
the obligations of Seller to indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser pursuant to
this Article VII, and the representations and warranties contained in SECTION
3.21, shall terminate at the close of business on the 120th day following the
expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to the Tax
liabilities in question (giving effect to any waiver, mitigation or extension
thereof).

          (c)  For purposes of this Article VII, "Purchaser" and "Seller,"
respectively, shall include each member of the affiliated group of corporations
of which it is or becomes a member.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

     Section 8.01 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER. The obligations of Seller
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject
to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following
conditions:

          (a)  REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. The representations
and warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall have been true and
correct in all material respects when made and shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made
as of the Closing Date, other than such representations and warranties as are
made as of another date, the covenants and agreements contained in this
Agreement to be complied with by Purchaser on or before the Closing shall have
been complied with in all material respects, and Seller shall have received a
certificate from Purchaser to such effect signed by a duly authorized officer
thereof;

          (b)  NO PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION. No Action shall have been commenced
by or before any Governmental Authority against Seller or by or before any
Governmental Authority against Purchaser, seeking to restrain or materially and
adversely alter the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which, in the
reasonable, good faith determination of Seller, is likely to render it difficult
or unlawful to consummate such transactions;

          (c)  ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS. Purchaser shall have executed and delivered
to Seller each of the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party;


                                       36
<PAGE>

          (d)  SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE. A certificate of the Secretary of
Purchaser, certifying that the attached copies of the articles of incorporation
of Purchaser, bylaws of Purchaser and resolutions of the board of directors of
Purchaser authorizing the execution of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby are true, correct and complete and are each in full force
and effect and have not been amended or modified, and that the officers of the
Purchaser are those persons named in the certificate;

          (e)  NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT. Purchaser shall have executed and

delivered to Seller and Parent a Non-Competition Agreement, in the form of
EXHIBIT E attached hereto, which shall be in full force and effect;

          (f)  CONSUMMATION OF TRANSACTION. The Closing shall have occurred no
later than February 21, 2001; and

          (g)  TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT. Purchaser shall have entered into
a Transition Services Agreement, in the form of EXHIBIT C attached hereto, which
shall be in full force and effect.

     SECTION 8.02 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER. The obligations of
Purchaser to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following
conditions:

          (a)  REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. The representations
and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall have been true and
correct in all material respects when made and shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing with the same force and effect as if made as
of the Closing, other than such representations and warranties as are made as of
another date, the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement to be
complied with by Seller on or before the Closing shall have been complied with
in all material respects, and Purchaser shall have received a certificate of
Seller to such effect signed by a duly authorized officer thereof;

          (b)  NO PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION. No Action shall have been commenced
or threatened by or before any Governmental Authority against either Seller or
Purchaser, seeking to restrain or materially and adversely alter the
transactions contemplated hereby which in the good faith determination of
Purchaser is likely to render it difficult or unlawful to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
provisions of this SECTION 8.02(b) shall not apply if Purchaser has solicited or
encouraged any such Action;

          (c)  EMPLOYEES. Seller shall have a sufficient number of employees to
satisfy its obligations under the Transition Services Agreement and to operate
the Business in the manner operated prior to Closing subject to such reductions
as may be appropriate based on the volume of assays performed. Each employee
designated by Purchaser shall have executed and delivered to Seller, Seller's
standard form of Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement and
associated schedules and statements without amendment or modification thereto in
any substantive respect;

          (d)  RESOLUTIONS OF SELLER AND PARENT. Purchaser shall have received a
true and complete copy, certified by the Clerk or an Assistant Clerk of Seller
and Parent, respectively, of


                                       37
<PAGE>

the resolutions duly and validly adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller and
Parent, respectively, and the holders of a majority in interest of voting stock
of the Seller evidencing their authorization of the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

          (e)  LEGAL OPINION. Purchaser shall have received from Brown, Rudnick,
Freed & Gesmer an opinion, addressed to Purchaser and dated the Closing Date,
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT D;

          (f)  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. Purchaser and Seller shall have received,
each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser in its sole and
absolute discretion, all Approvals of all Governmental Authorities and all third
party consents and estoppel certificates which Purchaser reasonably deems
necessary or desirable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements;

          (g)  ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS. Seller and, if applicable, Parent, shall
have executed and delivered to Purchaser each of the Ancillary Agreements to
which it is a party;

          (h)  ASSIGNMENTS. All assignments of Intellectual Property rights
necessary, in the reasonable discretion of Purchaser, to effect the transactions
contemplated hereby and by the Ancillary Agreements shall have been consummated;

          (i)  NO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. No circumstance, change in, or effect
on the Business shall have occurred which has a Material Adverse Effect it being
agreed that the seasonality of tick borne disease testing does not constitute a
Material Adverse Effect. Purchaser shall be provided with a certificate of the
President of Seller to that effect at Closing;

          (j)  DUE DILIGENCE. Purchaser shall have been satisfied with the
results of its intellectual property, financial, customer, technical and legal
due diligence. Such diligence to include access and review of Seller's external
auditors paperwork and meetings with Seller's Accountants;

          (k)  NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS. Seller and Parent shall each have
executed and delivered to Purchaser a Non-Competition Agreement attached hereto
in the form of EXHIBIT E which shall be in full force and effect;

          (l)  CONSUMMATION OF TRANSACTION. The Closing shall have occurred no
later than February 21, 2001;

          (m)  TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT. Seller and Purchaser shall have
entered into a Transition Service Agreement in the form of EXHIBIT C attached
hereto, which shall be in full force and effect;

          (n)  SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE. A certificate of the Secretary of Seller
and Parent, certifying that the attached copies of the certificate of
incorporation of Seller and Parent, respectively, bylaws of Seller and Parent,
respectively, and resolutions of the board of directors of Seller and Parent,
respectively, authorizing the execution of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby are true, correct and complete and are each in full force
and


                                       38
<PAGE>

effect and have not been amended or modified, and that the officers of the
Seller and Parent, respectively, are those persons named in the certificate; and

          (o)  BULK SALES LAWS. Prior to Closing, Seller shall demonstrate
compliance with any applicable bulk sale or bulk transfer laws of any
jurisdiction in connection with the sale of the Assets to Purchaser (other than
any obligations with respect to the application of the proceeds herefrom).

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

     Section 9.01 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The
representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements, and all statements contained in the Acquisition Documents,
shall survive the Closing until twelve (12) months thereafter; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that (a) the representations and warranties in SECTION 3.02 shall
survive indefinitely, (b) the representations and warranties set forth in
SECTIONS 3.13 and 3.21 shall survive until thirty (30) calendar days after the
expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, (c) the representations and
warranties dealing with Tax matters shall survive as provided in SECTION
7.03(b), and (d) insofar as any claim is made by Purchaser for the breach of any
representation or warranty of Seller contained herein, which claim arises out of
allegations of personal injury or property damage suffered by any third party on
or prior to the Closing Date or attributable to products or Inventory sold or
shipped, or activities or omissions that occur, on or prior to the Closing Date,
such representations and warranties shall, for purposes of such claim by
Purchaser, survive until thirty (30) calendar days after the expiration of the
applicable statute of limitations governing such claims. Neither the period of
survival nor the liability of Seller or Parent with respect to Seller's
representations and warranties shall be reduced by any investigation made at any
time by or on behalf of Purchaser. If written notice of a claim has been given
prior to the expiration of the applicable representations and warranties by
Purchaser to Seller, then the relevant representations and warranties shall
survive as to such claim until the claim has been finally resolved.

     Section 9.02 SELLER AND PARENT INDEMNIFICATION; ESCROW PROVISIONS.

          (a)  ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ESCROW FUND. On or before the Closing, the
Escrow Amount will be deposited by Purchaser, such deposit to constitute the
"ESCROW FUND" to be governed by the terms of the Escrow Agreement. All interest
accrued on the Escrow Fund, whether incurred before or after Closing, shall be
the property of the Seller.

          (b)  INDEMNIFICATION; RECOURSE TO THE ESCROW FUND.

               (i)  Seller and Parent shall jointly and severally, indemnify,
Purchaser and its officers, directors, employees, agents and Affiliates
(collectively, the "PURCHASER INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") for any and all Losses under
this ARTICLE IX or ARTICLE VII (whether or not involving a Third Party Claim)
and incurred or sustained by the Purchaser's Indemnified Parties, directly or
indirectly, (A) as a result of any inaccuracy or breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement of Seller contained herein or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this


                                       39
<PAGE>

Agreement (B) any and all Losses suffered or incurred by Purchaser by reason of
or in connection with any claim or cause of action of any third party to the
extent arising out of any action, inaction, event, condition, liability or
obligation of Seller occurring or existing prior to the Closing which are
Excluded Liabilities; (C) Liabilities, whether arising before or after the
Closing Date, that are not expressly assumed by Purchaser pursuant to this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the Excluded Liabilities; or (D) any
adjustment in consideration pursuant to SECTION 2; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, Purchaser
may not make any claims against Seller or Parent (except for the adjustments in
consideration pursuant to SECTION 2) unless the aggregate Losses incurred or
sustained exceed $175,000 (the "SELLER DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT"), and then only for
the amount in excess of $175,000; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that any claims pursuant to
any adjustment in consideration pursuant to SECTION 2 shall not be subject to
the Seller Deductible Amount, but shall be recoverable from the first dollar.
The Purchaser shall only be entitled to assert individual claims in the amount
of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or more, it being intended that individual
claims in an amount less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) shall be disregarded
for such purposes including for the purpose of limiting the Seller Deductible
Amount. The Escrow Fund shall be available to compensate Purchaser Indemnified
Parties for any and all Losses to be indemnified by Seller or Parent through
this SECTION 9.02(b)(i). Neither Seller nor Parent shall have any liability
under their respective indemnification obligations under this ARTICLE VII or IX
to Purchaser in excess of the Purchase Price in the aggregate.

               (ii) The Escrow Fund shall be the first form of recourse
available to Purchaser against Seller or Parent with respect to any Losses but
shall not limit any other remedies available at law or in equity (including for
tort) to Purchaser.

               (iii) Any amount which becomes due and payable to Purchaser under
this ARTICLE IX shall first be paid or otherwise satisfied out of the Escrow
Fund until the same has been exhausted.

     Section 9.03 THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS.

          (a)  In the event Purchaser becomes aware of a third-party claim (a
"THIRD PARTY CLAIM") which Purchaser reasonably expects may result in a demand
against the Escrow Fund, Purchaser shall notify Seller of such claim, and Seller
shall be entitled, at its expense, to participate in any defense of such claim.
Purchaser shall have the right in its sole discretion to settle any Third Party
Claim; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Purchaser settles any Third Party Claim
without the Seller's consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed), Purchaser may not make a claim against the Escrow Fund with respect
to the amount of Losses incurred by Purchaser in such settlement. In the event
that Seller has consented to any such settlement, Seller shall have no power or
authority to object under any provision of this Article IX to the amount of any
claim by Purchaser against the Escrow Fund with respect to the amount of Losses
incurred by Purchaser in such settlement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, Purchaser does not
make a claim from the Escrow Fund greater than the settlement amount disclosed
in writing to Seller.

          (b)  If any Action is filed or initiated against any party entitled to
the benefit of indemnity hereunder ("THIRD PARTY CLAIM"), written notice thereof
shall be given to the indemnifying party as promptly as practicable (and in any
event within ten (10) days after the


                                       40
<PAGE>

service of the citation or summons); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the failure of any
indemnified party to give timely notice shall not affect rights to
indemnification hereunder except to the extent that the indemnifying party
demonstrates actual damage caused by such failure. After such notice, the
indemnifying party shall be entitled, if it so elects, after written notice to
the indemnified party, to take control of the defense and investigation of such
Third Party Claim and to employ and engage attorneys of its own choice to handle
and defend the same, such attorneys to be reasonably satisfactory to the
indemnified party, at the indemnifying party's cost, risk and expense (unless
(i) the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense of such Third Party
Claim or (ii) the named parties to such Third Party Claim include both of the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party, and the indemnified party and its
counsel determine in good faith that there may be one or more legal defenses
available to such indemnified party that are different from or additional to
those available to the indemnifying party and that joint representation would be
inappropriate), and to compromise or settle such Third Party Claim, which
compromise or settlement shall be made only with the written consent of the
indemnified party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The indemnified
party may withhold such consent if such compromise or settlement would adversely
affect the conduct of business or requires less than an unconditional release to
be obtained. If (i) the indemnifying party fails to assume the defense of such
Third Party Claim within fifteen (15) days after receipt of notice thereof
pursuant to this SECTION 9.03, or (ii) the named parties to such Third Party
Claim include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and the
indemnified party and its counsel determine in good faith that there may be one
or more legal defenses available to such indemnified party that are different
from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party and that joint
representation would be inappropriate, the indemnified party against which such
Third Party Claim has been filed or initiated will (upon delivering notice to
such effect to the indemnifying party) have the right to undertake, at the
indemnifying party's cost and expense, the defense, compromise or settlement of
such Third Party Claim on behalf of and for the account and risk of the
indemnifying party; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such Third Party Claim shall not be
compromised or settled without the written consent of the indemnifying party,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event the indemnified
party assumes defense of the Third Party Claim, the indemnified party will keep
the indemnifying party reasonably informed of the progress of any such defense,
compromise or settlement and will consult with, when appropriate, and consider
any reasonable advice from, the indemnifying party of any such defense,
compromise or settlement. The indemnifying party shall be liable for any
settlement of any action effected pursuant to and in accordance with this
SECTION 9.03 and for any final judgment (subject to any right of appeal).

          (c)  Regardless of whether the indemnifying party or the indemnified
party takes up the defense, the indemnifying party will pay reasonable costs and
expenses in connection with the defense, compromise or settlement for any Third
Party Claim under this SECTION 9.03.

          (d)  The indemnified party shall cooperate in all reasonable respects
with the indemnifying party and such attorneys in the investigation, trial and
defense of such Third Party Claim and any appeal arising therefrom; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the indemnified party may, at its own cost, participate in the
investigation, trial and defense of such Third Party Claim and any appeal
arising therefrom. The indemnifying party shall pay all expenses due under this
SECTION 9.03 as such expenses become due. In the event such expenses are not so
paid, the indemnified party shall be entitled to settle any Third Party Claim
under this SECTION 9.03


                                       41
<PAGE>

without the consent of the indemnifying party and without waiving any rights the
indemnified party may have against the indemnifying party.

     Section 9.04 PURCHASER INDEMNIFICATION.

     Purchaser shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Seller and its
officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns ("SELLER INDEMNIFIED
PARTIES") from and against any and all Losses incurred in connection with,
arising out of, resulting from or incident to (1) any inaccuracy or breach of
any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement of Purchaser contained
herein or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, (2) Assumed
Liabilities (to the extent of the amount of such Liability represented by Seller
in the Disclosure Schedule), or (3) use of the trade name "BBI Clinical
Laboratories" in violation of the Trademark License Agreement, and (4) the
operation of the Business by Purchaser or the Purchaser's ownership, operation
or use of the Assets following the Closing; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Seller may
not make any claims against Purchaser unless the aggregate Losses incurred or
sustained exceed $175,000 and then only for the amount in excess of $175,000
(the "PURCHASER DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT"). In the event that the Purchaser Deductible
Amount has been equaled or exceeded, including for purposes of calculating the
Purchaser Deductible Amount, the Seller shall only be entitled to assert
individual claims in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or more, it
being intended that individual claims in an amount less than One Thousand
Dollars ($1,000) shall be disregarded for such purposes. Purchaser shall not
have any liability under its indemnification obligations under this ARTICLE IX
to any Seller Indemnified Party in excess of the Purchase Price in the
aggregate.

                                   ARTICLE X

                             TERMINATION AND WAIVER

     Section 10.01 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing:

          (a)  by Purchaser if, between the date hereof and the time scheduled
for the Closing an event or condition occurs that has resulted in or that
Purchaser reasonably believes may result in a Material Adverse Effect;

          (b)  by either Seller or Purchaser if the Closing shall not have
occurred by February 21, 2001; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to terminate
this Agreement under this SECTION 10.01(b) shall not be available to any party
whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall have been the
cause of, or shall have resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or
prior to such date;

          (c)  by either Purchaser or Seller in the event that any Governmental
Authority shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become
final and nonappealable; or

          (d)  by the mutual written consent of Seller and Purchaser.


                                       42
<PAGE>

     Section 10.02 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of this
Agreement as provided in SECTION 10.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and there shall be no liability on the part of any party hereto except that
nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for any willful breach of
this Agreement.

     Section 10.03 WAIVER. Any party to this Agreement may (a) extend the time
for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party,
(b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other
party contained herein or in any document delivered by the other party pursuant
hereto, or (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of the
other party contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only
if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party to be bound
thereby. Any waiver of any term or condition shall not be construed as a waiver
of any subsequent breach or a subsequent waiver of the same term or condition,
or a waiver of any other term or condition, of this Agreement. The failure of
any party to assert any of its rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of
any of such rights.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 11.01 EXPENSES. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement,
all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of
counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party
incurring such costs and expenses, whether or not the Closing shall have
occurred.

     Section 11.02 NOTICES. Any notice, request, demand or other communication
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been given (i) if delivered or sent by facsimile transmission, upon
acknowledgment of receipt by the recipient, (ii) if sent by a nationally
recognized overnight courier, properly addressed with postage prepaid, on the
second business day after being sent (or Saturday or Sunday if sent for delivery
on such days), (iii) or if sent by registered or certified mail, upon the
earlier of the date on which receipt is acknowledged or the date which is three
(3) days after deposit in Untied States post office facilities properly
addressed with postage prepaid. All notices to a party will be sent to the
addresses set forth below or to such other address or parent as such party may
designate by notice to each other party hereunder:

         If to Seller or Parent to:

                  BBI Clinical Laboratories, Inc.
                  c/o Boston Biomedica, Inc.
                  375 West Street
                  West Bridgewater, MA  02379
                  Phone: (508) 580-1900
                  Fax:   (508) 580-1110
                  Attn:  Richard T. Schumacher


                                       43
<PAGE>

                  With a copy to:

                  Steven R. London, Esq.
                  Brown Rudnick Freed & Gesmer
                  One Financial Center
                  Boston, MA  02111
                  Phone: (617) 856-8200
                  Fax:   (617) 856-8201

         If to Purchaser:

                  Specialty Laboratories, Inc
                  1626 26th Street
                  South Tower, Fifth Floor
                  Santa Monica, CA  90404
                  Attn:  Paul Beyer
                  Phone: (310) 828-6543
                  Fax:   (310) 828-9413

                  With a copy to:

                  Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP
                  550 South Hope Street
                  Los Angeles, CA  90071
                  Attn:  Kenneth R. Bender
                  Phone: (213) 489-4060
                  Fax:   (213) 745-3345

     Section 11.03 HEADINGS. The descriptive headings contained in this
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way
the meaning, construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

     Section 11.04 SEVERABILITY. If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or
public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the
original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in
order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally
contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

     Section 11.05 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Annexes,
Exhibits and Disclosure Schedule) constitutes the entire agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements (including the Letter of Intent, other than the confidentiality
provisions of the Letter of Intent which shall survive and are


                                       44
<PAGE>

incorporated herein), representations, undertakings and understandings, both
written and oral, between Seller and Purchaser with respect to the subject
matter hereof.

     Section 11.06 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by operation
of Law or otherwise without the express written consent of Seller and Purchaser
(which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Seller and
Purchaser); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each party may assign this Agreement to an
Affiliate of the other party without the consent of the other party and without
diminishing each party's obligations hereunder.

     Section 11.07 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted
assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any other Person, including, without limitation, any union or any employee
or former employee of Seller, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of
any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any rights of employment
for any specified period, under or by reason of this Agreement.

     Section 11.08 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or
supplemented except (a) by an instrument in writing signed by, or on behalf of,
Seller and Purchaser or (b) by a waiver in accordance with SECTION 10.03.

     Section 11.09 GOVERNING LAW. IN ALL RESPECTS, INCLUDING ALL MATTERS OF
CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF
EACH PARTY ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS
EXECUTED IN AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE PRINCIPLES THEREOF REGARDING CONFLICT OF LAWS.

     Section 11.10 ARBITRATION. The parties shall submit any dispute concerning
this interpretation of or the enforcement of rights and duties under this
Agreement to final and binding arbitration pursuant to the American Arbitration
Association. At the request of any party, the arbitrators, attorneys, parties to
the arbitration, witnesses, experts, court reports, or other persons present at
the arbitration shall agree in writing to maintain the strict confidentiality of
the arbitration proceedings. Arbitration shall be conducted by a single, neutral
arbitrator, appointed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association in the City of San Francisco, California. The
award of the arbitrator(s) shall be enforceable according to the applicable
provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure. The arbitrator(s) may
award damages and/or permanent injunctive relief, but in no event shall the
arbitrator(s) have the authority to award punitive or exemplary damages.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a party may apply to a court of competent
jurisdiction for relief in the form of a temporary restraining order or
preliminary injunction, or other provisional remedy pending final determination
of a claim through arbitration in accordance with the paragraph. If proper
notice of any hearing has been given, the arbitrator(s) will have full power to
proceed to take evidence or to perform any other acts necessary to arbitrate the
matter in the absence of any party who fails to appear.


                                       45
<PAGE>

     Section 11.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each
of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

     Section 11.12 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was
not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be
entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other
remedy at Law or equity, without the necessity of demonstrating the inadequacy
of money damages.

              [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


                                       46
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized.

                                       BBI CLINICAL LABORATORIES, INC.
                                       a Massachusetts corporation


                                       By:    /s/ RICHARD T. SCHUMACHER
                                              ---------------------------------
                                       Name:  Richard T. Schumacher
                                       Title: COO


                                       BOSTON BIOMEDICA, INC.
                                       a Massachusetts corporation


                                       By:    /s/ RICHARD T. SCHUMACHER
                                              ----------------------------------
                                       Name:  Richard T. Schumacher
                                       Title: CEO


<PAGE>

                                       SPECIALTY LABORATORIES
                                       a California corporation


                                       By:    /s/ PAUL BEYER
                                              ---------------------------------
                                       Name:  Paul Beyer
                                       Title: President


                  [SIGNATURE PAGE TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX A


                          ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE


                                   (US $000s)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                <S>                                 <C>
                Inventory                           $  244

                Miscellaneous assets                   358

                Equipment                              150

                Gross Accounts Receivable            2,405

                Goodwill                             6,343
                                                    ------

                Total                               $9,500
                                                    ======
</TABLE>


<PAGE>