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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

     AGREEMENT BETWEEN IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, INC. AND SIGMA DIAGNOSTICS

     This Distributorship Agreement (hereinafter the "Agreement") is between
IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of Florida,
(together with its affiliates Delta Biologicals, Diamedix Corporation, and
Immunovision, Inc., hereinafter referred to as "IVAX Diagnostics"),and SIGMA
DIAGNOSTICS, Inc. (hereinafter "SIGMA"), a corporation existing under the laws
of Missouri.

     WHEREAS, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS desires to sell and/or market its products and
SIGMA desires to purchase certain of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS's products for resale to
customers; and

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into an agreement setting forth the
terms of their relationship;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

1.   Products. The product(s) of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS covered by this Agreement are
     set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto (hereinafter the "Product(s)"). For
     avoidance of doubt, "Product" or "Products" means only products purchased
     from IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, and marketed under a trademark or trade name of
     SIGMA. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS reserves the right to discontinue or modify the
     Products from time to time, and shall, to the extent practicable, give
     SIGMA at least six (6) months prior written notice before discontinuation
     or making changes to Product hardware and software that would have an
     impact on any of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS product verifications or validations, or
     changes in raw materials that would alter the operating principle of the
     Products or other changes that could impact product labeling or promotional
     literature; provided, however, that IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be required to
     provide SIGMA with only reasonable advance notice where such discontinuance
     or modification is required to comply with any applicable legal or
     regulatory requirement or the unanticipated modification or unavailability
     of raw material. Additional products may be added to Exhibit A by mutual
     consent of the Parties.

2.   Appointment and Acceptance.

     (a)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS hereby appoints SIGMA as their distributor of the
          Product(s) and grants SIGMA the right and license to import, use,
          possess, market, sell and distribute the Product(s) in the United
          States and outside the United States (the "Territory") and the right
          to extend to Affiliates, sub-distributors and purchasers rights of the
          same scope as granted herein

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          to use, possess, market, sell and distribute Product(s) in the
          Territory subject to the provisions of Section 23 hereof.

     (b)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS reserves the unlimited right to sell directly and
          through distributors (but specifically excluding distributors that
          manufacture or have manufactured ELISA kits in significant quantities
          in the Territory) products similar to the Product, under its own
          trademark or trade name.

          IVAX DIAGNOSTICS reserves the unlimited right to sell a product
          similar to the Product to Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, under any trade
          name.

3.   Term and Renewal.

     (a)  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years,
          becoming effective on May 1, 1999 (the "Inital Term"), and shall
          automatically renew- for additional and successive terms of one (1)
          year unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at
          least ninety (90) days prior to the close of the Initial Term or of
          any anniversary date thereafter.

     (b)  The Agreement between the parties dated May 13, 1998 (the "Prior
          Agreement"), and each section thereof, is hereby terminated, and shall
          be of no further force or effect as of the after the effective date of
          this Agreement, except that products purchased by SIGMA under the
          Prior Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

4.   Terms of Sale.

     (a)  The price for the Products is outlined in Exhibit A.

          The parties acknowledge that, in certain situations, SIGMA will face
          substantial competition in marketing the Products. In these highly
          competitive situations, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will discuss with SIGMA the
          possibility of reducing the Purchase Price so that SIGMA is able to
          resell the Products at competitive prices.

     (b)  SIGMA shall be required to purchase a minimum of 550 Products in the
          Territory during the Initial Term as per the minimum obligation
          outlined in Exhibit A. Any outstanding orders placed by Sigma and any
          previous orders shall not be counted toward the 550 unit minimum.
          Minimum purchase after the Initial Term shall be mutually agreed upon
          between the parties in good faith.

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     (c)  Payment terms are net forty-five (45) days from date of invoice.

     (d)  Title and risk of loss shall pass to SIGMA upon release of Products
          for shipment by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to the designated carrier. All
          freight, applicable insurance charges, taxes, duties and similar
          charges shall be the responsibility of SIGMA. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will be
          responsible for contracting freight services, in accordance with
          Section 8(a) of this Agreement, for which SIGMA will be billed on a
          shipment by shipment basis. Products are subject to acceptance by
          SIGMA upon receipt in accordance with Section 13.

5.   Reciprocal Termination Rights. Either IVAX DIAGNOSTICS or SIGMA may
     terminate this Agreement for cause immediately by written notice upon the
     occurrence of any of the following events:

     (a)  If the other ceases to do business or otherwise terminates its
          business operations;

     (b)  If the other shall fail to promptly secure or renew any license,
          registration, permit, authorization or approval necessary for the
          conduct of its business in the manner contemplated by this Agreement
          or if any such license, registration, permit, authorization or
          approval is revoked or suspended and not reinstated within thirty (30)
          days;

     (c)  If the other breaches any material provision of this Agreement and
          fails to cure such breach within sixty (60) days of written notice
          describing the breach;

     (d)  If the other becomes insolvent or seeks protection under any
          bankruptcy, receivership, trust deed, creditors arrangement,
          composition or comparable proceeding, or if any such proceeding is
          instituted against the other (and not dismissed with sixty (60) days)
          ; or

     (e)  If a material representation of the other becomes false or misleading
          and the other party fails to render such representation true in all
          material respects within sixty (60) days of written notice describing
          the false or misleading representation.

6.   Rights Upon Termination. Any termination or expiration of 'the Agreement
     shall not release IVAX DIAGNOSTICS or SIGMA from paying any amount that may
     then be owed from any obligation at the date of termination hereunder. Each
     party understands that the rights of termination hereunder are

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     absolute. Neither party shall incur any liability whatsoever for any
     damage, loss or expenses of any kind suffered or incurred by the other (or
     for any compensation to the other) arising from or incident to any
     termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof whether
     or not such party is aware of any such damage, loss or expenses.
     Termination is not the sole remedy under this Agreement and, whether or not
     termination is effected; all other remedies will remain available.

     (a)  Orders. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees that during the period between the
          notice.of termination and the effective date thereof, it will honor
          SIGMA's orders for Products.

     (b)  Returns or Exchanges. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be obligated to accept
          for return any new Products in SIGMA's possession at the time of
          termination, for full credit of the original purchase price, provided
          however, that IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall not be under such obligation if
          the Agreement is not renewed by either party or such termination was
          not caused by a default by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, or if the Agreement is
          terminated by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS as a result of a default by SIGMA.

     (c)  Furnishing of spare parts. Notwithstanding termination of this
          Agreement, following such termination IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees to
          continue to provide after sales service in Italy and spare parts to
          SIGMA for SIGMA's customers, at the prices on IVAX DIAGNOSTICS price
          list attached as Exhibit F hereto.

7.   SIGMA's Duties. SIGMA shall:

     (a)  use reasonable commercial efforts to advertise and promote the sale of
          the Products in a commercially ethical manner, instructing its sales
          people to refrain from disparaging remarks about the competitive
          products of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS

     (b)  place a firm order six (6) weeks before expected delivery in
          quantities of five (5) or more. All purchase orders and invoices for
          Products are subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
          which terms and conditions shall supersede any and all terms and
          conditions on SIGMA'S order form in effect from time to time.

     (c)  obtain advance written authorization from IVAX DIAGNOSTICS prior to
          returning any of the Products.

     (d)  maintain properly trained sales force of adequate size to represent
          and promote the sales of the Products and

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          provide instructions to customers in the use of the Products. SIGMA
          shall be responsible for developing its own marketing plan and system
          for distributing the Products.

     (e)  carry in stock an inventory of Products sufficient to meet the needs
          of SIGMA's customers in the Territory.

     (f)  apply for and obtain all necessary licenses, permits and other
          authorizations required by local law or regulation in relation to the
          promotion, marketing, distribution and supply of the Products in any
          jurisdiction in which SIGMA sells the Products.

     (g)  maintain separate and detailed accurate and complete records of all
          transactions in respect of the Products, including, but not limited
          to, such records as identify all customer purchases by Product and
          serial and/or lot number, and possess the capability to notify all
          purchasers in the event of a Product recall or corrective action.

     (h)  make no contracts or commitments on behalf of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS or make
          any promises or representations or give any warranties or guarantees
          with respect to the Products on behalf of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS.

     (i)  comply with all laws and regulations and requirements applicable to a
          seller of in-vitro diagnostics products, and with all laws and
          regulations and requirements of governmental agencies having
          jurisdiction within the Territory.

     (j)  offer to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS the exclusive right to develop reagents for
          use on the Products marketed by SIGMA that are not developed by
          SIGMA's primary developer, Zeus Scientific, Inc.; negotiate with IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS in good faith for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days
          the terms and conditions of an agreement regarding such reagents
          before it offers such rights to any party other than Zeus Scientific,
          Inc.; and not grant such rights to any party other than Zeus
          Scientific on terms that are more favorable than the terms offered to
          IVAX DIAGNOSTICS.

8.   IVAX DIAGNOSTICS Duties. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall:,

     (a)  make reasonable efforts, in good faith, to ship SIGMA's orders for
          Products within six (6) weeks from date of order receipt, at the
          prices set forth in Section 4(a). SIGMA shall specify the method of
          shipment and insurance and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall make reasonable
          efforts, in good faith, to comply with such

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          specifications. If no such specification is made, or if the
          specification cannot be reasonably complied with after notice to SIGMA
          and an opportunity to resolve the issues surrounding IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          alleged inability to comply, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS may select a reasonable
          manner of shipment and insurance.

     (b)  comply with all laws and regulations and requirements applicable to
          IVAX DIAGNOSTICS as a manufacturer of invitro diagnostic products,
          including obtaining the CE mark for the Products and IS09002
          registration, to the extent they are required.

     (c)  except as authorized in writing by SIGMA; refrain absolutely from
          using the trademark or trade name and logo of SIGMA in connection with
          the marketing, distribution and sale of any Product.

     (d)  provide reasonable technical assistance to SIGMA'S personnel necessary
          for the marketing of the Products.

     (e)  at IVAX DIAGNOSTIC's expense, provide SIGMA with one copy of the
          operator's manuals relating to the Product's use, and with such
          amendments thereto as subsequently become available. SIGMA shall have
          the right to make copies as needed.

     (f)  provide necessary documentation to assist SIGMA in meeting
          requirements to register Products in the Territory and comply with all
          laws and regulations, and requirements applicable to SIGMA as a
          distributor of in-vitro diagnostics products, and where possible,
          allow SIGMA to reference prior registrations by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS.

     (g)  provide SIGMA with copies of the 510(k) premarket notifications
          submitted for the Products if applicable, copies of current operators
          manuals for the Products, copies of documents describing
          specifications for the Products, and copies of all current and future
          correspondence with the FDA pertaining to the Products. IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS will comply with the FDA's current GMP regulations in the
          manufacture of all Products. If needed to comply with any change in
          the law or FDA's GMP regulations or policies, Sigma shall be given
          the right to inspect IVAX DIAGNOSTICS manufacturing o; facilities for
          the Products and GMP records pertaining U) to the manufacture of the
          Products. If any action should be taken by the FDA to restrict or
          prevent the distribution of any of the Product for more than sixty
          (60) days, and such restriction is not due to any act or omission of
          SIGMA, then upon notice to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, SIGMA shall have the
          right to terminate

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          this Agreement as to such Product. In such event, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          shall replace any affected inventory of Products under this section or
          refund to SIGMA the purchase price it paid to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS for
          such inventory if IVAX DIAGNOSTICS is unable to replace the Products
          with comparable inventory. In addition, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall replace
          or repurchase any affected inventory of Product, which SIGMA replaces
          or repurchases from SIGMA's customers, at the price SIGMA paid IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS for such inventory.

     (h)  comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Products
          comprising each shipment or other delivery hereafter made by IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS to, or on the order of, SIGMA, as of the date of such
          shipment or delivery, shall be, on such date, not adulterated or
          misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
          Act.

     (i)  perform any necessary task to insure the Product complies with any
          changes or redefinition!s of standardization required by domestic and
          international scientific bodies covering minimum performance gu
          idelines, which are economically feasible; provided that IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS shall be entitled to adjust the purchase price of any
          Product affected by any such change to the extent of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          actual cost. If IVAX-DIAGNOSTICS determines that the required change
          is not economically feasible, SIGMA shall have the right to pay the
          cost of such change and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees to make such changes
          exclusively for Sigma.

     (j)  maintain sufficient inventories of spare parts for each Product in
          such quantities as is reasonably expected to be necessary or
          appropriate to handle the maintenance and repair claims of SIGMA's
          customers during the term hereof.

     (k)  offer its products, which are competitive to the Products in a
          commercially ethical manner, instructing its sales people (i) not to
          disclose to customers that IVAX DIAGNOSTICS manufactures the Products
          for SIGMA and (ii) to refrain from disparaging remarks about the
          Products.

     (1)  provide SIGMA with open channel improvements and throughput
          improvements similar to those IVAX DIAGNOSTICS may develop and
          implement for its own purposes during the term of this Agreement.

     (m)  during the term of this Agreement use its best efforts to modify the
          Product as required to maintain the

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          Product's competitiveness in the market place as SIGMA and IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS shall mutually agree upon in good faith. If such
          modifications are to be made to the instrument purchased by SIGMA
          only, and are not used to modify the units that are sold by IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS or Sanofi, then SIGMA shall be responsible for the cost
          associated with such modifications.

9.   Software updates and modifications. Updates and modifications made to the
     Product's software by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be provided to SIGMA free of
     charge, whether or not such updates or modifications were requested by
     SIGMA. Software modifications requested by SIGMA to allow additional SIGMA
     products applications to operate on the Product shall be for the account of
     SIGMA. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall invoice SIGMA at its cost, and shall use its
     reasonable efforts to minimize the cost. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be
     responsible for validation of all software updates and modifications, and
     shall provide a sufficient quantity of the updates and modification
     necessary to replace the software in every unit ever purchased by SIGMA.

10.  After sales service.

     (a)  SIGMA shall provide all labor, transportation and related expenses for
          after sales warranty service for the maintenance and repair of the
          Products worldwide, PxcPnt for Ttaly, which shall be the
          responsibility of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS and shall be performed by IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS in accordance with the Service Plan as outlined in Exhibit
          E attached hereto. Warranty services shall include servicing all
          warranty claims and making necessary adjustments, including
          preventative maintenance from time to time as may be necessary to
          insure proper and efficient operation. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall provide
          replacement parts for all Products worldwide during any warranty
          period free of charge to SIGMA. Such replacement parts shall be
          tracked according to the serial number of the Products in which the
          parts are installed, and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be provided a copy of
          the service report documenting such part replacement. All parts, which
          are removed from the Products and replaced under warranty, shall be
          returned at IVAX DIAGNOSTIC'S expense to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS and become
          the property of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. After the warranty period, IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS will charge SIGMA for replacement parts at the prices as
          outlined in the Exhibit F.

     (b)  It is expressly understood that from the effective date of this
          Agreement until a date not later than September 30, 1999 (the
          "Transition Period"), IVAX DIAGNOSTICS

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          agrees to the following:

          (1)  SIGMA and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will work together to provide service
               as required during the Transition Period. Each party will pay
               their related expenses during the transition period.

          (2)  During the Transition Period, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will train SIGMA
               service personnel at SIGMA's facilities in St. Louis, MO and
               Munich, Germany. There will need to be two or more courses held
               in St. Louis. SIGMA shall pay all travel expense associated with
               such training, which shall take approximately two (2) weeks per
               course.

     (c)  During the term of this Agreement IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will provide
          service assistance and/or training as reasonably requested by SIGMA.
          SIGMA shall pay all reasonable travel expenses associated-with such
          assistance and/or training. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall staff a technical
          service hotline (the "Product Service Hotline") for SIGMA 24 hours per
          day 7 days per week during the Transition Period. Thereafter; IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS shall operate the Product Service Hotline during normal
          business hours. (9am-6pm Monday through Friday except Holidays) SIGMA
          shall instruct its customers to direct any Product inquiries to SIGMA.
          The Products Service Hotline is available to provide technical
          assistance back up to SIGMA's EIA technical support.

     (d)  During the term of this Agreement, SIGMA will monitor reliability and
          durability of the Product. Issues identified as causing excess field
          service will be investigated and resolved by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS at IVAX
          DIAGNOSTIC's expense.

11.  Demonstrations, Installations and Customer Training. SIGMA shall be
     responsible for all installations, customer training and infield Product
     demonstrations, except that IVAX Diagnostics will. continue to
     do.installation at their expense during the transition period as requested
     by SIGMA. Installation and customer training services shall include giving
     operating and maintenance instructions, installing Products (other than
     spare and replacement parts), performing all service necessary at the time
     of delivery and making installation inspection and necessary adjustments at
     the time of delivery to ensure proper and efficient operation.

12.  Future Product Development. The Parties agree to collaborate with each
     other, in preference to collaborations with other parties, in any future
     development of new

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     Products in the Enzyme Immunoassay ("EIA") instrumentation field on the
     following terms.

     (a)  SIGMA shall inform IVAX DIAGNOSTICS in writing whether or not SIGMA
          wants to implement a new product idea offered by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          within three (3) months after the date SIGMA receives a written
          concept of the new product idea. If SIGMA wants to implement a new
          product idea presented by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, the parties will negotiate
          in good faith to agree on the terms of developing and distributing
          such new product. If IVAX DIAGNOSTICS does not receive such written
          notice from SIGMA, or if the parties are unable to reach agreement on
          the terms of a development and distribution agreement under similar
          terms and conditions of this Agreement within three (3) months after
          SIGMA gives notice of its interest, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be free to
          develop and distribute this new product, either on its own or in a
          collaboration with another party. However, such research and
          development shall not negatively affect IVAX DIAGNOSTICS' performance
          under this Agreement.

     (b)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall inform SIGMA in writing whether or not IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS wants to implement a new product idea offered by SIGMA
          within three (3) months after the date IVAX DIAGNOSTICS received a
          written concept of the new product idea. If IVAX DIAGNOSTICS does not
          receive such written notice from SIGMA, or if the parties are unable
          to reach agreement on the terms of a development and distribution
          agreement under similar terms and conditions of this Agreement, within
          three (3) months after SIGMA gives notice of its interest, IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS shall be free to develop and distribute this new product,
          either on its own or in collaboration with another party. However,
          such research and development shall not negatively affect SIGMA's
          performance under this Agreement.

13.  Performance Standards.

     (a)  Quality Specifications and Characteristics. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall
          deliver to SIGMA Products having the quality specifications agreed
          upon by the parties as set forth in Exhibit B ("Quality
          Specifications"). [These Quality Specifications and Characteristics
          may be modified from time to time to meet the future requirements of
          the parties. In such cases, the parties agree to negotiate in good
          faith to find a solution that can be mutually agreed to by the
          parties]

     (b)  Certificates of Analysis. Concurrent with shipment, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          shall fax to SIGMA Certificates of

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          Analysis, in the form set forth in Exhibit B, for each Product and
          each accessory kit sold to SIGMA, confirming that the Product and
          accessory kit meets the Quality Specifications.

     (c)  Product Acceptance. SIGMA shall accept the Products based on the
          Certificate of Analysis delivered by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. Should at
          anytime during the warranty period or service contract term if covered
          by a valid service contract the Product fails to meet the Quality
          Specifications, and SIGMA service is unable to get the product to meet
          the quality specifications, SIGMA shall notify IVAX DIAGNOSTICS hereof
          and immediately thereafter provide IVAX DIAGNOSTICS with the problems
          associated with the Product. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall have 20 days after
          receipt of SIGMA's notice within which to accept or reject SIGMA's
          claims. If, following a review of the problems and after conducting
          its own tests, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees that such Product does not
          conform to the Quality Specifications, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall provide
          SIGMA, free of any additional charge, with new deliveries of the same
          quantity of the Products affected or items necessary to make the
          Product acceptable to Sigma, or, in IVAX DIAGNOSTICS discretion and at
          its cost, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS may promptly reprocess the nonconforming
          Products to meet the Quality Specifications. In either event, SIGMA
          shall return, at IVAX DIAGNOSTIC's expense, the particular lot or
          shipment of the Product, which does not comply with the Quality
          Specifications if requested to do so by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. Any dispute
          arising under this Section 13(c) shall be resolved by arbitration as
          outlined in Section 25.

14. Product Recall

     (a)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall maintain an appropriate record of all claims
          made or to be made regarding the Products performance.

     (b)  Each party shall keep the other informed of any.formal action relating
          to any specific lot of Product sold to SIGMA hereunder by any
          regulatory agency of any state, national government, or government
          agency having jurisdiction.

     (c)  Should any governmental or corporate action require a medical device
          reportable (MDR) event, a medical device vigilance system report
          (MDVS), a recall or field corrections, or withholding from market of
          Product sold by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to SIGMA, SIGMA shall bear the
          reasonable, direct costs and expenses of the MDR, MDVS, recall or
          field correction if such action is the result

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          of any fault or omission attributable to SIGMA. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall
          bear the reasonable, direct costs and expenses of the MDR, MDVS,
          recall or field correction and the actual costs of replacing the
          Products if such action is the result of any fault or omission
          attributable to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. Should such MDR, MDVS, recall or
          field correction result from the fault of both parties, the parties
          shall share the costs of Products and the actual cost of replacing the
          Products in proportion to their respective degree of fault.

15.  Product Complaints

     (a)  Should either party experience any quality problem of any specific
          lot(s) of Product supplied to SIGMA by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, such party
          will notify the other in writing by facsimile prior to the initiation
          of a MDR, MDVS, field correction or recall and the parties shall
          consult with each other regarding the proper course of action,
          provided that each party retains the right to correct quality
          problems, as it deems appropriate, with or without the concurrence of
          the other. All information about Product complaints shall be
          considered "Confidential Information" under the terms of this
          Agreement.

     (b)  Either party shall immediately notify the other party in writing
          should it become aware of any defect or condition that renders any
          lot(s) of Product supplied by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to SIGMA in violation
          of the United States Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or of a similar law
          of any jurisdiction or country where the Product is sold. The parties
          shall share with each other all data on confirmed lot specific Product
          complaints including, but not limited to, complaints or information
          regarding performance and/or allegations or reports of any negative
          effect from the use or misuse of such affected lot of Products as soon
          as such data is available. Each party will provide reasonable
          assistance to the other in resolving customer complaints to the extent
          the complaint arises out of any fault or omission of the party whose
          assistance is requested. However, SIGMA shall have sole responsibility
          and authority to interact directly with SIGMA's customers in the
          resolution of such complaints and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees that it will
          only interact with SIGMA in such matters.

     (c)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall evaluate and investigate all customer
          complaints in connection with the Products which may be brought to its
          attention, in writing, by SIGMA; provided such complaints have been
          confirmed by SIGMA using the same standards for confirmation which

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          SIGMA's uses for products other than the IVAX DIAGNOSTICS Products and
          which are believed in good faith by SIGMA to arise out of a fault or
          omission attributable to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. Within twenty (20) calendar
          days following receipt from SIGMA of the original notification of each
          such complaint, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS agrees to provide SIGMA with a
          written interim or final complaint investigation report. All such
          Product complaints reported to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS by SIGMA shall be
          reviewed monthly by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS until closure, and a summary
          report thereof will be provided by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to SIGMA.

     (d)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS will report to SIGMA all data and/or information
          pertaining to adverse reports on any lot of Product supplied by IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS for distribution by SIGMA, which would have a materially
          adverse impact on performance of the Products.

16.  Warranties.

     (a)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS warrants that the Products which are the subject of
          existing 510(k) premarket notifications have not been significantly
          changed or modified in design, components, method of manufacture or
          intended use from the Products as described in those 510 (k) premarket
          notifications, and will notify Sigma in advance of any changes in
          accordance with Section 1.

     (b)  Limited Warranty. The Products are subject to warranties in favor of
          SIGMA and to disclaimers of warranties and liability for damages
          consequential or otherwise, as provided in IVAX DIAGNOSTICS Limited
          Warranty, as it may be modified by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS from time to time
          (the "IVAX DIAGNOSTICS Limited Warranty"). A copy of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          Limited Warranty in effect as of the date hereof is attached in
          Exhibit C. Such warranty shall run for the applicable time period
          ("Warranty Period") specified in IVAX DIAGNOSTICS Limited Warranty, as
          it may be modified from time to time. With respect to any Product that
          is delivered to a customer of SIGMA's in a new and unused condition,
          the Warranty Period shall begin at the time of the installation of the
          Product at such customer's facility. With respect to any Product SIGMA
          removes from its inventory and uses for any reason and is ultimately
          sold to a customer of SIGMA, (i) the Warranty Period shall begin on
          the date SIGMA first installs the Product and, (ii) SIGMA shall
          promptly notify IVAX DIAGNOSTICS of the Product's installation.
          In no event will the warranty period exceed eighteen (18) months from
          the date of shipment from IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. For purposes of
          clarification, IVAX

                                       13
<PAGE>

          DIAGNOSTICS will not make, and shall not be deemed to make, any
          representation or warranty to any of SIGMA's customers, it being
          acknowledged and agreed by SIGMA that the representations and
          warranties of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS herein are for the sole benefit of
          SIGMA. SIGMA shall not represent to any of its customers that IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS is making any representation or warranty to such
          customers, and any representation or warranty made by SIGMA to any of
          its customers shall not obligate IVAX DIAGNOSTICS in any way, and
          SIGMA shall indemnify and hold IVAX DIAGNOSTICS harmless against any
          claim, damage or expense, including without limitation reasonable
          attorneys' fees, incurred by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS as a result of any
          unauthorized representation or warranty made by SIGMA.

     (c)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS warrants that all Products manufactured and supplied
          under this Agreement shall at the time of shipment meet the Quality
          Specifications of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS further warrants
          that prior to shipment to SIGMA, all of its standard tests and quality
          control procedures have been carried out in relation to each lot of
          the Products with satisfactory results. The limited warranty to SIGMA
          set forth in this Agreement shall control over any warranty provisions
          which may be set forth in SIGMA's Product literature and SIGMA shall
          hold IVAX DIAGNOSTICS harmless from any and all damages and expenses
          which IVAX DIAGNOSTICS may incur as a result of unauthorized SIGMA
          warranties or representations. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS MAKES NO WARRANTY
          EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS BEYOND THAT WHICH IS
          SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
          MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

     (d)  Upon its verification of any claim of defect or nonconformity of any
          unit of the Product arising out of a fault or omission attributable to
          IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, during the term of this Agreement, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          will provide SIGMA with a replacement unit to the extent necessary to
          honor IVAX DIAGNOSTICs warranties contained in Section 13(a) hereof,
          or make good any shortages or non-completed deliveries and shall pay
          all associated freight and insurance associated therewith.

     (e)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS liability under any legal or equitable theory to
          SIGMA with respect to the Products and/or the relationship described
          in this Agreement shall be limited to the replacement of the unit, or
          if impractical, return of the purchase price paid by SIGMA for such
          unit.

     (f)  As of the date hereof, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS warrants that

                                       14
<PAGE>

          it has no knowledge that the manufacture, use or sale of all or any of
          the Products under this Agreement, nor any method of using such
          Products infringes on any patent or other intellectual property right
          of a third party, and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS has not received any
          notification from any third party alleging that the manufacture, use
          or sale of any such Product does or would infringe any patent or other
          intellectual property.

17.  Packaging and Intellectual Property. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall be responsible
     for packaging and labeling the Products. SIGMA will distribute the Products
     only with all appropriate labeling, packaging, and Product literature and
     only under SIGMA's applicable trademarks and trade names and not with IVAX
     DIAGNOSTIC's trademarks or trade names. SIGMA recognizes IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
     right, title and interest in its patents, trademarks, trade names and
     copyrights, trade secrets and proprietary information in connection with
     the Products, and SIGMA shall not claim any ownership right thereto
     inconsistent with this Agreement, or dispute the validity thereof. In the
     event any third party shall contest IVAX DIAGNOSTICS rights to its patents,
     trademarks, trade names or copyrights, trade secrets or propriety rights,
     SIGMA shall, at IVAX DIAGNOSTICS sole expense, render reasonable assistance
     to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS in defending such claims. In the event that any third
     party shall contest the validity of any trademark or trade name of SIGMA
     used on or in relation to a Product, SIGMA will, at its own expense, defend
     and indemnify IVAX DIAGNOSTICS against any claim brought by such third
     party and will reimburse IVAX DIAGNOSTICS for all reasonable expenses
     incident to the adoption and implementation of a new SIGMA trademark or
     trade name for the Products.

18.  Compliance With Other Agreements. Each party represents and warrants that
     the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by
     it of its obligations hereunder will not, with or without the giving of
     notice or the passage of time, violate any judgement, writ, injunction or
     order of any court, arbitration or governmental agency or conflict with,
     result in the breach of any provisions of, or the termination of, or
     constitute a default under, any agreement to which IVAX DIAGNOSTICS or
     SIGMA is a party or by which it is or may be bound.

19.  Indemnity.

     (a)  Except as limited by the remainder of this paragraph, IVAX DIAGNOSTICS
          hereby agrees to indemnify SIGMA against claims of third parties for
          injuries to their persons arising from the use of Products supplied by
          IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to SIGMA hereunder. This indemnity

                                       15
<PAGE>

          shall not apply to, and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall not be liable for,
          claims for injuries caused by or arising from:

          (1)  any act or failure to act on the part of SIGMA, its employees,
               representatives, agents, subdistributors or affiliates in
               packaging, handling, storing, promoting or otherwise distributing
               such Products; or

          (2)  any representation or warranty concerning the Products made by or
               on behalf of SIGMA and not specifically authorized by IVAX
               DIAGNOSTICS; or

          (3)  claims where the use of the Products by any customer was not in
               accordance with the use prescribed by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS; or

          (4)  SIGMA'S failure to disseminate to purchasers or end-users any
               Product Information which IVAX DIAGNOSTICS has made available to
               SIGMA; or

          (5)  claims where IVAX DIAGNOSTICS has not been notified in writing
               within thirty (30) days of SIGMA's first notice of the claim; or

          (6)  claims where SIGMA fails to furnish evidence in its possession or
               fails to fully cooperate with IVAX DIAGNOSTICS in preparing the
               defense; or

          (7)  claims where IVAX DIAGNOSTICS is not given the option to assume
               the sole defense of the claim at IVAX DIAGNOSTIC'S expense.

     (b)  Except as limited by the remainder of this paragraph, SIGMA hereby
          agrees to indemnify IVAX DIAGNOSTICS against claims of third parties
          arising from the use of Products supplied by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to SIGMA
          hereunder. This indemnity shall not apply to, and SIGMA shall not be
          liable for, claims caused by or arising from:

          (1)  any act or failure to act on the part of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, its
               employees, representatives, agents or affiliates in
               manufacturing, testing, packaging, labeling, handling or storing
               such Products; or

          (2)  the breach of any representation or warranty concerning the
               Products made by or on behalf of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS; or

          (3)  claims where SIGMA has not been notified in

                                       16
<PAGE>

          writing within thirty (30) days of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS' first notice of
          the claim; or

          (4)  claims where IVAX DIAGNOSTICS fails to furnish evidence in its
               possession or fails to fully cooperate with SIGMA in preparing
               the defense or

          (5)  claims where SIGMA is not given the option to assume the sole
               defense of the claim at SIGMA's expense.

     (c)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall indemnify SIGMA from any claims of.patent
          infringement relating to a Product subject to this Agreement provided
          SIGMA gives IVAX DIAGNOSTICS notice within thirty (30) days of SIGMA's
          first notice of the claim, and permits IVAX DIAGNOSTICS to assume the
          sole defense of the claim at IVAX DIAGNOSTICS expense; provided,
          however, that the claim is not based on (i) the sale or use of any
          Product in combination with any other product which is not
          specifically authorized by IVAX DIAGNOSTICS; (ii) the application of
          any Product in any manner not specifically authorized by IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS.

     (d)  SIGMA shall indemnify IVAX DIAGNOSTICS from any claims of trademark
          infringement relating to a Product subject to this Agreement,
          provided IVAX DIAGNOSTICS gives SIGMA notice within thirty (30) days
          of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS' first notice of the claim, and permits SIGMA to
          assume the sole defense of the claim at SIGMA'S expense; and provided
          that the claim is based on the use of a SIGMA trademark or trade name.

     (e)  Not withstanding anything above to the contrary, in the event of a 3rd
          party claim arising out of this Agreement, in which neither IVAX
          DIAGNOSTICS or SIGMA is in breach of this Agreement or is negligent,
          each party shall pay its respective legal expenses and damages caused
          by such claim.

20.  Force Majeure. Neither party shall be responsible for any failure to
     perform due to causes beyond its control. These causes shall include, but
     not be limited to, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, explosion, wars, riots,
     civil disorder, sabotage; quarantine restrictions, labor disputes, labor
     shortages, transportation embargoes, or failure or delays or disruption in
     manufacturing process, curtailment of or failure in obtaining fuel or
     electrical power, or the acts of any governmental authority, or
     instrumentality's, orders of any court or tribunal whether foreign or
     domestic, exchange restrictions, acts of God, acts of the Federal
     Government or any agency thereof, acts of any state or local government or
     agency thereof, or shortage of materials or

                                       17
<PAGE>

     any similar or dissimilar occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the
     party which is prevented, interrupted or delayed in the performance of its
     obligations hereunder. In no event shall IVAX DIAGNOSTICS be under any
     obligations to purchase Products or similar products from any third party
     in order to supply same to SIGMA hereunder. Any force majeure event shall
     not excuse performance by the party but shall delay performance, unless
     such force majeure continues for a period in excess of one hundred thirty
     five(135) days. In such event, the party seeking performance, as its sole
     and exclusive remedy, many cancel its obligations under this Agreement.

21.  Insurance. IVAX DIAGNOSTICS and SIGMA shall keep in force during the term
     of this Agreement product liability insurance, in such amounts as may be
     customary for like sized businesses undertaking like responsibilities to
     those contemplated by this Agreement. SIGMA and IVAX DIAGNOSTICS shall
     submit a certificate of insurance to the other evidencing such coverage
     upon written request therefor.

22.  Confidentiality.

     (a)  Confidentiality Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term
          "Confidential Information" shall be any information relating to the
          Products, including information embodying concepts, ideas, techniques,
          proprietary information,- know-how, formulations, market data,
          customer lists, product specifications and accounting data which is
          disclosed by one party hereto to the other.

     (b)  Non-Disclosure. During the period that this Agreement remains in
          effect and for a period of three (3) years following termination
          hereof, each party (except as is explicitly otherwise required hereby)
          shall keep confidential, shall not use for itself or for the benefit
          of others and shall not copy or allow to be copied in whole or in part
          any Confidential Information disclosed to such party by the other. The
          obligation of confidentiality imposed upon the parties by the
          foregoing paragraph shall not apply with respect to any alleged
          Confidential Information which:

          (1)  is known to the recipient thereof, as evidenced by said
               recipient's written records, prior to receipt thereof from the
               other party hereto;

          (2)  is disclosed to said recipient after the date hereof by the third
               party who has the right to make such disclosures and who does not
               violate any confidentiality agreement with the affected party
               hereto;

                                       18
<PAGE>

          (3)  is or becomes a part of the public domain through no fault of the
               said recipient; or

          (4)  is required by law or judicial or administrative process to be
               disclosed.

     (c)  IVAX DIAGNOSTICS and SIGMA shall agree to keep confidential and not
          disclose to third parties, the contents of this Agreement except as
          required by law or stock exchange rules, in which case the party
          required to disclose confidential information shall provide the other
          party with as much notice as is practicable.

     (d)  Each party agrees to limit access to Confidential Information to
          employees and agents having a need to know and to protect Confidential
          Information to the same extent as it protects its own trade secrets.

23.  Appointment of Sub-Distributors. SIGMA may assign, sublicense, delegate, or
     otherwise transfer the performance of the rights and obligations hereunder
     to qualified and reputable sub-distributors, provided, however, that: (i)
     SIGMA shall be liable to IVAX DIAGNOSTICS for the errors, negligent acts
     and omissions of-its sub-distributor's as if such errors, negligent acts
     and omissions were its own, including any breach of any provision of this
     Agreement by the sub-distributors; (ii) SIGMA shall have and retain full
     control of any sub-distributors utilized, and shall be responsible for the
     performance by any sub-distributor; and (iii) SIGMA shall not be relieved
     of the responsibility for the proper performance and completion of the
     sub-distributed portions of its obligations hereunder.

24.  Successors. This agreement shall be binding upon the successors of IVAX
     DIAGNOSTICS and SIGMA, including successors who acquire the business assets
     of IVAX DIAGNOSTICS and SIGMA.

25.  Resolution of Disputes. In the event of any controversy or claim arising
     under or in relation to this agreement, including any issue about payment
     of amounts due, the parties shall, in good faith, attempt to resolve the
     controversy or claim by negotiation. If the controversy or claim cannot be
     resolved within sixty (60) days, then it shall be settled exclusively by
     arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the American
     Arbitration Association (AAA) and shall be held in Atlanta, GA. There shall
     be three arbitrators: one selected by the party who requests arbitration
     who shall notify the other party of the person selected at the time that
     notice of arbitration is sent; one selected by the other party within ten
     (10) days of receipt of notice of arbitration and one selected by the

                                       19
<PAGE>

     parties jointly within ten (10) calendar days thereafter or, failing their
     agreement, selected pursuant to the rules of the AAA. No arbitrator shall
     be related to, employed by, or have at any time a substantial ongoing
     business relationship with any party hereto or any of their respective
     affiliates. The losing party in the arbitration shall reimburse the
     prevailing party for all costs and expenses, including reasonable
     attorney fees, incurred in connection with the arbitration. The decision of
     the arbitrators shall be final and binding on the parties and judgement
     upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered by any court
     having jurisdiction thereof. The provisions of this arbitration clause
     shall not be applied to the determination of questions affecting validity
     or scope of any trademarks or other intellectual property rights.

26.  Notices. Any notice or other communication required or that shall be given
     pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed sufficient if delivered
     personally, sent by facsimile, telegraph, or sent by certified, registered
     or express mail, postage prepaid to the address or facsimile number set
     forth below:

     To IVAX DIAGNOSTICS:                          WITH A COPY TO:
     IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, INC.                        IVAX CORPORATION
     4400 Biscayne Blvd.                           4400 Biscayne Blvd.
     Miami, FL 33127                               Miami, FL 33137
     Facsimile No: (305) 324-2395                  Facsimile No: (305)575-6049
     Attn: President                               Attn: General Counsel

     To SIGMA:
               Sigma Diagnostics
               545 South Ewing Avenue
               St. Louis, Missouri 63103
               Facsimile No: (314) 534-8461
               Attn: Vice President, Administration

     Either party may change the address to which notice to it to be given, as
     provided herein.

27.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the exhibits referred to herein
     constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior
     proposals, communications, representations and agreements, whether written
     or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof. No change to the
     written terms of this Agreement shall be made except by written
     instrumentation executed by the parties hereto.

28.  No Waiver. The failure of either party to enforce at any time any of the
     provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of those
     provisions or of the right of that party thereafter to enforce those
     provisions.

                                       20
<PAGE>

29.  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes or is deemed
     invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction in which the
     Agreement is sought to be enforced, (a) such provision shall be deemed and
     amended to conform to applicable laws of such jurisdiction so as to be
     valid and enforceable or, if it cannot be so amended without materially
     altering the intention of the parties, it shall be stricken; (b) the
     validity, legality and enforceability of such provision will not in any way
     be affected or impaired thereby in any other jurisdiction; and (c) the
     remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

30.  Headings. The headings of this Agreement are included only for ease of
     reference and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement in any
     manner.

31.  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
     each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall
     constitute one and the same instrument.

32.  No Third Party Rights. The provisions of this Agreement are for the
     exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement, and no other party
     (including without limitation any creditor of any party to this Agreement)
     shall have any right or claim against any party to this Agreement by reason
     of those provisions or be entitled to enforce any of those provisions
     against any party to this Agreement.

33.  Relationship of Parties. This Agreement shall not constitute or be
     construed as creating a partnership or joint venture between SIGMA and IVAX
     DIAGNOSTICS, and neither party shall be liable for any debts or obligations
     of the other party.

34.  Limitation of Liability. Neither SIGMA nor IVAX DIAGNOSTICS nor any of
     their affiliates, employees, agents, officers or subcontractors shall have
     any liability for special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or
     for economic loss as a result of any breach of this Agreement.

35.  Performance by Affiliates. SIGMA acknowledges and agrees that IVAX
     DIAGNOSTICS may perform certain of its obligations hereunder through its
     affiliates.

                                       21
<PAGE>

36.  THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, WHICH MAY BE
     ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duty authorized officers or authorized representatives

IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, INC.

By: /s/ GIORGIO D'URSO
    ---------------------------

Title: President
       ---------------------------

Date: 26 April 1999
      ---------------------------

SIGMA DIAGNOSTICS INC.

By: /s/ Robert Monaghan
   ---------------------------

Title: President
       ---------------------------

Date: 22 April 1999
      ---------------------------

                                       22<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                             CONSULTING AGREEMENT II

     This Consulting Agreement II (the "Agreement") is made and entered into on
September lst, 1999 ("Effective Date") by and between IVAX Diagnostics, Inc., a
Florida corporation having its principal place of business located at 4400
Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137 (the "Company") and Mario Cossi, residing
at Via Stesicoro 148, 00125 Roma, Italy (the "Consultant").

                                    Recitals
                                    --------

     WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of researching, developing,
manufacturing, marketing and selling medical diagnostic products;

     WHEREAS, Consultant has researched, investigated and otherwise developed an
innovative line of automated instrumentation currently known as MAGO A and MAGO
PLUS (collectively, the "MAGO"). Consultant is an expert in the field of medical
diagnostic equipment and is conducting research and developing new instruments
in the area of medical diagnostic field;

     WHEREAS, the Company and Consultant have previously entered into a
Consulting Agreement dated December 12, 1994 ("Original Consulting Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Company and Consultant are now entering into this Consulting
Agreement II, for several purposes, including to terminate and supercede the
Original Consulting Agreement;

     WHEREAS, the Company and Consultant have also previously entered into an
Assignment and Royalty Agreement dated December 12, 1994, as amended ("Royalty
Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Company and Consultant have previously entered in an Amendment
to Assignment and Royalty Agreement dated February 1, 1997, ("Amendment to
Assignment and Royalty Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Company and Consultant have simultaneously with the execution
hereof entered into a Second Amendment to Assignment and Royalty Agreement with
respect to the MAGO (Second Amendment to Assignment and Royalty Agreement");

     WHEREAS, the Royalty Agreement, the Amendment to Assignment and Royalty
Agreement and Second Amendment to Assignment and Royalty Agreement are
hereinafter collectively referred to as "Royalty Agreement";
<PAGE>

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to engage the Consultant and the Consultant
desires to provide consulting services to the Company and its affiliates with
respect to the research, development and manufacturing of instruments and to
provide hardware and software support for the MAGO, and Consultant wishes to
perform such services, in accordance with the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to the Company, the Consultant is consulting and
assisting other companies, too;

     NOW, THREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound agree as follows:

1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein
   --------
by reference.

2. Original Consulting Agreement. The Company and Consultant acknowledge and
   -----------------------------
agree that as of the Effective Date, the Original Consulting Agreement is
terminated and is superceded by Consulting Agreement II. The parties agree that
all terms, conditions and obligations under the Original Consulting Agreement
have been satisfied and there are no outstanding funds due. Provisions
3,5,6,7,8.4,8.5,9,12,13,14 and 20 shall survive the termination of the Original
Consulting Agreement. The Consultant hereby releases the Company from any
losses, claims, damages, fines, actions and suits in connection with the
Original Consulting Agreement.

3. Engagement. Upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company
   ----------
hereby engages the Consultant as consultant to the Company and its affiliates in
connection with the research, development and manufacturing of new instruments
and software in the medical diagnostic field (hereinafter "Instruments").
Consultant hereby accepts such engagement, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement and agrees to perform such services as
are more fully described herein.

4. Services. In fulfillment of his engagement pursuant to this Agreement,
   --------
Consultant has consulted with and shall continue to consult with and assist the
Company and its affiliates requested with respect to all stages of the
formulation, research, development and manufacturing of the Instruments.
Consultant shall consult with and assist the Company and its affiliates with
hardware and software support for the MAGO. Consultant shall also provide such
further services as the Company shall from time to time determine consistent
with, the provisions hereof. In providing services to the Company, the
Consultant shall use his best efforts, skills and abilities to promote the
interests of the Company and to diligently and competently perform his duties
under this Agreement. Consultant shall provide such services to the Company's
affiliate, Delta
<PAGE>

Biologicals, located in Pomezia - Roma. Consultant shall keep the president of
Delta Biologicals updated on a regular basis as to the status of the services he
is providing.

5. Representation and Warranties. The Consultant hereby represents and warrants
   -----------------------------
that: (a) Consultant is free to perform services for the Company and its
affiliates and is not a party to, or bound by, any agreement or commitment, or
subject to any restriction, including but not limited to agreements related to
existing or previous employment containing confidentiality or noncompete
covenants, which in the now or in the future could interfere with the full
performance by the Consultant of his or her services under this Agreement, the
exercise of his best efforts in the performance of his duties or may have a
possibility of adversely affecting the business of the Company; (b) none of the
data or information to be provided to Company by Consultant will violate any
copyright or other intellectual property right of any third party.

6. Compensation. During the term of this Agreement, as compensation for the
   ------------
performance of services under this Agreement and the Consultant's observance and
performance of all of the provisions of this Agreement shall be as follows,

(a) the Company shall pay to the Consultant, and the Consultant shall accept
from the Company, cash compensation at the rate of $45,000 per year (the "Base
Compensation") payable at the time the parties jointly agree and in
consideration of the work performed during that period, and

(b) the Company shall grant the Consultant, effective as of the date of this
Agreement, nonqualified stock options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's
common stock, par value $1.00 per share, pursuant to and subject to the terms
and conditions of such stock option plans as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached
hereto and made a part hereof. Such options shall have a term of seven years and
shall become exercisable with respect to            of the shares subject to the
                                         ----------
options on each of the first                anniversary dates of this Agreement.
                             --------------
In order to induce the Company to grant stock options to Consultant, Consultant
hereby represents to the Company that: (a) Consultant has adequate means of
providing for his current needs and personal contingencies, and has no need now
or in the foreseeable future to sell the Company's common stock which may be
acquired upon the exercise of the stock options and that he has the financial
liquidity to sustain a complete loss of his investment; (b) Consultant, or
Consultant and his advisors together, possess such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters that Consultant is capable of evaluating the
merits and risks of an investment in the Company; (c) Consultant is aware that
the stock options received hereunder are non-transferable; (d) Consultant is
aware that an investment in the Company's common stock is speculative in nature
and involves a high degree of risk; (e) Consultant understands that no federal
or' state agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of an
investment in the Company's common stock; and (f) prior to executing this
Agreement, Consultant has consulted with his tax advisors as to the tax
treatment of the stock options, if
<PAGE>

applicable, and any elections available to him under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1954, as amended.

7. Noncompetition. The Consultant acknowledges that (1) as a result of
   --------------
Consultant's engagement under this Agreement, the Consultant will obtain
knowledge of, and access to, Confidential Information, (2) the services to be
provided under this Agreement are of a special character which have a unique
value to the Company, the loss of which cannot be adequately compensated by
damages, and (3) the restrictions contained in thus Section are reasonably
necessary to protect the interests of the Company and are not unreasonably
restrictive of any personal right. In view of the unique value to the Company of
the services of Consultant, Consultant covenants and agrees that so long as he
performs services for the Company or its affiliates (whether or not such work
shall be pursuant to this Agreement, the Royalty Agreement, or another written
agreement) and for so long as he is paid royalties by the Company or its
affiliates under the Royalty Agreement and for a period of three years
thereafter, Consultant shall not, anywhere in the world, directly or indirectly,
own, manage, operate, control, finance, or be connected with or have any
interest in, or otherwise take part as a stockholder, director, officer,
employee, agent, consultant, independent contractor or partner in, or otherwise
provide services to, any person, firm, corporation or other entity not
affiliated with the Company which is developing or sells a product or engaged in
any business competitive with the Company or its affiliates which is competitive
with the MAGO or any Instrument upon which Consultant has rendered services to
the Company or its affiliates under this or any other agreement or which
otherwise competes with the Company or its affiliates products.

The ownership or control of up to five percent of the outstanding voting
securities or securities of any class of a company with a class of securities
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall not be
deemed to be a violation of the provisions of this Section 7.

8. Confidentiality.
   ---------------

          (a) Confidential Information. The Consultant acknowledges that (1) as
              ------------------------
a result of Consultant's engagement under this Agreement, the Consultant will
obtain knowledge of, and access to, proprietary and confidential information of
the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation,(i) inventions,
discoveries, trade secrets, know-how, technical information, systems, processes,
methods, designs, manufacturing practices, specifications, models, formulae,
prototypes, samples, laboratory and clinical testing results; (ii) financial and
marketing information, business plans, financial condition or methods of
operation of the Company and its affiliates, including any of its systems,
processes, methods, products, services, discoveries, designs, inventions and
manufacturing practices; (iii) marketing and sales data and techniques of the
Company and its affiliates including the names and addresses of customers and
suppliers, the source of leads, methods of obtaining new business and methods of
product pricing; and (iv) any and all data, reports, records, diagrams, plans,
<PAGE>

drawings, compounds, notes, memorandum, projections, writings, recordings,
representatives or reproductions in any form which Consultant may receive or
have access to related to the Instruments as well as research and development
projects, products or business of the Company and its affiliates, (collectively,
the "Confidential Information"), (2) such information, even though it may be
contributed, developed or acquired by the Consultant, constitutes valuable,
special and unique assets of the Company developed at significant expense which
are the exclusive property of the Company, (3) the restrictions on disclosure
and use of Confidential Information set forth below are reasonable and necessary
to protect the Company and its Affiliates and is not unreasonably restrictive of
any personal rights, and (4) the Company would not enter into this Agreement
without the assurance that all Confidential Information will be used for the
exclusive benefit of the Company. Accordingly, the Consultant shall not, at any
time, either during or subsequent to the term of this Agreement (A) use the
Confidential Information, except in the performance of services under this
Agreement, and (P) disclose to any Person, any of the Confidential Information
without the prior written consent of the Company, except to responsible officers
and employees of the Company and its Affiliates and other responsible persons
who are in a contractual or fiduciary relationship with the Company and who have
a need for such information for purposes in the best interests of the Company;
provided that the foregoing restrictions on use and disclosure shall not apply
to any Confidential Information which: (i) at the time of disclosure can be
demonstrated to be already known to Consultant as evidenced by written documents
in the Consultant's possession, unless such Confidential Information is the
subject of another confidentiality agreement with or other obligation of secrecy
to the Company or another Person; (ii) at the time of disclosure or subsequent
thereto is generally available to the public other than by an act or omission
on the part of Consultant; (iii) is acquired from or made available by a third
Person that is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with or other obligation
of secrecy to the Company or another Person; or (iv) is required to be disclosed
pursuant to an order of a court or governmental authority, provided that the
Consultant gives the Company prompt written notice of any such requirement so
that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and
Consultant cooperates with the Company is obtaining such an order or other
appropriate remedy.

     Consultant acknowledges that this restriction on disclosure of Confidential
Information is reasonable and necessary to protect the goodwill of the Company
and its affiliates and is not unreasonably restrictive of any personal rights.

          (b) Return of Confidential Information. Upon the termination of
              ----------------------------------
Consultant's engagement by the Company, the Consultant shall promptly deliver to
the Company all drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports and copies
thereof and all other materials relating to the Company's business, including
without limitation any materials incorporating Confidential Information, which
are in the Consultant's possession or control.
<PAGE>

9. New Discoveries. (a). Any and all inventions, discoveries and technical data
   ---------------
(whether patentable or not), or the use or preparation thereof (i) resulting
from or arising in connection with Consultant's services for the Company or its
affiliates hereunder, and (ii) conceived, reduced to practice, or advanced by
Consultant during the term of this Agreement, and which relate to the Ins urnens
or products upon which Consultant has rendered services to the Company or its
affiliates hereunder or under the Royalty Agreement or any research or other
agreement, whether performed by or on behalf of Consultant or the Company or the
affiliates, shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Consultant
shall promptly disclose to the Company any and all of such inventions,
discoveries and technical data becoming known to Consultant as a result of or
related to the performance of his duties hereunder and shall furnish to the
Company in writing all relevant information with respect thereto. At the request
of the Company, Consultant shall (i) execute, without charge to the Company,
irrevocable assignments to the Company or its nominees, of Consultant's entire
right, title and interest in and to such inventions, discoveries and technical
data throughout the world, including, without limitation, all patent
applications and patents relating thereto and all right to file, obtain and
maintain such applications and patents, (ii) execute, without charge to the
Company, any and all other documents necessary or desirable to permit the
Company to file and maintain such patent applications and patents, and (iii)
assist the Company in securing, defending and enforcing such rights. Consultant
hereby binds not only himself but also his heirs, executors, administrators and
legal representatives to execute all such documents and instruments and to do
all acts which may be necessary or rewired by the Company, in order to carry
into full force and effect the provisions of this section of the Agreement and
to perfect title to said inventions, discoveries and patents in the Company, its
successors and assigns. The provisions of this section shall survive the
expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

     (b). Payments. In the event Consultant develops a new Instrument resulting
          --------
from or arising in connection with Consultant's services for the Company or its
affiliates, in consideration of the sale, transfer and assignment to the Company
or its nominee, of Consultant's rights to the new Instrument, Company agrees to
pay Consultant $300 for each new Instrument sold or placed after the first unit
is sold or placed at a customer's site. Such payments will continue for a period
of three years or until the termination or expiration of this Agreement,
whichever occurs first. The $300 payment may be increased to $500 if (a) the new
Instrument is of equal or superior specifications with respect to the MAGO
System currently being manufactured; (b) Less time versus projected time is
required for the manufacturing of the first three prototypes; and (c) Lower cost
versus projected cost is achieved for all components.

     (c). Market Sectors. In the event Consultant develops a new Instrument
          --------------
resulting from or arising in connection with Consultant's services for the
Company or its affiliates, which is designated for use in market sectors that
are different to that of the MAGO or other comparable systems, the Company
agrees to discuss with the
<PAGE>

Consultant, in good faith, bonus payment to Consultant on a mutually agreeable
amount.

10. Remedies. The restrictions set forth in Sections 7 and 8 are considered by
    --------
the parties to be reasonable for the purposes of protecting the value of the
business of the Company and its affiliates. The Consultant acknowledges that
compliance by Consultant with the restrictions set forth in Sections 7 and 8
will not prevent Consultant from earning a livelihood. The Consultant
acknowledges that the Company would be irreparably harmed and that monetary
damages would not provide an adequate remedy in the event of a breach of the
provisions of Sections 7 or 8. Accordingly, the Consultant agrees that, in
addition to any other remedies available to the Company, the Company shall be
entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief to secure the enforcement of
these provisions, and shall be entitled to receive reimbursement from the
Consultant for all attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Company in
enforcing these provisions, should the Company prevail. If the Consultant
breaches the covenant set forth in Section 8, the running of the noncompete
period described therein shall be tolled for so long as such breach continues.
It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of Sections 7, 8
and 9 be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public
policies of each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. If any provisions
of Sections 7, 8 or 9 relating to the time period, scope of activities or
geographic area of restrictions is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction
to exceed the maximum permissible time period, scope of activities or geographic
area, the maximum time period, scope of activities or geographic area, as the
case may be, shall be reduced to the maximum which such court deems enforceable.
If any provisions of Sections 7, 8 or 9 other than those described in the
preceding sentence are adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalid
or unenforceable provisions shall be deemed amended (with respect only to the
jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made) in such manner as to render
them enforceable and to effectuate as nearly as possible the original intentions
and agreement of the parties.

11. Term and Termination.
    --------------------

          (a) Term. Subject to the earlier termination of this Agreement as
              ----
provided herein, the term of this Agreement shall commence as of this Agreement
and shall continue for a period of three (3) years from that date.

          (b) Events of Termination. This Agreement may be terminated (i) by the
              ---------------------
mutual consent of the parties in writing, (ii) by the Company upon Consultant's
death or permanent disability (as hereinafter defined), or for cause (as
hereinafter defined), which termination shall except as otherwise provided
herein, be effective immediately upon written notice from the Company, or (iii)
by Consultant, in the event the Company fails to pay Consultant the consulting
fee when due and payable as set forth in Section 6 hereof, which nonpayment
continues for more than thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of such
nonpayment form Consultant, such termination to be effective upon written notice
to the Company after failure to cure or remedy such
<PAGE>

default. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "permanent disability"
shall mean the Consultant's inability to perform his duties under this Agreement
for a period of 60 consecutive days, whether or not consecutive, in any twelve
month period (the "Disability Period"), due to illness, accident or any other
physical or mental incapacity, as reasonably determined in good faith by the
Company.

          (c) Cause. For the purposes hereof, "cause" shall mean: (i) breach by
              -----
the Consultant of any material provision of this Agreement and failure to cure
such breach within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice of such
breach from the Company, such termination to be effective upon written notice to
Consultant after failure to cure or remedy such breach; (ii) a willful refusal
without justification by Consultant to follow good faith, lawful and reasonable
directives of the Company consistent with the provisions hereof; (iii)
negligence or willful misconduct of Consultant in connection with the
performance of his duties under this Agreement; (iv) material neglect or
material inattention by Consultant of or to his duties hereunder; (v) fraud,
dishonesty, criminal conduct (as evidenced by the filing of any criminal action
against the Consultant) or embezzlement by the Consultant; (vi) Consultant's
misappropriation for personal use of assets or business opportunities of the
Company; or (vii) any act or omission to act by Consultant which is harmful to
the business interests, reputation or goodwill of the Company.

          (d) Effect of Termination. In the event of any termination under this
              ---------------------
Section 11, the Company shall have no further obligation under this Agreement or
the Royalty Agreement, as amended, to make any payments to, or bestow any
benefits on, the Consultant from and after the date of the termination, other
than payments or benefits accrued and due and payable to her prior to the date
of the termination.

          (e) Survive Termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary that
              -------------------
may be contained herein, in the event of any termination or expiration of this
Agreement, the confidentiality provisions, the noncompete provision and the
remedies provision and any other provisions which by their terms are to be
performed or complied with subsequent to the expiration or other termination of
this Agreement shall survive and continue in full force and effect. The
termination of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to, and
shall not effect, the right of either party to recover from the other any and
all damages to which either may be entitled therefor, or any other rights of
either in connection therewith, and such rights of both shall survive such
termination.

12. Miscellaneous.
    -------------

          (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire
              ----------------
understanding of the parties and merges and supersedes any prior or
contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, understandings, representations,
statements, and writings between the parties pertaining to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or terminated orally, and no
modification, termination or attempted waiver
<PAGE>

of any of the provisions hereof shall be binding unless in writing and signed by
each of the parties hereto.

          (b) Waiver. Failure of a party to enforce one or more of the
              ------
provisions of this Agreement or to require at any time performance of any of the
obligations hereof shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provisions by
such party nor to in any way affect the validity of this Agreement or such
party's right thereafter to enforce any provision of this Agreement, nor to
preclude such party from taking any other action at any time which it would
legally be entitled to take.

          (c) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
              ----------------------
inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns. The
obligations of Consultant are personal and may be performed only by him.
Accordingly, Consultant shall not assign any or all of his interest in this
Agreement with out the prior written consent of the Company, which consent may
be arbitrarily withheld.

          (d) Additional Acts. The Consultant and the Company each agrees to
              ---------------
execute, acknowledge and deliver and file, or cause to be executed, acknowledged
and delivered and filed, any and all further instruments, agreements or
documents as may be necessary or expedient in order to consummate the
transactions provided for in this Agreement and do any and all further acts and
things as may be necessary or expedient in order to carry out the purpose and
intent of this Agreement.

          (e) Communications. All notices, requests, reports, demands and other
              --------------
communications (hereinafter collectively referred to as "correspondence")
required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given at the time personally delivered or when mailed in any
United States post office enclosed in a registered or certified postage prepaid
envelope and addressed to the addresses set forth below, or to such other
address as any party may specify by notice to the other party; provided,
however, that any notice of change of addresg shall be effective only upon
receipt.

     To the Company:        IVAX Diagnostics, Inc.
                            4400 Biscayne Blvd.
                            Miami, Florida 33137
                            Attn: President
                            Facsimile:(305) 324-2385

     With a copy to:        IVAX Corporation
                            4400 Biscayne Blvd.
                            Miami, Florida 33137
                            Attn: General Counsel
                            Facsimile:(305) 575-6049
<PAGE>

     To the Consultant:     Mario Cossi
                            Via Stesicoro 148
                            00125 Roma
                            Italy
                            Facsimile:

All notice periods provided in this Agreement shall be deemed to begin running
(i) in the case of notice by letter sent by air mail, on the date of
registration of the letter; (ii) in the case of notice by facsimile, on the date
when the communication is sent; and (iii) in the case of any other method of
notice, on the date when the notice is actually received.

          (f) Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and
              ------------
the invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity of any other
provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or
unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unenforceability shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement and the provision held to be invalid or
unenforceable shall be enforced as nearly as possible according to its original
terms and intent to eliminate such invalidity or unenforceability. If any court
of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement or the
application thereof is unenforceable because of the duration or scope thereof,
the parties agree that said court in malting such determination may reduce the
duration and scope of such provision or application to the extent necessary to
make it enforceable, and that the Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid
and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

          (g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and the legal
              -------------
relations between the parties determined in accordance with the laws of
lhe'State of Florida, U.S.A. The parties acknowledge that each has access to
counsel during the course of negotiation of this Agreement, and therefore, that
this Agreement shall be interpreted without regard to any presumption or rule
requiring construction against the party causing the Agreement to be drafted.

          (h) Jurisdiction: Venue. Any suit, action or proceeding against any
              -------------------
party with respect to this Agreement or any judgment entered by any court in
respect of this Agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of Florida
or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and
the parties hereto accept the nonexclusive jurisdiction of those courts for the
purpose of any such suit, action or proceeding. In addition, the parties
irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which
they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any judgment entered
by any court in respect hereof brought in Florida, and further irrevocably
waive
<PAGE>

any claim that any suit, action or proceeding brought in Florida was brought in
an inconvenient forum.

          (i) Independent Contractor. Notwithstanding any provision contained
              ----------------------
herein to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that Consultant is an
independent contractor and not an employee of the Company, and this Agreement
shall not be deemed to create any relationship of partnership, agency or
employment. Accordingly, Consultant shall have no right or authorization,
express or implied, to assume or create any obligation on behalf of the Company.
The parties intend that the relationship of the Consultant to the Company be
that of an independent contractor. Except as otherwise required by law, payments
to the Consultant shall be made free of withholding for federal, state and local
taxes. The Consultant shall be responsible for all federal, state and local
taxes relating to amounts received by him under this Agreement. Consultant
agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and against any and all
claims, costs, taxes, fines, penalties, expenses, attorneys' fees and court
costs arising from any claim, action, suit or other proceeding resulting from a
breach of this Section 11(i).

          (j) Publication. Consultant agrees that he will not publish any
              -----------
manuscript or other written document based upon information or data resulting
from his performance of services hereunder for the Company, without the prior
written consent of the Company.

          (k) Indemnification. Consultant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
              ---------------
harmless Company, its affiliates and its directors, officers, employees and
agents from, against and in respect of, the full amount of any and all
liabilities, damages, claims, deficiencies, fines, assessments, losses, taxes,
penalties, interest, costs and expenses, including, without limitation,
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, arising from, in connection with,
or incident to any breach or violation of any of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements of Consultant contained in this Agreement;
and (ii) any and all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments or
judgments, costs and expenses incidental to any of the foregoing, The
representations and warranties of Consultant set forth in this Agreement and the
indemnification provisions hereof shall survive termination of this Agreement
and shall continue in effect for as long as Company shall sell Instruments.

          (1) Captions. The captions of this Agreement are solely for the
              --------
convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation.

          (m) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
              ------------
counterparts, each of which shall be considered to be an original.
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date set forth above.

IVAX DIAGNOSTICS, INC.                           CONSULTANT

By: /s/ Giorgio D'Urso                           By: /s/ Mario Cossi
    -------------------------                        ---------------------------
    Giorgio D'Urso, President                        Mario Cossi
    August 20/99

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