Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                   ORIUS CORP.

                                  June 28, 2001

Mr. William J. Mercurio
1401 Forum Way, Ste. 400
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Dear Bill:

                  This letter sets forth our understanding of the terms on which
you have resigned, and confirms your resignation, effective as of today from all
of your positions as officer, employee and director of Orius Corp. ("Orius") and
its subsidiaries. You and Orius are party to a Senior Management Agreement dated
as of November 8, 1999, as amended (the "Employment Agreement"). On April 17,
2000 you delivered to Orius a Promissory Note in the original principal amount
of $252,633.44 in connection with your purchase of Executive Shares under the
Employment Agreement (the "Note"). Capitalized terms used but not defined in
this letter shall have the meanings given them in the Employment Agreement.

                  By executing this letter in the space provided below, you
agree with Orius, and by its signature below Orius agrees with you, as follows:

                  1. You hereby resign effective as of today from all of your
positions as officer and employee of Orius and its subsidiaries. Furthermore,
you hereby resign effective as of today from your position as "CEO Director" and
Chairman of the Board of Orius (the term "CEO Director" having such meaning as
set forth in that certain Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of November 8,
1999, as amended, by and among Orius and the securityholders of Orius listed on
the signature pages thereto). However, Orius desires that you rejoin the board
as a member, and you agree to rejoin the board as a member; therefore, promptly
following your resignation as "CEO Director" and Chairman of the Board, the
board of directors of Orius will reappoint you to the board to fill a vacancy
created by an increase in the size of the board.

                  2. Though you are resigning from your positions at Orius, for
all purposes of the Employment Agreement you will be treated as if you have been
terminated from such positions without Cause. Consequently, if you execute and
deliver to Orius the General Release attached hereto as EXHIBIT A and otherwise
continue to comply with the Employment Agreement, then in accordance with
Paragraph 6(b)(1) of the Employment Agreement, (a) Orius will continue to pay
you, until June 28, 2003, in regular installments in accordance with Orius's
payroll practices, your Base Salary of $518,175, and (b) you will be entitled to
receive a pro-rata portion (i.e., 50%) of the Bonus for calendar year 2001 which
you would have earned, if any, had your employment continued until December 31,
2001. Such Bonus payment (if any) will be made at the same time as it would have
been made if your employment with Orius had not been terminated. The Base Salary
and Bonus payable to you are referred to in this letter as "Severance Payments."
In addition, in accordance with Paragraph 5(d) of the Employment Agreement, for
a period of time required by applicable law or, if such time period is shorter,
from the Termination Date until such date as Orius's

<PAGE>   2

Mr. William J. Mercurio
June 28, 2001
Page 2

obligation under the Employment Agreement to pay you Severance Payments ceases,
Orius shall continue to pay for the health care coverage currently provided to
you in its existing group medical insurance plan to the extent to which you
would be entitled to such coverage under COBRA. As you are aware, Orius has no
obligation to make any Severance Payments to you until you execute and deliver
to Orius the General Release and only so long as you have not breached, and do
not in the future breach, any provision of Paragraph 7 (Confidential
Information), Paragraph 8 (Inventions and Patents) or Paragraph 9 (Non-Compete;
Nonsolicitation) of the Employment Agreement. Each of these provisions will
continue in full force and effect after the Termination Date.

                  3. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original and both of which
shall constitute the same instrument.

                  This letter does not purport to amend the Employment Agreement
(except to the extent required by the first sentence of paragraph 2 above), the
Note or any other agreement to which you and Orius are a party, and each of
these agreements shall remain in full force and effect after the Termination
Date in accordance with their terms.

                  If you have any questions regarding the terms and conditions
of your termination from Orius, do not hesitate to call Thomas Hartmann of Orius
at (561)687-8300.

                  Thank you.

                                        Sincerely,

                                        ORIUS CORP.

                                        By: /s/ Thomas W. Hartmann
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                Thomas W. Hartmann

                                        Its: Senior Vice President of
                                             Administration and General Counsel

Acknowledged and Agreed to
On this 28 day of June, 2001.

/s/ William J. Mercurio
----------------------------------------------
William J. Mercurio

cc:      Board of Directors, Orius Corp.

<PAGE>   3
                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                    GENERAL RELEASE

                           I, William J. Mercurio, in consideration of and
subject to the performance by Orius Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with
its subsidiaries, the "Company"), of its material obligations under the Senior
Management Agreement, dated as of November 8, 1999, as amended (the
"Agreement"), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the
Company and all present and former directors, officers, agents, representatives,
employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its direct or indirect
owners (collectively, the "Released Parties") to the extent provided below.

     (1)      I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me
              under Paragraph 6(b) of the Agreement represent, in part,
              consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary,
              wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand
              and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits
              specified in Paragraph 6(b) of the Agreement unless I execute this
              General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the
              time period permitted hereafter or breach this General Release.

     (2)      Except as provided in Paragraphs 4 and 11 below, I knowingly and
              voluntarily release and forever discharge the Company and the
              other Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies,
              actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands,
              debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or
              exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys'
              fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in
              equity, both past and present (through the date of this General
              Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed
              against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my
              spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns,
              may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment
              with, or my separation from, the Company (including, but not
              limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under:
              Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil
              Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
              1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection
              Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with
              Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of
              1993; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Worker
              Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee
              Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive
              Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or
              local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local
              civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or
              federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy,
              contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any
              policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for
              wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional
              distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other
              expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred in these matters)
              (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the
              "Claims").

     (3)      I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any
              right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by
              Paragraph 2 above.

     (4)      This General Release does not waive or release any rights or
              claims that I may have (a) under the Age Discrimination in
              Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this
              General Release or (b) for benefits to which he may be entitled
              under any employee plan or agreement. I acknowledge and agree that
              my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with
              the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any
              claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under
              the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).

<PAGE>   4

     (5)      In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it
              shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims
              hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this
              General Release shall be given full force and effect according to
              each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those
              relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any
              state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general
              release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any,
              as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove
              mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is
              an essential and material term of this General Release and that
              without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms
              of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring
              a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I
              should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by
              a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall
              serve as a complete defense to such Claims. I further agree that I
              am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type
              described in Paragraph 2 as of the execution of this General
              Release.

     (6)      I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of
              the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or
              construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any
              Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.

     (7)      I agree that I will forfeit all amounts payable by the Company
              pursuant to the Agreement if I challenge the validity of this
              General Release. I also agree that if I violate this General
              Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will
              pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred
              by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys' fees, and
              return all payments received by me pursuant to the Agreement.

     (8)      I agree that this General Release is confidential and agree not to
              disclose any information regarding the terms of this General
              Release, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other
              counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or
              as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not
              to disclose the same to anyone.

     (9)      Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not
              prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any
              inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and
              circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the
              National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD), any other
              self-regulatory organization or governmental entity.

     (10)     I agree to reasonably cooperate with the Company in any internal
              investigation or administrative, regulatory, or judicial
              proceeding. I understand and agree that my cooperation may
              include, but not be limited to, making myself available to the
              Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual
              investigations; appearing at the Company's request to give
              testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal
              process; volunteering to the Company pertinent information; and
              turning over to the Company all relevant documents which are or
              may come into my possession all at times and on schedules that are
              reasonably consistent with my other permitted activities and
              commitments. I understand that in the event the Company asks for
              my cooperation in accordance with this provision, the Company will
              reimburse me solely for reasonable travel expenses, including
              lodging and meals, upon my submission of receipts.

     (11)     Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary,
              this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way
              affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the
              Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement.

     (12)     Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be
              interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under
              applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is
              held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under
              any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity,
              illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other
              provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release
              shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as
              if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been
              contained herein.

<PAGE>   5

     BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:

     (a)     I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;

     (b)     I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP
             IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE
             AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII
             OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF
             1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE
             RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;

     (c)     I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;

     (d)     I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING
             IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION
             I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;

     (e)     I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS
             RELEASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN ITS FINAL FORM ON NOVEMBER 8, 1999 TO
             CONSIDER IT AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE THE NOVEMBER 8, 1999 VERSION
             OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED
             21-DAY PERIOD;

     (f)     THE CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE NOVEMBER 8, 1999 EITHER ARE NOT
             MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST.

     (g)     I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS
             RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME
             EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;

     (h)     I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND
             WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT
             TO IT; AND

     (i)     I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE
             AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN
             WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND
             BY ME.

Date:  June 28, 2001                         /s/ William J. Mercurio
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             William J. Mercurio<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                          SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                             TRIPATH IMAGING, INC.,

                                       and

                          BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY

                            dated as of July 31, 2001

<PAGE>   2

                          SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         THIS SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT dated as of July 31, 2001 (the
"AGREEMENT") is made between TRIPATH IMAGING, INC., a corporation organized
under the laws of the State of Delaware having its principal offices at 780
Plantation Drive, Burlington, NC 27215, ("TRIPATH"), and BECTON, DICKINSON AND
COMPANY, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey (the
"PURCHASER").

                                  R E C I T A L

         TriPath desires to sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to
purchase from TriPath, shares of TriPath's common stock on the terms described
herein.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:

         SECTION 1. Authorization for Sale of the Shares. Subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, TriPath has authorized the sale to the
Purchaser of 2,500,000 shares of the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(the "COMMON STOCK"), of TriPath at a price per share of ten United States
dollars ($10.00 USD). Collectively, the shares of Common Stock which may be
purchased pursuant to this Section 1 are referred to herein as the "SHARES."

         SECTION 2. Sale of the Shares. TriPath shall sell to the Purchaser, and
the Purchaser shall purchase from TriPath, upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, the Shares for an aggregate purchase price (the
"AGGREGATE PURCHASE Price") of $25,000,000 USD.

         SECTION 3. Delivery of the Shares at the Closing. The closing of the
purchase and sale of the Shares (the "CLOSING") shall occur on July 31, 2001
(the "CLOSING DATE"). Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at
the Closing, the Purchaser shall pay to TriPath an amount in cash or by wire
transfer equal to the Aggregate Purchase Price, and TriPath shall deliver to the
Purchaser one or more stock certificates representing the Shares, registered in
the name of the Purchaser, or in such nominee name(s) as designated by the
Purchaser.

         SECTION 4. Representations and Warranties of TriPath. TriPath
represents and warrants to the Purchaser except as described on the Schedules
delivered to the Purchaser by TriPath on the date hereof, as follows:

         4.1. Organization and Qualification. (a) TriPath and each TriPath
Subsidiary (as defined below) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all
requisite corporate power and authority to conduct its business as currently
conducted. TriPath and each TriPath Subsidiary is duly qualified and licensed as
a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing (and has paid all
relevant franchise or analogous taxes), in each jurisdiction where the character
of its assets owned or held under lease or the nature of its business makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify or be licensed
could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an
MAE (as hereinafter defined).

<PAGE>   3

                  (b) Schedule 4.1(b) sets forth a complete and correct list of
each corporation, limited liability company, partnership, business association,
or other entity with respect to which TriPath has, directly or indirectly,
ownership of or rights with respect to securities or other interests having the
power to elect a majority of such entity's board of directors or analogous or
similar governing body, or otherwise having the power to direct the management,
business or policies of that corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, business association or other entity (a "TRIPATH SUBSIDIARY").
Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(b), TriPath owns, either directly or
indirectly through one or more TriPath Subsidiaries, all of the capital stock or
other equity interests of the TriPath Subsidiaries free and clear of all liens,
charges, claims, security interests, restrictions, options, proxies, voting
trusts or other encumbrances (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES"), other than transfer
restrictions imposed by applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders or
other restrictions of any court or governmental entity applicable to the
businesses conducted by TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiaries (collectively, the
"LAWS"). All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other
equity interests of each of the TriPath Subsidiaries held directly or indirectly
by TriPath have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. No shares of capital stock or other equity interests of any of
the TriPath Subsidiaries are entitled to preemptive rights. Except as set forth
on Schedule 4.1(b) or as disclosed in all reports (the "EXCHANGE ACT REPORTS")
filed by TriPath with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
pursuant to the reporting requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "SECURITIES ACT") and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"EXCHANGE ACT"), there are no outstanding subscription rights, options,
warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights granted by
TriPath or a TriPath Subsidiary relating to issued or unissued capital stock or
other equity interests of any of the TriPath Subsidiaries, or any contracts,
agreements or commitments entered into by TriPath or a TriPath Subsidiary
relating to issued or unissued capital stock or other equity interests of any of
the TriPath Subsidiaries or pursuant to which TriPath or any of the TriPath
Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue or grant additional shares of any
TriPath Subsidiary's capital stock or other equity interests or related
subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities
or other rights, or to grant preemptive rights relating to any TriPath
Subsidiary's securities. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(b) or as disclosed
in the Exchange Act Reports, there are no voting trusts, stockholders
agreements, proxies or other contracts, agreements or commitments or
understandings to which any of the TriPath Subsidiaries is a party with respect
to the voting or transfer of any capital stock or other equity interest of any
of the TriPath Subsidiaries and no TriPath Subsidiary has any obligation
(contingent or otherwise) to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
its capital stock or any interest therein or to pay any dividend or make any
other distribution in respect thereof. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(b),
TriPath does not own, directly or indirectly, any interest in any corporation,
limited liability company, partnership, business association or other entity.

         4.2. Authorized Capital Stock. As of June 28, 2001, the authorized
capital stock of TriPath consisted of (a) 49,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of
which 34,325,362 are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and
non-assessable, and (b) 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01
par value per share, none of which are issued and outstanding. As of June 28,
2001, there were 4,571,325 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
TriPath's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the "EQUITY PLAN"), and options to
purchase 2,811,077 shares of Common Stock were outstanding as of such date under
the Equity Plan. As of June 28, 2001, there were 300,000 shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance under TriPath's 1997

                                       2
<PAGE>   4

Director Stock Option Plan (the "DIRECTOR PLAN"), and options to purchase 20,000
shares of Common Stock were outstanding as of such date under the Director Plan.
As of June 28, 2001, there were 350,713 shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance upon exercise of options to purchase 350,713 shares of Common Stock
issued under the NeoPath 1989 Stock Option Plan (the "1989 Plan"), and which
options were assumed by TriPath in its acquisition of NeoPath, Inc. As of June
28, 2001, there were 124,156 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of options to purchase 124,156 shares of Common Stock issued under the
NeoPath 1999 Plan (the "1999 PLAN"), and which options were assumed by TriPath
in its acquisition of NeoPath, Inc. As of June 28, 2001, there were 103,527
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options to
purchase 103,527 shares of Common Stock issued under the NeoPath Director Plan
(the "NEOPATH DIRECTOR PLAN"), and which options were assumed by TriPath in its
acquisition of NeoPath, Inc. As of June 28, 2001, there were warrants
outstanding to purchase 5,302,283 shares of Common Stock at an average exercise
price of $11.15 per share. All of the issued and outstanding shares of TriPath's
capital stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid
and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with applicable Federal and
state securities laws. Except as described herein or on Schedule 4.2, (i) no
subscription, warrant, option, convertible security or other right (contingent
or otherwise) granted by TriPath to purchase or acquire any shares of TriPath's
capital stock is authorized or outstanding, (ii) there is not any commitment or
offer of TriPath to issue any subscription, warrant, option, convertible
security or other such right or to issue or distribute to holders of any shares
of its capital stock, any evidences of indebtedness or assets of TriPath, (iii)
TriPath does not have any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any interest
therein or to pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect
thereof, and (iv) there are no restrictions on the transfer of TriPath's capital
stock other than those arising from securities laws or under this Agreement.
Except as contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise disclosed in Schedule 4.2,
no person or entity is (i) entitled to any preemptive or similar right with
respect to the issuance of any capital stock of TriPath, (ii) entitled to any
rights with respect to the registration of any capital stock of TriPath under
the Securities Act, or (iii) to TriPath's knowledge, a party to any voting
trust, stockholders agreements, proxies, agreements or other undertakings in
effect with respect to the voting or transfer of any of TriPath's securities.

         4.3. Consents; Due Execution; Delivery and Performance of the
Agreement. TriPath's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement (a)
has been duly authorized under Delaware law by all requisite corporate action by
TriPath, (b) will not violate any Law or the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, or the Restated By-laws of TriPath or other
organizational documents of any TriPath Subsidiary or any provision of any
material indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other material instrument
to which TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their
respective properties or assets is bound as of the date hereof, (c) require any
consent by any person or entity under, constitute or result (upon notice or
lapse of time or both) in a breach of any term, condition or provision of, or
constitute a default or give rise to any right of termination or acceleration
under any such indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other material
instrument or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, security
interest, mortgage, pledge, charge or other encumbrance, of any material nature
whatsoever, upon any properties or assets of TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary,
or (d) will not constitute a "Change in Control" of TriPath under any agreement,
contract or commitment to which an officer of TriPath and TriPath are parties or
under any of the Compensation and Benefit

                                       3
<PAGE>   5

Plans (as hereinafter defined). The issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares in
accordance with this Agreement have been duly authorized and reserved for
issuance, as the case may be, by all necessary corporate action on the part of
TriPath. The Shares when so issued, sold and delivered against payment therefor
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be duly and validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Upon its execution and delivery, and
assuming the valid execution thereof by the Purchaser, the Agreement will
constitute a valid and binding obligation of TriPath, enforceable against
TriPath in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting creditors' and contracting parties' rights generally and except as
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

         For purposes of this Agreement, "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.

         For purposes of this Agreement, "ERISA" shall mean the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

         For purposes of this Agreement, "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean each
business or entity which is a member of a "controlled group of corporations,"
under "common control" or a member of an "affiliated service group" with TriPath
or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) or
(m) of the Code, or required to be aggregated with TriPath under Section 414(o)
of the Code, or is under "common control" with TriPath, within the meaning of
Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA, and the regulations promulgated and proposed
thereunder.

         For purposes of this Agreement, "Compensation and Benefit Plans" shall
mean all bonus, vacation, deferred compensation, pension, retirement,
profit-sharing, thrift, savings, employee stock ownership, stock bonus, stock
purchase, restricted stock and stock option plans, all employment or severance
contracts, all medical, dental, disability, health and life insurance plans, all
other material employee benefit and fringe benefit plans, contracts or
arrangements and any applicable "change of control" or similar provisions in any
plan, contract or arrangement sponsored, maintained or contributed to by TriPath
or any TriPath Subsidiary for the benefit of officers, former officers,
employees, former employees, directors, former directors, or the beneficiaries
of any of the foregoing or pursuant to which TriPath, any of the TriPath
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have any liability or obligation,
contingent or otherwise.

         4.4. Exempt Transaction. Subject to the accuracy of the Purchaser's
representations in Section 5 of this Agreement, the issuance of the Shares will
constitute a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of Section 5
of the Securities Act in reliance upon Regulation D under the Securities Act.

         4.5. Disclosure. Neither this Agreement nor the schedules hereto
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary in order to make each statement contained herein or therein not
misleading. There is no fact which TriPath has not disclosed to the Purchaser in
writing and of which any of its directors or executive officers is

                                       4
<PAGE>   6

aware (other than general economic conditions) and which has had or would
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon the financial
condition, operating results, assets, customer or supplier relations, employee
relations or business prospects of TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiaries taken as
a whole (an "MAE"). TriPath is not aware of any event occurring on or prior to
the Closing Date (other than the transactions effected hereby) that would
require the filing of, or with respect to which TriPath intends to file, a Form
8-K after such date. TriPath is not aware of any fact, the occurrence or
non-occurrence of which would materially impair its ability to perform its
obligations under the Additional Agreements (as defined in Section 6.5), in
accordance with their terms, other than securing additional financing or general
market conditions.

         4.6. Additional Information. All Exchange Act Reports when filed did
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not
misleading. TriPath has timely made all filings with the SEC which it is
required to make, and TriPath has not received any request from the SEC to file
any amendment or supplement to any such reports.

         4.7. No Material Changes. As of the date hereof, there has been no
event, occurrence, development or state of circumstances or facts which has had
or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, an
MAE since the filing date of TriPath's last Exchange Act Report.

         4.8. Governmental Consents. Except as disclosed in any Exchange Act
Report, no permit, consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration to or
filing with, any governmental authority or with NASDAQ is required, which has
not been obtained, in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by
TriPath of this Agreement, the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated hereby, or the conduct or operation of the business of TriPath and
the TriPath Subsidiaries.

         4.9. Compliance with Laws; Litigation. Neither TriPath nor any TriPath
Subsidiary has violated any law or any governmental regulation or requirement
which violation could reasonably be expected to have an MAE. There is no claim,
suit, litigation, investigation, arbitration or other proceeding pending or
threatened against TriPath, the TriPath Subsidiaries or any of its or their
executive officers which could reasonably be expected to have an MAE.

         4.10. Financial Statements. The audited consolidated balance sheet as
of December 31, 2000 and the related audited consolidated statement of
operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000, and the
unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet for the three months ended March
31, 2001 and the related unaudited interim consolidated statements of operations
and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2001, of TriPath and the
TriPath Subsidiaries as set forth in the applicable Exchange Act Report fairly
present, in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto), the consolidated financial position of TriPath
and the TriPath Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their consolidated
results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to
normal year-end adjustments in the case of any unaudited interim financial
statements). Neither TriPath nor any of the TriPath Subsidiaries has any
liability or obligation, except (i) liabilities

                                       5
<PAGE>   7

and obligations in the respective amounts reflected or reserved against in the
consolidated balance sheet of TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiaries as of March
31, 2001 or not required under generally accepted accounting principles to be
reflected in such balance sheet, or (ii) liabilities and obligations incurred in
the ordinary course of business since March 31, 2001 which could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an MAE.

         4.11. Material Contracts. Each of the agreements, contracts, leases and
commitments listed as an exhibit to any report filed by TriPath with the SEC is
a legal and valid agreement, binding on TriPath or a TriPath Subsidiary, as the
case may be, pursuant to its terms, and is in full force and effect, and none of
TriPath, such TriPath Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of TriPath, any other
party thereto is in default or breach, in each case in any material respect,
and, no event or circumstance with respect to any such agreement, contract,
lease or commitment has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would reasonably be expected to constitute an MAE.

         4.12. Taxes. Each of TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiaries have duly
filed all federal, state and other Tax Returns required by law to be filed by it
except where failure to file such Tax Returns could not individually or in the
aggregate, be expected to have an MAE and have paid all Taxes which are due and
payable by TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary, except any such Taxes, which could
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an MAE or
(i) the payment of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, and (ii) for which adequate reserves have been provided on the
books of TriPath or a TriPath Subsidiary, as applicable. Neither the Internal
Revenue Service nor any other taxing authority has asserted any claim for Taxes,
nor to the knowledge of TriPath, is threatening to assert any claims for Taxes,
against TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries which claims, if determined
adversely to TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries, would, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an MAE. TriPath and each of the
TriPath Subsidiaries have withheld or collected and paid over to the appropriate
governmental entities (or are properly holding for such payment) all Taxes
required by law to be withheld or collected, except for amounts which could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an MAE. There
are no liens for Taxes upon the assets of TriPath or any of the TriPath
Subsidiaries (other than liens for Taxes that are not yet due), except for liens
which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
have an MAE. Neither TriPath nor any of the TriPath Subsidiaries (i) has any
liability or obligation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or analogous
state, local, or foreign law provision, except to the extent any such debt,
liability or obligation could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably
be expected to have an MAE, or (ii) is a party to a Tax sharing or Tax indemnity
agreement or any other agreement, contract or commitment of a similar nature
with any entity other than TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries that
remains in effect and under which TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries
could have any material liability for Taxes. No claim has been made by a taxing
authority in a jurisdiction where TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries
does not file Tax Returns that TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries is or
may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction where such claim, if determined
adversely to TriPath or any of the Subsidiaries, would, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an MAE. Neither TriPath nor any of the
TriPath Subsidiaries is the subject of any currently ongoing audit or
examination with respect to a material amount of Taxes, nor, to the knowledge of
TriPath, has any such audit been threatened or proposed, by any taxing
authority.

                                       6
<PAGE>   8

         "Tax" and "Taxes" shall means any and all federal, state, local,
foreign or other taxes of any kind (together with any and all interest,
penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto)
imposed by any taxing authority, including, without limitation, taxes or other
charges on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or other profits,
gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll, employment, social
security, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, or net worth, and
taxes or other charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem or value
added, and includes, without limitation, any liability for Taxes of another
person, as a transferee or successor, under Treas. Reg. ss. 1.1502-6 or
analogous provision of Law or otherwise.

         "Tax Return" shall mean any return, report or similar statement
(including the attached schedules) required to be filed with respect to any Tax,
including, without limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended
return or declaration of estimated Tax.

         4.13. Intellectual Property. TriPath and each TriPath Subsidiary owns,
or has the legal right to use, all material intellectual property rights
necessary for each of them to conduct its business. Except as disclosed in any
Exchange Act Report, no claim has been asserted and is pending by any person or
entity challenging or questioning the use of any such intellectual property
right or the validity or effectiveness of any such intellectual property right,
nor does TriPath know of any facts or circumstances that could provide a
reasonable basis for any such claim. Except as disclosed in any Exchange Act
Report, to the knowledge of TriPath, the use of such intellectual property
rights by TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiaries does not infringe on the rights
of any person or entity.

         4.14. Environmental Compliance. (a) No notice, notification, demand,
request for information, citation, summons, complaint or order has been issued,
no complaint has been filed, no penalty has been assessed and to TriPath's
knowledge, no investigation or review is pending or threatened by any
governmental or other entity (i) with respect to any alleged material violation
by TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary of any Environmental Law, (ii) with respect
to any alleged failure by TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary to have any material
Environmental Permit or (iii) with respect to any release, as defined in 42
U.S.C. Section 9601(22), of any Hazardous Substance. To the knowledge of
TriPath, no release, as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(22), of any Hazardous
Substance has occurred at or on any property now or previously owned or leased
by TriPath or any of the TriPath Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, an MAE. To TriPath's knowledge, there
are no material Environmental Liabilities (as defined below).

         (b) For purposes of this Section:

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any federal, state, local or foreign law
(including, without limitation, common law), treaty, judicial decision,
regulation, rule, judgment, order, decree, injunction, permit or governmental
restriction or requirement or any agreement with any governmental authority or
other Person, whether now or hereafter in effect, relating to human health and
safety, the environment or to hazardous substances.

                                       7
<PAGE>   9

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES" means all liabilities of TriPath and the
TriPath Subsidiaries, whether contingent or fixed, which arise under or relate
to matters covered by Environmental Laws.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS" means all permits, licenses, franchises,
certificates, approvals and other similar authorizations of governmental
authorities relating to or required by Environmental Laws and affecting, or
relating in any way to, the business of TriPath or any TriPath Subsidiary.

         "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means any pollutant, contaminant, waste or
chemical or any toxic, radioactive, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise
hazardous substance, waste or material, or any substance, waste or material
having any constituent elements displaying any of the foregoing characteristics,
including, without limitation, petroleum, its derivatives, by-products and other
hydrocarbons, and any substance, waste or material regulated under any
Environmental Law.

         4.15. Finder's Fees. There is no investment banker, broker, finder or
other intermediary which has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf
of TriPath or any of its affiliates which might be entitled to any fee or
commission from TriPath or any of its affiliates upon consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         4.16. Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Schedule 4.16 sets forth a complete
and correct list of (i) each material Compensation and Benefit Plan, and (ii)
each Compensation and Benefit Plan (whether or not material) which contains a
"change of control" or similar provision. TriPath has heretofore delivered or
made available to the Purchaser complete and correct copies of all such
Compensation and Benefit Plans and any amendments thereto (or if a Compensation
and Benefit Plan is not in written form, a written description thereof), any
related trust or other funding agreement or vehicle, the most recent reports or
summaries required under ERISA or the Code and, with respect to each
Compensation and Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Code,
the most recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.

         (b) TriPath, each of the TriPath Subsidiaries and each ERISA Affiliate
have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by them under each Compensation and Benefit Plan and none of TriPath, any of the
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate is in material default under or in material
violation of any Compensation and Benefit Plan. Each Compensation and Benefit
Plan has in all material respects been established, operated, maintained and
administered, as the case may be, in accordance with its terms and in compliance
with all applicable laws, statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including,
but not limited to, ERISA and the Code.

         (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.16, at no time has TriPath, any
of the TriPath Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate contributed to or been
required to contribute to, or incurred any withdrawal liability (within the
meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA) to, any Compensation and Benefit Plan that is
a "multi-employer plan" within the meaning of Sections 3(37) or 400 1(a)(3) of
ERISA (a "MULTI-EMPLOYER PLAN").

                                       8
<PAGE>   10

         (d) None of TriPath, any of the TriPath Subsidiaries or any ERISA
Affiliate (i) presently sponsors, maintains or contributes to, (ii) is required
to sponsor, maintain or contribute to or (iii) has ever sponsored, maintained,
contributed to or been required to contribute to, any Compensation and Benefit
Plan (other than a Multi-Employer Plan) that is an "employee pension benefit
plan" within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA and that is subject to Title
IV of ERISA.

         4.17. Listing on NASDAQ. The Common Stock is listed for quotation on
the Nasdaq National Market ("NASDAQ"), and trading in the Common Stock on such
market has not been suspended. TriPath is in full compliance with the continued
listing criteria of Nasdaq, and does not reasonably anticipate that the Common
Stock will lose its listing on Nasdaq, whether by reason of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the other transaction documents contemplated
hereby, or otherwise and is not aware of any inquiry by or received any notice
from Nasdaq, or any other self-regulatory or governmental entity, regarding any
failure or alleged failure by TriPath to comply with such criteria or any other
requirements of such entity or applicable law.

         SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser.

         5.1. Investment Representations. The Purchaser represents and warrants
to TriPath that:

         (a) the Purchaser is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in
making, and is qualified to make, decisions with respect to investments in
shares presenting an investment decision like that involved in the purchase of
the Shares, including investments in securities issued by companies comparable
to TriPath, and has requested, received, reviewed and considered all information
it deems relevant in making an informed decision to purchase the Shares;

         (b) the Purchaser is acquiring the Shares in the ordinary course of its
business and for its own account for investment only and with no present
intention of distributing any of such Shares or any arrangement or understanding
with any other persons regarding the distribution of such Shares, except as may
be contemplated by that certain Profit Sharing Agreement between Purchaser and
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of even date herewith and not in violation of
any federal and state securities laws.

         (c) the Purchaser understands that the Shares are "restricted
securities" under the federal securities laws inasmuch as they are being
acquired from TriPath in an exempt transaction pursuant to Regulation D under
the Securities Act and that under such laws and applicable regulations such
securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in
certain limited circumstances. In this connection the Purchaser represents that
it is familiar with Regulation D and SEC Rule 144, as presently in effect, and
understands the resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act;

         (d) the Purchaser qualifies as an "accredited investor" within the
meaning of Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act
and is domiciled in the state of New Jersey;

                                       9
<PAGE>   11

         (e) the Purchaser agrees to resell the Shares only pursuant to
registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an available exemption
from registration and agrees not to engage in hedging transactions with regard
to such Securities unless in compliance with the Securities Act; and

         (f) the Purchaser understands that the certificates evidencing the
Shares shall bear the following legend unless and until the resale of the Shares
pursuant to an effective Registration Statement or until the Shares may be sold
or transferred under Rule 144 without restrictions.

                  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
                  ACT OF 1933. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED
                  OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN
                  EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SUCH ACT , OR, AN
                  OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO TRIPATH THAT
                  SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SUCH ACT. HEDGING
                  TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED
                  UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH ACT. THESE SECURITIES ARE ALSO
                  SUBJECT TO A LOCK-UP PROVISION SET FORTH IN A CERTAIN
                  SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED JULY 31, 2001 BETWEEN
                  TRIPATH AND THE HOLDER.

         5.2. Due Execution, Delivery and Performance of the Agreement. The
Purchaser further represents and warrants to, and covenants with, TriPath that
(a) such Purchaser is a corporation duly organized and validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of New Jersey and has full right, power, authority
and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and has taken all necessary action to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, (b) the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate any law or the
charter documents of such Purchaser or any other corporation of which such
Purchaser owns at least 50% of the outstanding voting stock (a "PURCHASER
SUBSIDIARY") or any provision of any material indenture, mortgage, agreement,
contract or other material instrument to which such Purchaser or any Purchaser
Subsidiary is a party or by which such Purchaser, any Purchaser Subsidiary, or
any of their respective properties or assets is bound as of the date hereof, or
result in a breach of or constitute (upon notice or lapse of time or both) a
default under any such indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other
material instrument or result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance,
of any material nature whatsoever, upon any assets of such Purchaser or any
Purchaser Subsidiary, and (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
and assuming the valid execution thereof by TriPath, this Agreement shall
constitute a valid and binding obligation of such Purchaser enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' and contracting parties' rights generally and except as
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

                                       10
<PAGE>   12

         SECTION 6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Purchaser.

         The obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement are subject to
the fulfillment, or the waiver by the Purchaser in its sole discretion, of the
conditions set forth in this Section 6 on or before the Closing Date.

         6.1. Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. Each representation
and warranty of TriPath contained in this Agreement shall be true on and as of
the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representation and warranty
had been made on and as of that date.

         6.2. Performance. TriPath shall have performed and complied with all
agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement required to be performed
or complied with by TriPath prior to or at the Closing.

         6.3. Opinion of Counsel. The Purchaser shall have received an opinion
from Palmer & Dodge LLP, counsel to TriPath, dated as of the Closing Date,
addressed to the Purchaser, and substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A.

         6.4. Consents and Approvals. TriPath shall have delivered to the
Purchaser any required consents or approvals.

         6.5. Additional Agreements.

                  (a) TriPath shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser
the License and Intellectual Property Access Agreement (the "LICENSE AGREEMENt")
dated as of the date hereof between Purchaser and TriPath.

                  (b) TriPath and TriPath Oncology, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of TriPath ("NEWCO"), shall have executed and delivered to the
Purchaser, the Development and License Agreement (the "DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT")
dated as of the date hereof among Purchaser, TriPath and Newco, and all
conditions to the obligations of Purchaser under the Development Agreement shall
have been satisfied or waived by Purchaser.

                  (c) TriPath, Newco and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
("MILLENNIUM") shall have executed and delivered to Purchaser the Sublicense
Agreement (the "TRIPATH SUBLICENSE") dated as of the date hereof, among
Purchaser, TriPath, Newco and Millennium.

                  (d) TriPath and Newco shall have executed and delivered to
Purchaser the Transitional Services Agreement (the "TRANSITIONAL AGREEMENT")
dated as of the date hereof among Purchaser, Newco and TriPath.

                  (e) TriPath shall have executed and delivered to the Purchaser
the Option Agreement (the "OPTION AGREEMENt") dated as of the date hereof
between Purchaser and TriPath.

The License Agreement, Development Agreement, TriPath Sublicense, the Transition
Agreement and the Option Agreement are collectively referred to as the
"ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS."

                                       11
<PAGE>   13

         6.6. Certificates and Documents. TriPath shall have delivered to
counsel to the Purchaser:

         (a) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of TriPath
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to (i) the incumbency of officers of
TriPath executing this Agreement, the Additional Agreements and all other
documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, (ii) a copy of the
By-Laws of TriPath, as in effect on and as of the Closing Date, and (iii) a copy
of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of TriPath authorizing and
approving TriPath's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
Additional Agreements and all matters in connection with this Agreement, the
Additional Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby;

         (b) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Newco
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to (i) the incumbency of officers of
Newco executing the Additional Agreements and all other documents executed and
delivered in connection herewith, (ii) a copy of the By-Laws of Newco, as in
effect on and as of the Closing Date, and (iii) a copy of the resolutions of the
Board of Directors of Newco authorizing and approving the execution, delivery
and performance of the Additional Agreements, and all matters in connection
therewith, and the transactions contemplated thereby; and

         (c) a certificate, executed by the President of TriPath as of the
Closing Date, certifying to the fulfillment of all of the conditions to the
Purchaser's obligations under this Agreement, as set forth in this Section 6.

         6.7. Other Matters. All corporate and other proceedings in connection
with the transactions contemplated at the Closing by this Agreement, and all
documents and instruments incident to such transactions, shall be reasonably
satisfactory in substance and form to the Purchaser and its counsel, and the
Purchaser and its counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or
certified or other copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.

         SECTION 7. Conditions to the Obligations of TriPath.

         The obligations of TriPath under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment, or the waiver by TriPath in its sole discretion, of the conditions
set forth in this Section 7 on or before the Closing Date.

         7.1. Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. Each representation
and warranty of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true on and
as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of that date.

         7.2. License and Development Agreements. The Purchaser shall have
executed and delivered to TriPath and Newco, as the case may be, the License
Agreement, the Development Agreement, the TriPath Sublicense, the Transition
Agreement and the Option Agreement. All conditions to the obligations of TriPath
and Newco under the Development Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived by
TriPath or Newco, as applicable.

                                       12
<PAGE>   14

         7.3. Performance. The Purchaser shall have performed and complied with
all agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement required to be
performed or complied with by the Purchaser prior to or at the Closing.

         7.4. Opinion of Counsel. TriPath and Newco shall have received an
opinion from the Purchaser's counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, addressed to
TriPath and Newco, and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

         7.5. Certificate of Purchaser. The Purchaser shall have delivered to
counsel for TriPath:

                  (a) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of
Purchaser dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to (i) the incumbency of
officers of Purchaser executing this Agreement, the Additional Agreements and
all other documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, (ii) a copy
of the By-Laws of Purchaser, as in effect on and as of the Closing Date, and
(iii) a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of Purchaser
authorizing and approving Purchaser's execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement, the Additional Agreements and all matters in connection with
this Agreement, the Additional Agreements and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby; and

                  (b) a certificate, executed by an executive officer of
Purchaser as of the Closing Date, certifying to the fulfillment of all of the
conditions to TriPath's obligations under this Agreement, as set forth in this
Section 7.

         7.6. Other Matters. All corporate and other proceedings in connection
with the transactions contemplated at the Closing by this Agreement, and all
documents and instruments incident to such transactions, shall be reasonably
satisfactory in substance and form to TriPath and its counsel, and TriPath and
its counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified or
other copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.

         SECTION 8. Covenants of TriPath.

         8.1. Consummation of Agreement. TriPath shall use its best efforts to
perform and fulfill all conditions and obligations to be performed and fulfilled
by it under this Agreement and further to ensure that to the extent in its
control or capable of influence by it, no breach of any of its representations,
warranties and agreements hereunder or contemplated hereby occurs or exists on
or prior to the Closing to the end that the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be fully carried out in a timely fashion.

         8.2. Registration of Shares.

         (a) Demand Registration. Subject to the lock-up contained in Section
8.3, commencing 270 days following the Closing Date, if on any occasion the
Purchaser shall notify TriPath in writing that it intends to offer or cause to
be offered any Registrable Shares (which term shall mean (i) the Shares,
including any shares of Common Stock issued with respect to the Shares in
connection with any stock dividend or stock split and (ii) any other shares of
common stock held by the Purchaser or any affiliate (as such term is defined in
Section 144(a)(1) of Rule

                                       13
<PAGE>   15

144 under the Securities Act) of the Purchaser on the date hereof for public
sales, TriPath covenants and agrees that it will:

                  (i) promptly following such notice, prepare and file a
registration statement (including, if so requested by the Purchaser, a shelf
registration) on one or more Forms S-1 (or Forms S-3 if TriPath meets the
eligibility requirements set forth in paragraph I of the General Instructions to
Form S-3 for the use of such Form for the registration of securities in a
transaction involving secondary offerings, as described in such General
Instructions), covering the resale of all (or such part as may be requested by
the Purchaser) of the Registrable Shares by the Purchaser (or any other form of
registration statement promulgated by the SEC which would cover the resale of
the Registrable Shares); provided that, TriPath shall not be required to effect
more than one registration hereunder in any 12-month period, and TriPath shall
use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective in
order that the Purchaser may sell its Registrable Shares in accordance with the
proposed plan of distribution;

                  (ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and
supplements to such registration statement(s) and the prospectus used in
connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement
effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect
to the resale of the Registrable Shares covered by such registration
statement(s) until such time as the Purchaser can sell all Registrable Shares
then held by the Purchaser in any three-month period;

                  (iii) furnish the Purchaser with such number of copies of such
prospectus as it may reasonably request in order to facilitate the resale of the
Registrable Shares;

                  (iv) take any other actions as may be necessary or useful, in
the Purchaser's reasonable judgment, to facilitate the resales contemplated by
such registration statement(s), including sending appropriate officers of
TriPath to attend any "road shows" (scheduled at times and places mutually
convenient to TriPath and the Purchaser) and otherwise using its reasonable
efforts to cooperate in the marketing of securities so registered;

                  (v) file documents required of TriPath for blue sky clearance
in states specified in writing by the Purchaser; provided, however, that TriPath
shall not be required to qualify to do business or consent to service of process
in any jurisdiction in which it is now not so qualified or has not so consented;
and

                  (vi) bear all expenses in connection with the procedures set
forth in paragraphs (i) through (v) of this Section 8.2(a) and the registration
of the Registrable Shares pursuant to the registration statement(s), other than
underwriting discounts and selling commissions related to the Shares being sold,
and fees and expenses, if any, of counsel or other advisors to the Purchaser.

         (b) Piggyback Registration.

                  (i) TriPath will notify the Purchaser in writing at least 30
days prior to the filing of any registration statement under the Securities Act
for purposes of a public offering of securities of TriPath (including, but not
limited to, registration statements relating to secondary offerings of
securities of TriPath, but excluding registration statements relating to
employee

                                       14
<PAGE>   16

benefit plans or with respect to corporate reorganizations or other transactions
under Rule 145 of the Securities Act) and, subject to the lock-up contained in
Section 8.3, will afford the Purchaser an opportunity to include in such
registration statement all or part of such Registrable Shares held by the
Purchaser. If the Purchaser desires to include in any such registration
statement all or any part of the Registrable Shares held by it, it will, within
15 days after the above-described notice from TriPath, so notify TriPath in
writing. Such notice will state the intended method of disposition of the
Registrable Shares by the Purchaser. If the Purchaser decides not to include all
of its Registrable Shares in any registration statement thereafter filed by
TriPath, the Purchaser will nevertheless continue to have the right to include
any Registrable Shares in any subsequent such registration statement or
registration statements as may be filed by TriPath with respect to offerings of
its securities, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein.

                  (ii) If the registration statement under which TriPath gives
notice under this Section 8.2(b) is for an underwritten offering, TriPath will
so advise the Purchaser as a part of such notice. In such event, the right of
the Purchaser to be included in a registration pursuant to this Section 8.2(b)
will be conditioned upon the Purchaser's participation in such underwriting and
the inclusion of the Purchaser's Registrable Shares in the underwriting to the
extent provided herein. If the Purchaser proposes to distribute Registrable
Shares through such underwriting, it will enter into an underwriting agreement
in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters selected for such
underwriting by TriPath. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement,
if the underwriter determines in good faith that marketing factors require a
limitation of the number of shares to be underwritten, the number of shares that
may be included in the underwriting will be allocated: first, to TriPath;
second, to Roche International Ltd.; third, to the Purchaser and, fourth, to all
other holders of TriPath Common Stock requesting to be included in such
registration.

                  (iii) TriPath will have the right to terminate or withdraw any
registration initiated by it under this Section 8.2(b) prior to the
effectiveness of such registration whether or not the Purchaser has elected to
include securities in such registration. The Registration Expenses of such
withdrawn registration will be borne by TriPath in accordance with Section
8.2(b)(iv).

                  (iv) TriPath shall bear all expenses in connection with the
procedures set forth in this Section 8.2(b) and the registration of the
Registrable Shares pursuant to the registration statement(s), other than
underwriting discounts and selling commissions related to the Shares being sold,
and fees and expenses, if any, of counsel or other advisors to the Purchaser.

         (c) Indemnification. For the purpose of this Section 8.2(c),

                  (i) the term "Selling Stockholder" shall mean the Purchaser
and any officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate or person deemed to be in
control of the Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act
or Section 20 of the Exchange Act;

                  (ii) the term "Registration Statement" shall mean any final
prospectus, exhibit, supplement or amendment included in or relating to the
registration statement referred to in Section 8.2; and

                                       15
<PAGE>   17

                  (iii) the term "untrue statement" shall mean any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of, or any omission or alleged omission to
state, in the Registration Statement a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

         TriPath agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Stockholder
from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such
Selling Stockholder may become subject (under the Securities Act or otherwise)
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or
proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement on the
effective date thereof, or arise out of any failure by TriPath to fulfill any
undertaking included in the Registration Statement and TriPath will reimburse
such Selling Stockholder for any reasonable legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred in investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such action,
proceeding or claim; provided, however, that TriPath shall not be liable in any
such case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out
of, or is based upon, an untrue statement made in such Registration Statement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to TriPath by
or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder specifically for use in preparation of
the Registration Statement, or any statement or omission in any Prospectus that
is corrected in any subsequent Prospectus that was delivered to such Selling
Stockholder prior to the pertinent sale or sales by such Selling Stockholder.

         The Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless TriPath (and any
officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate or person deemed to be in control
of TriPath within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20
of the Exchange Act (collectively "PURCHASER INDEMNIFIED PERSONS")) from and
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which TriPath (or any such
Purchaser Indemnified Person) may become subject (under the Securities Act or
otherwise), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions
or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement on the
effective date thereof if such untrue statement was made in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of a Purchaser
specifically for use in preparation of the Registration Statement, and the
Purchaser will reimburse TriPath (or such Purchaser Indemnified Person), for any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, defending, or
preparing to defend any such action, proceeding or claim; provided, however,
that no Purchaser shall be liable for any statement or omission in any
Prospectus that is corrected in any subsequent Prospectus prior to the pertinent
sale or sales by TriPath.

         Promptly after receipt by any indemnified person of a notice of a claim
or the commencement of any action in respect of which indemnity is to be sought
against an indemnifying person pursuant to this Section 8.2, such indemnified
person shall notify the indemnifying person in writing of such claim or of the
commencement of such action, and, subject to the provisions hereinafter stated,
in case any such action shall be brought against an indemnified person and such
indemnifying person shall have been notified thereof, such indemnifying person
shall be entitled to participate therein, and, to the extent it shall wish, to
assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such
indemnified person; provided, however, that the indemnifying person shall not
agree to a settlement of any such action without the consent of the indemnified
person, which consent shall not be unreasonably

                                       16
<PAGE>   18

withheld. In no event, however, shall any indemnifying person be liable with
respect to any claims made against any indemnified person against whom an action
is brought unless such indemnified person shall have notified the indemnifying
person in writing within a reasonable time after the summary or other first
legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been
served upon the indemnified person, if the indemnifying person's ability to
defend has been materially impaired thereby, but failure to notify the
indemnifying person of such claim shall not relieve it from any liability which
it may have to any indemnified person otherwise than on account of its indemnity
agreement contained in this Section 8.2. After notice from the indemnifying
person to such indemnified persons of its election to assume the defense
thereof, such indemnifying person shall not be liable to such indemnified person
for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified person in
connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that if there exists or
shall exist a conflict of interest that would make it inappropriate, in the
opinion of counsel to the indemnified person, for the same counsel to represent
both the indemnified person and such indemnifying person or any officer,
director, employee, agent, affiliate or person deemed to be in control of such
indemnifying person within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities
Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, the indemnified person shall be entitled
to retain its own counsel at the expense of such indemnifying person. It is
understood, however, that any indemnifying person shall, in connection with any
one such action, suit or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or
related actions, suits, or proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees
and expenses of only one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local
counsel) at any time for all such indemnified parties not having actual or
potential differing interests with such indemnifying person or among themselves.

         (d) No Exercise. The Purchaser's registration rights hereunder
(including its shelf registration) shall be exercisable from time to time for so
long as Purchaser or its affiliates holds the Shares, and shall, notwithstanding
the foregoing, not be exercisable by such holder if it can at such time sell all
Shares held by it in the ensuing three-month period in reliance upon Rule 144
under the Securities Act.

         8.3. Covenants of the Purchaser.

         (a) "Stand-Off" Agreement. If the Purchaser holds Shares representing
more than 2.5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at any time after the
Closing Date when TriPath proposes to offer shares of Common Stock (or other
securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for, or linked to the
performance of, capital stock of TriPath) for sale in a registered underwritten
public offering, then the Purchaser agrees not to directly or indirectly (i)
sell, offer, contract to sell, make any short sale, pledge, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option,
right or warrant to purchase, hedge or otherwise transfer or dispose of any of
the Shares or other equity securities of TriPath or (ii) enter into any swap or
other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences or ownership of any of the Shares or such securities, whether any
such transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other
securities, in cash or otherwise (collectively, "Transfer") during the period
commencing 10 days prior to, and expiring 180 days after, such registered public
offering has become effective, provided, that all executive officers and
directors of TriPath enter into similar agreements and provided further that
such restrictions

                                       17
<PAGE>   19

shall not apply to any disposition of Shares by the Purchaser pursuant to the
request for a firm commitment underwritten demand registration (but not shelf
registration) delivered to TriPath prior to the date that TriPath files any
documents with respect to its underwritten public offering with the SEC. TriPath
may impose stop transfer instructions with respect to the Shares or other
securities subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of any stand-off
period.

         (b) Lock-Up of Shares. The Purchaser hereby agrees that it will not,
directly or indirectly Transfer any of the Shares or other equity securities of
TriPath for a period of 28 months following the Closing Date (the "Lock-Up
Period). Following the Lock-Up Period, the Purchaser may Transfer up to 50% of
the Shares in any 12-month period irrespective of the market price of the Shares
at the time of such Transfer. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.3(b) to
the contrary, the Purchaser may Transfer the Shares during the Lock-Up Period,
in the amounts and at such times specified in the Lock-Up Schedule set forth
below at a price equal to or greater than the price specified in the Lock-Up
Schedule.

                                LOCK-UP SCHEDULE

                                    NUMBER OF SHARES            MINIMUM
         TIME PERIOD                THAT CAN BE SOLD          SALES PRICE
         -----------                ----------------          -----------

         After 1st Anniversary          500,000
         of Closing Date                 Shares                $20.00 USD

         After 13-month
         Anniversary of Closing    1,000,000 Additional
         Date                            Shares                $25.00 USD

         After 14-month
         Anniversary of Closing    1,000,000 Additional
         Date                            Shares                $30.00 USD

         8.4. Observer Rights. The Purchaser shall be entitled to have a
designee attend (but not to vote at) all meetings of the TriPath and each
TriPath Subsidiary Board of Directors and its committees as an observer and such
designee shall be given the same notice of all such meetings and the same
materials given to directors; provided, that TriPath and the TriPath Subsidiary
reserves the right not to provide information and to exclude any such designee
from any meeting to the extent of any matters to which the Purchaser and TriPath
or such TriPath Subsidiary are actual or potential competitors or have actual or
potential adverse or conflicting interests.

         8.5. Listing. TriPath shall use its best efforts to cause the Common
Stock to continue to be listed on Nasdaq or any National Securities Exchange so
long as any Shares are held by the Purchaser.

         8.6. Rule 144. (a) So long as any Shares are held by the Purchaser and
are not eligible for sale under Rule 144(k), TriPath shall file all reports
required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act and, shall take such further
action as the Purchaser may reasonably request, all to

                                       18
<PAGE>   20

the extent required to enable the Purchaser to sell any of the foregoing
securities pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Such action shall include, but not be limited to, making available adequate
current public information meeting the requirements of paragraph (c) of such
Rule 144.

         (b) Compliance with Rule 144. At the written request of the Purchaser
at any time and from time to time, TriPath shall furnish to the Purchaser,
within three days after receipt of such request, a written statement confirming
TriPath's compliance with the filing requirements of the SEC set forth in SEC
Rule 144 as amended from time to time.

         SECTION 9. Covenants of the Purchaser.

         9.1. Consummation of Agreement. The Purchaser shall use its best
efforts to perform and fulfill all conditions and obligations to be performed
and fulfilled by it under this Agreement and further to ensure that to the
extent in its control or capable of influence by it, no breach of any of its
representations, warranties and agreements hereunder or contemplated hereby
occurs or exists on or prior to the Closing to the end that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be fully carried out in a timely fashion.
The Purchaser will take all reasonable actions necessary or desirable to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         SECTION 10. Miscellaneous.

         10.1. Notices. Any consent, notice or report required or permitted to
be given or made under this Agreement by one of the parties hereto to the other
shall be in writing, delivered personally or by facsimile (and promptly
confirmed by telephone, personal delivery or courier) or courier, postage
prepaid (where applicable), addressed to such other party at its address
indicated below, or to such other address as the addressee shall have last
furnished in writing to the addressor and shall be effective upon receipt by the
addressee.

         If to TriPath:         TriPath Imaging, Inc.
                                780 Plantation Drive
                                Burlington, North Carolina 27215
                                Attention:  President
                                Telephone:  (800) 426-2176
                                Telecopy:  (336) 222-8819

         with a copy to:        Palmer & Dodge LLP
                                One Beacon Street
                                Boston, Massachusetts 02108
                                Attention:  Steven N. Farber, Esq.
                                Telephone:  (617) 573-0100
                                Telecopy:  (617) 227-4420

         If to Purchaser:       to the address set forth below the
                                Purchaser's name on the signature page hereto

         10.2. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. All
express or implied agreements and

                                       19
<PAGE>   21

understandings, either oral or written, heretofore made are expressly merged in
and made a part of this Agreement.

         10.3. Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements;
Assignability of Rights. Notwithstanding any investigation made by any party to
this Agreement, all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made
by TriPath and the Purchaser herein, except as otherwise provided herein, shall
survive the execution of this Agreement, the delivery to the Purchaser of the
Shares being purchased and the payment therefor. Except as otherwise provided
herein, (i) the covenants, agreements, representations and warranties of TriPath
made herein shall bind TriPath's successors and assigns and shall insure to the
benefit of the Purchaser's successors and assigns and (ii) the covenants,
agreements, representations and warranties of the Purchaser made herein shall
bind the Purchaser's successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of
TriPath's successors and assigns.

         10.4. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights and
obligations contained herein may be assigned or otherwise transferred by either
party without the consent of the other party; provided, however, that either
TriPath or a Purchaser may, without such consent, assign its rights and
obligations under this Agreement (i) to any affiliate, all or substantially all
of the equity interest of which is owned and controlled by such party or its
direct or indirect parent corporation, or (ii) in connection with a merger,
consolidation or sale of substantially all of such party's assets to an
unrelated third party; provided, however, that such party's rights and
obligations under this Agreement shall be assumed by its successor in interest
in any such transaction and shall not be transferred separate from all or
substantially all of its other business assets, including those business assets.
Any purported assignment in violation of the preceding sentence shall be void.
Any permitted assignee shall assume all obligations of its assignor under this
Agreement.

         10.5. Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by TriPath and the
Purchaser. The waiver by either party hereto of any right hereunder or of the
failure to perform or of a breach by the other party shall not be deemed a
waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other breach or failure by said
other party whether of a similar nature or otherwise.

         10.6. Headings. The headings of the various sections of this Agreement
have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to
be part of this Agreement.

         10.7. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement
should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

         10.8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (without giving effect to
the choice of law provisions thereof).

         10.9. Jurisdiction. The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or
proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising
out of or in connection with, this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be brought in the United States District

                                       20
<PAGE>   22

Court for the District of Delaware or any Delaware state court, so long as one
of such courts shall have subject matter jurisdiction over such suit, action or
proceeding, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the
jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom)
in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the
laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or
that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has
been brought in an inconvenient forum.

         10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute but one instrument, and shall become effective
when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and
delivered to the other parties.

         10.11. Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each
party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this Agreement.

         10.12. Publicity. Neither party hereto shall issue any press releases
or otherwise make any public statement with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
party, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.

         10.13. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREBY OR THEREBY.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       21
<PAGE>   23

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Securities
Purchase Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of
the day and year first above written.

TRIPATH IMAGING, INC.

By: /s/ Paul R. Sohmer, M.D.
    -------------------------------------------------
     Name: Paul R. Sohmer, M.D.
     Title: President & CEO

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY

By: /s/ Vincent A. Forlenza
    -------------------------------------------------
     Name: Vincent A. Forlenza
     Title: Sr. Vice President - Technology, Strategy
            and Development

Address:  1 Becton Drive
          Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
          Telecopy:  201-848-9228

                                       22
<PAGE>   24

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

TELEPHONE: (617) 573-0100                             FACSIMILE: (617) 227-4420

                        FORM OF OPINION OF PALMER & DODGE

                                   July , 2001

Becton, Dickinson  and Company
[Address]

RE:      SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TRIPATH IMAGING, INC. AND BECTON,
         DICKINSON AND COMPANY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We are furnishing this opinion to you pursuant to Section 6.3 of the
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July __, 2001 (the "Purchase
Agreement"), between TriPath Imaging, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("TriPath" or
the "Company") and Becton, Dickinson and Company, a New Jersey corporation (the
"Purchaser") providing for the purchase of ____________ shares of the common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of TriPath by the Purchaser (the "Shares").
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in
the Purchase Agreement.

         We have acted as counsel to TriPath in connection with the preparation,
execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement. We have examined such
documents and made such other investigation as we have deemed appropriate to
render the opinions set forth below. As to matters of fact material to our
opinions, we have relied, without independent verification, on representations
made in the Purchase Agreement and certificates and other inquiries of officers
of TriPath. We also have relied on certificates of public officials.

          References to "our knowledge" or equivalent words mean the actual
knowledge of the lawyers in this firm responsible for preparing this opinion
letter after such inquiry as they deemed appropriate.

         The opinions expressed below are limited to Massachusetts law, the
Delaware General Corporation Law and the federal law of the United States.

         Based upon the foregoing and subject to the additional qualifications
set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

                  1. TriPath is validly existing as a corporation and in good
         standing under Delaware law and has the corporate power to execute and
         deliver the Purchase Agreement and to perform its obligations
         thereunder.

<PAGE>   25

Becton, Dickinson and Company
June __, 2001
Page 2

                  2. TriPath has duly authorized, executed and delivered the
         Purchase Agreement, and the Purchase Agreement constitutes its valid
         and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with its
         terms.

                  3. The execution and delivery by TriPath of the Purchase
         Agreement does not, and the performance by it of its obligations
         thereunder will not (i) violate any law covered by this opinion, (ii)
         violate any court order, judgment or decree applicable to it and known
         to us, or (iii) violate its charter or by-laws.

                  4. The Shares, when issued in compliance with the provisions
         of the Purchase Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
         nonassessable.

                  5. Based in part upon representations and warranties of the
         Purchaser set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the issuance and sale of
         the Shares in conformity with the Purchase Agreement are exempt from
         the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act of
         1933, as amended.

         Our opinions above are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and to general
principles of equity.

         This opinion shall be interpreted in accordance with the Legal Opinion
Principles issued by the Committee on Legal Opinions of the American Bar
Association's Business Law Section as published in 53 Business Lawyer 831 (May
1998).

         This opinion is being furnished only to you in connection with the
transaction described above and may not be relied on without our prior written
consent for any other purpose or by anyone else.

                                                    Very truly yours,

                                                    Palmer & Dodge LLP

                                       2
<PAGE>   26

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

          FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY

                                   July , 2001

TriPath Imaging, Inc.
780 Plantation Drive
Burlington, North Carolina  27215

TriPath Oncology, Inc.
c/o TriPath Imaging, Inc.
780 Plantation Drive
Burlington, North Carolina  27215

RE:      SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TRIPATH IMAGING, INC. AND BECTON,
         DICKINSON AND COMPANY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         I am a Senior Attorney of Becton, Dickinson and Company, a New Jersey
corporation (the "Purchaser"), and I am furnishing this opinion to you pursuant
to Section 7.4 of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July __, 2001
(the "Purchase Agreement"), between TriPath Imaging, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("TriPath"), and the Purchaser, providing for the purchase of
____________ shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of TriPath
by the Purchaser (the "Shares"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

         In connection with this opinion, I have examined such documents and
made such other investigation as I have deemed appropriate. As to matters of
fact material to the opinions set forth below, I have relied, without
independent verification, on representations made in the Purchase Agreement and
certificates and other inquiries of officers of the Purchaser. In rendering this
opinion, I have also assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all signatures
on original documents, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as
originals, and the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to me as
copies.

         My opinion is expressed only with respect to the laws of the State of
New Jersey. I express no opinion as to whether the laws of any particular
jurisdiction apply, and no opinion to the extent that the laws of any
jurisdiction other than those identified above are applicable to the subject
matter hereof.

         Based upon the foregoing and subject to the additional qualifications
set forth below, I am of the opinion that:

<PAGE>   27

TriPath Imaging, Inc.
June __, 2001
Page 2

                  1. The Purchaser is validly existing as a corporation and in
         good standing under New Jersey law and has the corporate power to
         execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement and to perform its
         obligations thereunder.

                  2. The Purchaser has duly authorized, executed and delivered
         the Purchase Agreement, and such Purchase Agreement constitutes its
         valid and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with
         its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
         transfer, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of
         creditors' rights in general from time to time in effect and general
         principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
         considered in a proceeding in equity or at law and regardless of the
         limitations of the availability of equitable means).

                  3. The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of the Purchase
         Agreement does not, and the performance by it of its obligations
         thereunder will not (i) violate any law covered by this opinion, (ii)
         violate any court order, judgment or decree applicable to it and known
         to me, or (iii) violate its Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws.

         This opinion is being furnished only to you in connection with the
transaction described above and may not be relied on without Purchaser's prior
written consent for any other purpose or by anyone else.

                                                    Very truly yours,

                                                    Gary DeFazio
                                                    Senior Attorney

                                       2

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