ChromaVision to Reduce Work Force

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., August 21 -- ChromaVision Medical Systems Inc., a provider of automated cell-imaging systems and manufacturer of the ACIS (automated digital microscope system) digital microscope system, announced yesterday it will reduce its work force by approximately 30 employees, or 30 percent of its total workforce, as part of restructuring efforts.

The company also announced that Carl W. Apfelbach will resign as president and CEO, effective Sept. 1, to pursue other interests. Michael G. Schneider has been promoted to COO and will assume leadership of the company while a national search for a new CEO is underway.

ACIS can scan up to 100 patient samples at once, and its computer identifies, counts, records and makes images of cells revealed as abnormal by chemical reagents (dyes). The system combines an automated microscope with computer-based color imaging technology originally developed for the United States government's Star Wars program. ChromaVision is a subsidiary of high-tech investment firm Safeguard Scientifics.

For more information, visit: www.chromavision.com