BEAVERTON, Ore., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Epitope (Nasdaq: EPTO) announced
today that its OraSure(R) oral specimen collection device will be used for
drugs-of-abuse testing under an agreement recently signed by STC Technologies,
Inc. and LabOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: LABS).  STC has contracted with LabOne to
provide oral fluid analysis for STC's Intercept(TM) Drugs of Abuse product
line in the North American work site testing market.
    Recent studies of STC's Intercept Drugs of Abuse system indicate that it
can accurately test for the NIDA 5 panel -- THC, Opiates, Cocaine, PCP and
Amphetamines/Methamphetamines -- using oral fluids collected with the OraSure
collection device.  An individual being tested with Intercept is asked to
place the OraSure collection device in his or her mouth for two to five
minutes.  Once the collection pad is saturated, it is placed in a collection
vial.  The vial is then sent to LabOne for analysis.  Results are reported
within 24 to 72 hours.
    John W. Morgan, Epitope's president and chief executive officer,
commented, "We are pleased about the solid progress being made with our two
business partners, STC Technologies and LabOne, in addressing the tremendous
market need for drugs-of-abuse testing in the workplace.  Both companies have
made a significant financial investment in drugs-of-abuse testing and a
commitment to the needs of employers.  We are excited about the strong growth
opportunity the workplace environment presents."
    Drug testing is now used in 90 percent of Fortune 1000 companies because
maintaining a drug-free work environment can significantly improve safety and
productivity, while reducing absenteeism and theft.  The most common means to
test for substance abuse involves collecting urine or blood samples, both of
which can be considered invasive or inconvenient.
    The availability of the Intercept oral fluid test will allow
administrators to test for impairment on demand, and will eliminate scheduling
costs and streamline the testing process.  It also will allow illicit drug
testing to be performed using oral fluid rather than blood or urine.  Pilot
programs in key markets are expected to begin in the Fall.
    Epitope, Inc. is an Oregon-based corporation that develops and markets
medical devices and diagnostic products.  Its focus is on products that use
oral fluid in the detection of HIV infection, with emphasis in the life
insurance and public health markets, drugs of abuse and other analytes.
    Statements in this press release about future sales levels or other future
events or performance are forward-looking statements.  The company's actual
results could be significantly different.  Factors that could affect results
include the extent of future use of oral fluid testing with OraSure in the
insurance industry or other key markets; loss or impairment of sources of
capital; ability of the company to develop product distribution channels;
ability of the company to develop new  products; development of competing
products; changes in international, federal or state law or regulations;
uncertainties related to customers' and suppliers' ability to achieve year
2000 compliance; and loss of key personnel.  Although forward-looking
statements help to provide complete information about the company, readers
should keep in mind that forward-looking statements are much less reliable
than historical information.

SOURCE Epitope