Quidel Corporation plans a strategic corporate restructuring and work force reduction in order to gain operational efficiencies and reduce costs. The reduction in force involves approximately 10 percent of the work force, or 31 employees from all areas of the business.

In connection with the restructuring, the company is refining its approach to business development activities and, among other changes, has therefore eliminated two related senior level positions. Quidel expects to incur a restructuring charge in the first quarter of 2009 for both personnel and non-personnel related costs and will provide the details of the restructuring charge when the company releases 2009 first quarter results.

Among other cost cutting measures, Quidel has eliminated its annual cash incentive program for 2009 and taken action to reduce certain discretionary spending for the remainder of the year.

Chief Technology Officer to Retire

Unrelated to the restructuring, Thomas Foley, Ph.D. will retire as chief technology officer effective May 31, 2009, after overseeing technology development for five years. Dr. Foley will continue as an employee through December 31, 2009 and will serve as a special advisor to the company during this time and in support of Quidel's product development initiatives. Dr. Foley's career of more than 35 years includes leading the research and development divisions of several diagnostics and life sciences instrumentation companies.

About Quidel Corporation

Quidel Corporation serves to enhance the health and well being of people around the globe through the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of rapid diagnostic solutions at the point of care (POC) in infectious diseases and reproductive health. Marketed under the leading brand name of QuickVue®, Quidel's portfolio of products currently includes tests that aid in the diagnosis of several disease or condition states, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, Fecal Occult Blood, Strep A, pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis, H. pylori and Chlamydia. Quidel's products are sold to healthcare professionals with a focus on the physician office lab and acute care markets through leading medical distribution partners on a worldwide basis. Quidel's Specialty Products Group (SPG) develops research products in the fields of oncology and bone health with potential future point-of-care applications. By building value in rapid diagnostic tests, Quidel provides leadership to the industry and among healthcare professionals allowing for the movement of patient testing out of the central laboratory setting and into the physician office, urgent care and other outpatient settings where rapid testing and treatment have an impact on clinical outcomes and provide an economic benefit. For more information, visit www.quidel.com, www.colorectal-test.com, www.rsvtesting.com or www.flutest.com.

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