CARESIDE INC
S-1/A, 1999-03-19
SURGICAL & MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
 
     
  As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 1999     
 
                                                     Registration No. 333-69207
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, DC 20549
 
                               ----------------
                               
                            AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO     
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
                                CARESIDE, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
        Delaware                     3841                    23-2863507
                               (Primary Standard          (I.R.S. Employer
     (State or other              Industrial             Identification No.)
     jurisdiction of          Classification Code
    incorporation or                Number)
      organization)
 
                  6100 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
                                (310) 338-6767
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                               ----------------
                             W. Vickery Stoughton
                    Chairman of the Board of Directors and
                            Chief Executive Officer
                                Careside, Inc.
                             6100 Bristol Parkway
                             Culver City, CA 90230
                                (310) 338-6767
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)
 
                               ----------------
                                With copies to:
        Barry M. Abelson, Esq.                Jonathan L. Kravetz, Esq.
        Julia D. Corelli, Esq.               Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris,
          Pepper Hamilton LLP                  Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
         3000 Two Logan Square                  One Financial Center
        Philadelphia, PA 19103                    Boston, MA 02111
            (215) 981-4000                         (617) 542-6000
 
                               ----------------
  Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act,
check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
check the following box. [_]
 
                               ----------------
  The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this
Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities
and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may +
+not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the     +
+Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an    +
+offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these +
+securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.             +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                   
                Subject to Completion, Dated March 18, 1999     
 
                                2,800,000 Shares
 
 
                               [LOGO OF CARESIDE]
 
                                  Common Stock
 
                                  -----------
 
  This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Careside,
Inc. We are offering all of these shares and will receive all of the proceeds
of the offering, less the underwriting discount. There is currently no public
market for the shares. We expect that the offering price will be between $8.00
and $10.00 per share. The offering price may not reflect the market price of
the shares after the offering.
 
  We have applied to have the shares listed for quotation on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "CARE."
 
  Investing in the common stock involves significant risks. See "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 7.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Per Share Total
                                                                 --------- -----
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>
Offering Price..................................................   $       $
Underwriting Discount...........................................   $       $
Proceeds to Careside............................................   $       $
</TABLE>
 
  Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
 
  Careside has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to
420,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.
 
                                  -----------
 
Fahnestock & Co. Inc.
        Wedbush Morgan Securities
                                               Southeast Research Partners, Inc.
 
                                       , 1999
<PAGE>
 
                              [Inside Front Cover]
 
[CARESIDE LOGO]            THE CARESIDE SYSTEM IS A PROPRIETARY BLOOD TESTING
                           SYSTEM. IT INCLUDES THE CARESIDE ANALYZER(TM) AND
                           DISPOSABLE TEST CARTRIDGES.
 
CARESIDE ANALYZER(TM)      [Photo of CareSide
                           Analyzer and
                           Cartridges]
                                                      (A) CHEMISTRY
 
The CareSide                                          (B) ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Analyzer(TM) combines                                 (C) IMMUNOCHEMISTRY
multiple testing                                      (D) COAGULATION
methodologies.
 
[Photo Close-up of                                    [Photo of Different
Cartridge]                                            Cartridges]
 
                             THE CARESIDE CARTRIDGE
 
                           The proprietary test cartridges have unique design
                           features.
 
   COMPREHENSIVE MENU              LOW COST               EASE OF USE
 
 At launch, Careside         The Careside System's     A non-technical
 expects to offer more       approach to testing is    individual with
 than 50 tests. This         designed to produce a     simple training can
 would be the most           rapid test result at a    easily operate the
 comprehensive menu for a    competitive price.        CareSide
 single point-of-care                                  Analyzer(TM).
 system.
 
                               ----------------
   
  We have not yet commercialized the Careside System. We currently have 28
tests cleared or exempt for licensed laboratory use by the United States Food
and Drug Administration. We plan to complete development and seek to obtain FDA
clearance or exemption for additional tests prior to commercial introduction.
    
  Careside(TM), CareSide Analyzer(TM) and Careside's logo are our trademarks
for which registration applications have been filed with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office. All other tradenames, trademarks or servicemarks
appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners and
are not our property.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary highlights information from this prospectus. Because
this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should
consider before investing in the common stock. You should read the entire
prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section, the financial
statements and the notes to those financial statements.
 
                                    Careside
 
  Careside has developed and plans to sell a proprietary blood testing system
called the Careside system. It is designed to decentralize laboratory
operations. The system consists of a testing instrument called the CareSide
Analyzer and disposable test cartridges. It performs blood tests in the same
location as the patient, or what is commonly called point-of-care testing.
Blood testing is a significant part of routine and critical patient care.
Today, almost all blood testing is done by sending the blood samples to
hospital or commercial laboratories. Because of transportation time and several
processing steps, these central laboratories generally take between 4 and 24
hours to provide test results to the doctor. We believe that the Careside
system provides the platform for solving the limitations of central blood
testing laboratories and redefines the market for point-of-care testing. Here
are the reasons why:
 
  .  Cost-Effective Results -- Our system is designed to provide test results
     that are cost competitive with both hospital and commercial
     laboratories.
 
  .  Rapid Test Results -- Our system produces test results within 10 to 15
     minutes from the time the blood is drawn from the patient.
 
  .  Comprehensive Test Menu -- We believe that our planned menu of tests
     represents over 80% of all blood tests ordered on an out-patient basis,
     including all of the most commonly ordered blood tests.
 
  .  Ease of Use -- Our system is designed for use by non-technical
     personnel, with only simple training.
 
  .  Industry Standard Technology -- Our system uses the same test methods
     and technology as large testing devices in hospital and commercial
     laboratories.
 
  .  Embedded Quality Assurance/Quality Control -- Our system captures all
     data required to comply with regulations governing laboratory
     operations, including those under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement
     Amendments of 1988.
 
  .  Ability for Practice Enhancement -- By providing rapid test results for
     a broad menu of tests, our system will enable doctors to treat patients
     more quickly, see more patients, improve office productivity and improve
     patient satisfaction and quality of care. In addition, healthcare
     providers can increase their revenue by performing and billing for tests
     themselves.
 
  Our goal is to make decentralized testing with the Careside system the
standard for routine and critical care blood testing.
 
The Careside System Status
   
  The FDA has already granted pre-market clearance for the CareSide Analyzer
and clearance or exemption for 28 blood tests. We recently filed for clearance
for three additional blood tests. Our initial product launch is planned for the
third quarter of 1999 through a distribution and supply arrangement with one of
our strategic partners, SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. We
expect to have the CareSide Analyzer and over 50 tests cleared or exempt at
that time.     
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  We will conduct pilot site marketing studies prior to initial product launch.
These studies will demonstrate our system's cost-effectiveness and how
potential customers will use it. We have arranged pilot site studies with APRIA
Healthcare in the home care services market, three hospitals affiliated with
Child Health Corporation of America in the hospital market, Reliant Care Group,
L.L.C. in the nursing home market, a small group practice in Arizona for the
physician office market and SmithKline for its own use.
 
Market Opportunity
 
  The lack of timely test results from central laboratories has given rise to a
growing market for point-of-care tests. However, no company has developed a
point-of-care system designed to decentralize routine and critical care blood
testing. Precise industry data for the market we are targeting is not
available. According to 1997 industry data and estimates, the worldwide product
market for testing of blood and other bodily fluids and tissues was $18.3
billion in 1997 and was expected to grow to $20 billion in 2000. Based on their
prior industry experience, our senior management believes that the Careside
system's 50 test menu will address over 38% of this market. The rest of the
market includes complex and specialized tests not performed by the Careside
system. The U.S. and Canadian market is approximately 40% of the worldwide
market. Our initial marketing efforts will be targeted towards converting U.S.
and Canadian blood testing to point-of-care testing.
 
Early History
 
  SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. conducted extensive surveys of
the point-of-care market beginning in 1993. As a result, in 1994, SmithKline
started our predecessor business to develop the technology we use. We acquired
this business in November 1996. Several senior members of SmithKline's
management team, including the President of SmithKline Beecham Clinical
Laboratories, worked on this point-of-care project at SmithKline. They are now
part of the executive management team of Careside.
 
  Careside was incorporated in the State of Delaware in July 1996 under the
name Exigent Diagnostics, Inc. In May 1998, we changed our name to Careside,
Inc. Our principal executive offices are located at 6100 Bristol Parkway,
Culver City, California 90230 and our telephone number is (310) 338-6767.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                  The Offering
 
  Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes no
exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, and has been adjusted to
give effect to a 1-for-5.2 reverse stock split to be effected immediately prior
to the completion of the offering.
 
<TABLE>   
 <C>                                               <S>
 Common Stock Offered by the Company.............. 2,800,000 shares
 Common Stock Outstanding after the Offering (1).. 7,884,340 shares
 Dividend Policy.................................. We do not plan to pay cash
                                                   dividends in the foreseeable
                                                   future.
 Use of Proceeds.................................. We expect to use the
                                                   proceeds to:
                                                   . Complete product
                                                     development, launch our
                                                     product and cover related
                                                     expenses.
                                                   . Purchase manufacturing
                                                     equipment and expand our
                                                     facilities.
                                                   . Build inventory and
                                                     provide working capital.
                                                   . Repay the December 1998
                                                     bridge financing.
 Proposed Nasdaq National Market Symbol........... CARE
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Does not include 1,514,479 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
    options and warrants which will be outstanding upon completion of this
    offering. In calculating this number, we have assumed the initial offering
    price is $9.00 per share.     
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                             Summary Financial Data
 
  The following table presents summary financial information for Careside and
the predecessor business at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. The
as adjusted balance sheet data assumes the sale by Careside of 2,800,000 shares
of common stock in the offering at $9.00 per share and the use of the estimated
net proceeds as set forth in "Use of Proceeds" on page 14. You should read this
data together with the financial statements and related notes included in this
prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Predecessor Business                            Careside, Inc.
                          ------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                Period from                             Period from
                                                                 Inception                               Inception
                                Year ended         Ten months    (July 10,          Year ended           (July 10,
                               December 31,           ended       1996) to         December 31,           1996) to
                          -----------------------  October 31,  December 31,  ------------------------  December 31,
                             1994        1995         1996          1996         1997         1998          1998
                          ----------- -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                          (unaudited)
<S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Statement of Operations
 Data:
Operating expenses:
 Research and
 development............   $ 949,346  $ 2,109,802  $ 3,054,503  $ 1,561,847   $ 5,895,465  $ 8,297,974  $ 15,755,286
 General and
  administration........      26,069      585,058      224,399       55,515       640,574      850,129     1,546,218
                           ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -----------  -----------  ------------
 Operating loss.........   $(975,415) $(2,694,860) $(3,278,902)  (1,617,362)   (6,536,039)  (9,148,103)  (17,301,504)
                           =========  ===========  ===========
Net interest income
 (expense)..............                                            (20,809)      205,256      211,814       396,261
                                                                -----------   -----------  -----------  ------------
Net loss................                                        $(1,638,171)  $(6,330,783) $(8,936,289) $(16,905,243)
                                                                ===========   ===========  ===========  ============
Net loss per share......                                        $     (2.25)  $     (2.04) $     (1.93)
                                                                ===========   ===========  ===========
Shares used in computing
 net loss per share.....                                            728,465     3,098,980    4,629,916
                                                                ===========   ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Careside, Inc.
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                        December 31, 1998
                                      December 31,  --------------------------
                                          1997         Actual     As Adjusted
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents............ $ 1,237,149   $  3,926,603  $24,762,603
Total assets.........................   3,140,223      7,911,403   28,747,403
Long-term debt.......................         --       2,044,932      854,086
Deficit accumulated during
 development stage...................  (7,968,954)   (16,905,243) (17,214,397)
Total stockholders' equity...........   2,437,607      4,149,145   26,175,991
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  An investment in the common stock involves many risks. These risks may be
substantial and are inherent in the business of Careside. You should carefully
consider the following information about these risks, together with the other
information in this prospectus, before buying shares of common stock.
 
  If any of the following risks actually occur, our business and prospects
could be materially adversely affected, the trading price of our common stock
could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.
 
We Have a Limited Operating History and Have Not Generated any Revenue
 
  Careside was formed in 1996 and has not generated any revenue. We have
incurred net losses of approximately $17 million from inception through
December 31, 1998. We will not generate any revenue from product sales and will
continue to incur significant additional operating losses until we complete the
development of our test menu, receive necessary FDA clearances, expand our
manufacturing and marketing efforts, manufacture our products according to
regulations prescribed by the FDA, and begin selling the Careside system.
 
The Offering May Not Raise Sufficient Funds to Meet Our Goals
 
  The offering may not provide sufficient funds to meet our operating plan. We
anticipate that the net proceeds from the offering, together with revenue
expected after 1999, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and
capital requirements for approximately 18 months. However, these expenses and
requirements may change. If sufficient funds are not raised or revenues are not
sufficient, we may have to reduce our initial marketing expenses or product
development activities. In addition, we may not be able to meet our obligations
to our suppliers and strategic partners during this 18 month period. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" on page 19.
 
Additional Funding May Not Be Available
 
  In the event we need funding, we will seek additional equity, debt, lease
financing and/or third-party collaboration opportunities. Additional funding
may have unacceptable terms or may not be available at all for reasons relating
to:
 
  .Careside's inability to meet its business plan, or
  .Changes in lenders' or investors' views of medical device or small
  capitalization companies.
 
  If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, reduce or
eliminate product development programs or to license to third parties rights to
commercialize our products or technologies.
 
We May Never Be Profitable
 
  Even if we are able to generate revenue from sales of the Careside system, we
may never be profitable. There are several reasons why this might happen:
 
  .We could build up our overhead in anticipation of sales goals that are not
  met.
  .We may not be able to reduce our manufacturing costs to acceptable levels.
  .We may have to lower our prices to remain competitive.
  .We may experience delays in developing additional tests or product
  upgrades.
  .We may experience problems in production, distribution or marketing.
 
Medical Community May Not Accept the Careside System
 
  The CareSide Analyzer and related test cartridges are our only products. We
will not be able to operate profitably unless these products achieve a
significant level of market acceptance. The following factors are the greatest
risks to our market acceptance:
 
 We May Fail to Develop the Comprehensive Test Menu Needed to Sell Our Product
 
  If we are not able to fully develop our proposed comprehensive test menu,
customers may not buy our products. One of our major selling points to
potential customers will be the breadth of our menu.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 We May Be Unable to Change How Tests are Ordered
 
   We may not be able to demonstrate the economic or clinical benefits of the
Careside system sufficiently to convince members of the medical community to
change the way they order tests. Currently, physicians and hospitals typically
order blood tests from central laboratories.
 
 Managed Care Contracts May Prohibit Use of Our Products
 
  Our ability to sell to healthcare providers may be limited by managed care
relationships. Many health maintenance and managed care organizations have
exclusive contracts with laboratories that require participating or employed
physicians to send patient specimens only to contracted laboratories.
Consequently, such physicians may be precluded from using the Careside system.
 
 We May Be Unable to Keep Pace With Changing Technology
 
  Blood testing technology is evolving. Other companies may develop products in
response to technological changes that make our products noncompetitive,
particularly if the development, introduction or marketing of our products is
delayed.
 
Failure to Obtain Point-of-Care Use Designation Will Limit Our Market
Opportunity
 
  The Careside system is not currently approved for point-of-care use. It is
only approved for laboratory use. As a result, we are presently unable to
realize any value from an important segment of our business. Point-of-care use
designation from the FDA is necessary to expand our potential market beyond
licensed laboratories. We will seek the point-of-care use designation for the
CareSide Analyzer following clinical testing at the pilot sites.
 
We May Not Be Able to Develop Our Products
 
  In order for us to expand our test menu, we must complete the development of
one of the four types of disposable cartridges. Factors outside our control may
delay our proposed development schedules by one year or more. These factors
include:
 
  .delays in regulatory clearance,
 
  .technological difficulties,
 
  .restrictions on access to proprietary technology of strategic partners,
  and
 
  .changes in the healthcare, regulatory or reimbursement environment.
 
Reductions in Third-Party Reimbursement For Tests May Hurt Our Business
 
  Government authorities, private health insurers and other third-party payers,
such as health maintenance organizations may not reimburse providers for our
products' tests. Current reimbursement amounts for diagnostic tests may not be
maintained. Any decrease in test reimbursement amounts may reduce the demand
for our products or force us to lower our sales prices. In addition,
legislative proposals to reform healthcare and the trend toward managed
healthcare in the United States may require lower prices for our products. See
"Business--Third Party Reimbursement" on page 37.
 
We Have No Sales, Marketing or Distribution Experience
 
  We may not be able to recruit or retain direct sales and marketing personnel
who will successfully implement our marketing strategy. We have no sales,
marketing or distribution experience. We intend to distribute our products in
the United States primarily through our own sales force, and internationally
through a limited number of distributors. Establishing a sales and marketing
capability will require substantial efforts and significant resources.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Third-Party Distributors May Not Be Effective
 
  We will depend on third party distributors to assist us in promoting market
acceptance and creating demand for our products. We have a distribution
arrangement with SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. for the United
States and certain foreign countries. We have also granted Fuji a right of
first refusal to distribute the Careside system exclusively in Japan and non-
exclusively in some of the other Asian countries. We will need additional
arrangements to distribute our products worldwide. We may not be able to
maintain these arrangements or enter into additional distribution arrangements.
In addition, we have little control over the resources that the distributors
will devote to the marketing of the Careside system. See "Business--Marketing
Strategy" on page 32 and "Certain Transactions--SmithKline Beecham" on page 52.
 
Our Contract Manufacturers May Not Sufficiently Supply Us
 
  We will depend upon outside vendors to manufacture most of the Careside
system, including the CareSide Analyzer and components of the disposable
testing cartridges. We will have only limited control over third-party
manufacturers as to quality control and timeliness of production and delivery.
We cannot be certain that outside manufacturers will be able to provide us with
a sufficient number of instruments and cartridge components on a timely basis.
 
Our Lack of Manufacturing Experience Could Reduce Our Ability to Assemble
Cartridges
 
  We will be assembling the cartridges at Careside. We have never operated a
manufacturing/assembly business. We will need to assemble significant and
increasing quantities of test cartridges on a timely basis, while maintaining
strict quality standards. We are converting from manual production of cartridge
components and assembly to an automated system. We may not be able to achieve
and maintain product accuracy and reliability when producing the cartridges in
the quantities required, on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost.
 
Our Third-Party Suppliers Could Interrupt Our Supply
 
  We will purchase the materials used in the test cartridges from outside
suppliers, such as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Each of our supply agreements has
termination rights. Any interruption in supply would adversely affect our
schedule. See "Business--Manufacturing and Supply" on page 35.
 
Our Ability to Add Hematology Testing Capabilities Depends on a Third Party
 
  The CareSide Analyzer does not perform hematology tests, which are an
important part of point-of-care testing. We are negotiating an arrangement with
a third party to supply hematology testing capabilities in an additional
device. We may not be able to agree upon pricing that will enable us to offer
cost-effective hematology testing. In addition, we have not yet developed an
interface between the hematology device and the CareSide Analyzer. See
"Business--The Careside System--Test Menu" on page 30.
 
Our CEO and Other Key Personnel Are Critical To Our Success
 
  The loss of key employees or unsuccessful recruiting efforts will harm us.
Competition for qualified and talented individuals with experience in point-of-
care testing is intense. Our success depends on our ability to retain the
services of Mr. Stoughton, our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer, and Dr. Grove, Executive Vice President--Research and
Development. Mr. Stoughton has over 20 years experience as a senior executive
of several large hospitals and over four years experience as President of
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. Dr. Grove managed research and
development activities at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. for 12
years and has extensive experience in the development of diagnostic tests. We
also need to attract additional sales and marketing, research and development,
and experienced manufacturing personnel. See "Management--Employment
Agreements" on page 48.
 
We May Not Be Able to Manage Our Expanding Operations
 
  We will need to expand our operations if we are successful in achieving
market acceptance for the Careside system. This expansion will result in
additional responsibilities for management and place significant
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
demand upon our management, our operating and financial systems and our
resources. To accommodate this growth and to compete effectively, we will need
to implement and improve our internal operating systems and controls, and to
hire and train additional personnel.
 
Our Competitors Have Advantages Over Us
 
  Our business may fail because our market is highly competitive. Our primary
competitors are large diagnostic device manufacturers, commercial and hospital
laboratories and other point-of-care device manufacturers. The large device
manufacturers and commercial and hospital laboratories have significant
marketing, manufacturing, financial and managerial resources, and have
substantially greater research and development capabilities than we do. We
expect that manufacturers of conventional blood testing products used in
centralized laboratories will compete intensely with us to maintain their
market share. Commercial and hospital laboratories may try to influence
providers against the Careside system to protect their revenue. Other point-of-
care companies have already sold their product in the marketplace. We
anticipate competition from these manufacturers in discrete tests using areas
such as critical care testing. Many of these companies offer tests that will
cost less than the Careside system and so may be attractive to some of our
customers. See "Business--Competition" on page 36.
 
Our Proprietary Technology is a Crucial Part of Our Business
 
  The success of our business will depend on our ability to protect our
proprietary technology. Our business may fail if we are not able to do so.
 
 We Do Not Have Any Patents on Our Proprietary Technology
 
  We have two U.S. patent applications which have been allowed and are expected
to issue as U.S. patents. We have submitted five additional U.S. and two
international patent applications, and we intend to file additional U.S. and
international patent applications. We cannot be certain that any patent
application will result in the issuance of a patent or that our patents will
withstand any challenges by third parties.
 
 Our Technology May Infringe on the Proprietary Rights of Third Parties
 
  Universities and government laboratories, physicians and other corporations
are conducting substantial research in point-of-care diagnostic blood testing
technology. Given the nature of our industry, it is possible that patent
applications have been filed by others, and patents may be issued to them,
relating to specific diagnostic products and processes. Patent applications in
the U.S. are secret until the patent is issued. We cannot know whether
competing applications have been filed. A prior conflicting patent application
would detract from the value of our patents. In addition, if we use
technologies, products or processes covered by patent applications filed by
others, or by patents issued to others, we may have to obtain licenses. We may
not be able to obtain such licenses on reasonable terms, or at all.
 
 We May Be Unable to Build Brand Loyalty Because Our Trademarks and Trade Names
May Not Be Protected
 
  Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged,
canceled, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be
infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights to these
trademarks and trade names, which we need to build brand loyalty. Brand
recognition is critical to our short term and long term marketing strategies,
especially as we commercialize future enhancements to our products. See
"Business--Patents and Proprietary Rights" on page 37.
 
 Our Trade Secrets May Be Disclosed
 
  We also rely on unpatented trade secrets to protect our proprietary
technology. We attempt to protect our proprietary technology through an
employee handbook and agreements with our executive officers. Our
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
employees have not signed confidentiality agreements. The confidentiality
provisions in the handbook and executives' agreements may not be enforceable
under applicable law. Other companies may independently develop or otherwise
acquire equivalent technology or gain access to our proprietary technology.
 
 Our Proprietary Rights May Fail to Protect Our Business
 
  We may have to resort to litigation to protect or defend our rights. This
could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management's attention.
If we lost any such litigation, we could lose our competitive position, be
required to obtain licenses from third parties or be prevented from
manufacturing, selling or using certain of our products.
   
 We do not Own all Necessary Intellectual Property     
   
  Some of the intellectual property we use in developing our test cartridges is
owned by others, such as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., and licensed on a non-
exclusive basis to us. We believe alternative technology does exist. However,
if our access to our current technology terminated, our development efforts
could be delayed until we achieved access to the alternative technology. In
that circumstance, we cannot be sure that we would be able to achieve access to
alternative sources of technology. If alternative technology is unavailable, we
would have to change our testing methodologies. This would cause substantial
delay and cost in development of our product.     
 
Extensive Government Regulation May Increase Our Expenses and Cause Delays in
our Product Commercialization
 
  Our products are medical devices subject to extensive regulation by the FDA,
similar agencies in other countries, and to a lesser extent, by state
regulatory authorities. See "Business -- Government Regulation" page 38. In
addition to our need to obtain a point-of-care use designation, the following
are the greatest regulatory risks we face:
 
 We Need Additional FDA Pre-Market Clearances to Successfully Commercialize Our
Products
 
  FDA regulations require rigorous laboratory and clinical testing to establish
product performance before commercial marketing. Medical devices such as the
CareSide Analyzer are subject to pre-market clearance. Clearance is subject to
further review, such as when products are modified. We cannot be certain that
we will be able to obtain all necessary approvals on a timely basis, or at all.
Moreover, it is possible that one or more of our products will be subjected to
more extensive pre-market clinical testing and FDA pre-market approval.
 
 We May Incur Substantial Expenses to Comply With GMP and Other Manufacturing
Regulations
 
  Our manufacturing facilities and processes will be required to comply with
strict federal regulations, including Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, and
quality system requirements, regarding validation and quality of manufacturing.
We have limited experience in complying with regulations governing our products
and manufacturing facilities. We must devote substantial resources and
management attention to monitoring and maintaining compliance with governmental
regulations. If we, or our manufacturing partners, violate applicable
regulations, we may be sanctioned and our production or distribution may be
suspended. In addition, the FDA may withdraw the approval or clearance to
market any of our products.
 
CLIA May Discourage Healthcare Providers from Using Point-of-Care Testing
 
  Careside system users will be required to be licensed under the Clinical
Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. This may make healthcare providers
reluctant to initiate, continue or expand patient testing using the Careside
system.
 
Year 2000 Problems Could Interrupt Our Supply
 
  Our receipt of key component products used in the Careside system may be
delayed if our suppliers' software systems are not able to read and apply
proper dates. We expect to have contingency plans in place in the event any of
our key suppliers are not Year 2000 compliant by the second half of 1999.
However, our contingency plans may not provide the same product or timing as
our current suppliers.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Significant Number of Shares Eligible for Future Sale Could Lower Market Price
   
  Sales of large numbers of common stock after the offering, or even the
potential for those sales, are likely to lower the market price of common
stock. In addition, these sales may negatively affect our ability to raise
needed capital through the sale of our common stock. After the offering, we
will have 7,884,340 shares of common stock outstanding. In addition to the
2,800,000 shares that will be freely tradeable after the offering, 7,521,439
currently outstanding or reserved shares may be sold in the future subject to
compliance with the Securities Act.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
       Number of Shares   Description
       <S>                <C>
         5,084,340        Common stock currently outstanding
           411,588        Issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options
           772,620        Issuable upon exercise of options that may be granted in the future
           150,000        Issuable pursuant to employee stock purchase plan
           822,891        Issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding warrants
           280,000        Issuable upon exercise of representatives' warrants beginning one year after
                           the effective date of the offering
         ---------
         7,521,439
         =========
</TABLE>    
 
All of our directors, officers and principal stockholders are subject to lock-
up agreements. The parties to the lock-up agreements are not permitted to sell
their shares until after 360 days after the offering without the prior written
consent of Fahnestock & Co. Inc. When the lockup period expires, all of these
shares will become tradable. Given that over 95% of our currently issued shares
are subject to the lockup, the expiration of the lockup period could have a
depressive effect on the market price of our common stock. See "Shares Eligible
for Future Sale" on page 60.
Control of Careside By Our Management and Principal Stockholders Could Conflict
With Other Shareholders' Interests
 
 
  The interests of our directors and executive officers, and our principal
stockholders could conflict with the interests of other Careside stockholders,
including the purchasers in the offering. Following completion of the offering,
our directors and executive officers, together with the principal stockholders
of Careside, will own or control approximately 25.2% of our outstanding common
stock. Accordingly, these stockholders may be able to influence the outcome of
stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors,
certain amendments to our charter and bylaws, and the approval of significant
corporate transactions such as a merger or a sale of our assets. Such influence
could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control
of our stock. See "Principal Stockholders" on page 51.
 
Future Issuances of Preferred Stock May Dilute Rights of Common Stockholders
 
  Our Board of Directors will have the authority to issue up to 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, privileges and other
terms of such shares. The Board may exercise this authority without the
approval of the stockholders. The rights of the holders of common stock may be
adversely affected by the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may
be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock may make it more
difficult for a third party to acquire control of Careside. See "Description of
Capital Stock--Preferred Stock" on page 55.
Statute, Charter and By-laws May Delay or Prevent an Acquisition of Careside
 
 
  We will be subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 could delay or prevent a third
party or a significant stockholder from acquiring control of Careside. In
addition, our charter and by-laws may have the effect of discouraging, delaying
or preventing a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving Careside. Any
of these anti-takeover provisions could lower the market price of the common
stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--Takeover Protection and Certain
Charter and By-Law Provisions" on page 57.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Our Stock Price May Trade Below the Offering Price
 
  Our shares of common stock may trade at prices significantly below the
initial public offering price. The initial public offering price may bear no
relationship to the future market price of our common stock. The market price
for shares of our common stock may be highly volatile depending on many
factors, including:
 
  .  the success of our new products or new products introduced by our
     competitors,
 
  .  developments with respect to our patents and other proprietary rights,
 
  .  our ability to meet sales and earnings expectations of securities
     analysts, and
 
  .  changes in general market conditions.
 
Purchasers in the Offering Will Face Immediate and Substantial Dilution
 
  The initial public offering price is substantially higher than the net
tangible book value per share of common stock. If 2,800,000 shares are sold in
the offering at $9.00 per share, our net tangible book value per share will be
$3.32, $5.68 below the $9.00 per share price. The net tangible book value after
the offering will thus be 63% below the $9.00 offering price. Sales of
additional common stock in the future may reduce net tangible book value per
share, resulting in further dilution to purchasers of shares sold in the
offering. See "Dilution" on page 16.
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Some of the statements contained in this prospectus discuss future events and
developments, including our ability to generate revenue, income and cash flows,
or state other "forward-looking" information. We generally identify these
forward-looking statements by using the words "anticipate," "believe,"
"estimate," "expect," and similar expressions. Those statements are subject to
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the
actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements.
Important factors that may cause actual results to differ include those set
forth under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7.
 
  We do not promise to update forward-looking information to reflect actual
results or changes in assumptions or other factors that could affect those
statements.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the sale of shares of
common stock in the offering of approximately $22,336,000 after deduction of
underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses payable by us. This assumes
an initial public offering price of $9.00 per share. We estimate net proceeds
of $25,851,000 if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full.
We expect to use the proceeds as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Approximate
                                                        Amount of
                                                           Net     Approximate
                                                        Proceeds   Percentage
                                                           (in       of Net
                                                        millions)   Proceeds
                                                       ----------- -----------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>
Complete product development and launch and related
 expenses ............................................    $14.0        62.7%
Purchase manufacturing equipment and expand our
 facilities...........................................    $ 3.3        14.8%
Build inventory and provide working capital...........    $ 2.0         9.0%
Repay December 1998 bridge financing..................    $ 3.0        13.5%
                                                          -----       -----
  Total...............................................    $22.3       100.0%
</TABLE>
 
  Pending use of the net proceeds, we intend to invest such funds in short-term
bank deposits and investment grade securities, United States government
securities, and other short-term, income-producing securities.
 
  The foregoing discussion is merely an estimate based on our current business
plans. Our actual expenditures may vary depending upon circumstances not yet
known, such as the time actually required to reach a positive cash flow, or to
successfully develop our products.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  We have never paid any cash dividends on our shares of common stock and do
not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the
foreseeable future. Currently, we intend to retain any future earnings for
reinvestment in our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends
will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon
our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other
factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1998 for Careside:
 
 .       the actual capitalization,
 
 .       the pro forma capitalization which reflects the additional $1,500,000
        borrowed under the bridge financing in January 1999, and
 
 .       the pro forma as adjusted capitalization which shows the effect of the
        sale of 2,800,000 shares of common stock in the offering at an assumed
        initial public offering price of $9.00 per share and the use of the net
        proceeds of the offering.
 
  This table should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                December 31, 1998
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                                   Pro Forma
                                         Actual      Pro Forma    As Adjusted
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Long-term debt:
  Equipment loan due finance
   company........................... $    854,086  $    854,086  $    854,086
  Note payable under bridge financing
   (1)...............................    1,190,846     2,690,846            --
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total long-term debt.............    2,044,932     3,544,932       854,086
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value --
   5,000,000 shares authorized; none
    issued and outstanding...........          --            --            --
  Common Stock, $.01 par value --
   50,000,000 shares authorized;
   5,084,340 shares issued and
   outstanding (actual and pro forma)
   and 7,884,340 shares issued and
   outstanding (pro forma as
   adjusted) (2).....................       50,843        50,843        78,843
  Additional paid-in capital.........   21,003,545    21,003,545    43,311,545
  Deficit accumulated during
   development stage.................  (16,905,243)  (16,905,243)  (17,214,397)
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total stockholders' equity.......    4,149,145     4,149,145    26,175,991
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total capitalization............. $  6,194,077  $  7,694,077  $ 27,030,077
                                      ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) For a discussion of the note payable, see the description of the 1998
    bridge financing under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" on
    page 19 and "Certain Transactions--Financing Activities" on page 53. The
    amounts in this chart are net of the unamortized value of the bridge
    warrant of $309,154.
   
(2) Excludes 1,514,479 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options
    and warrants which will be outstanding upon completion of the offering.
        
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                    DILUTION
 
   As of December 31, 1998, our net tangible book value was $4,149,000, or
$0.82 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share represents
our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the total number
of shares of common stock outstanding. Without taking into effect any changes
in the net tangible book value after December 31, 1998, other than to give
effect to the sale of 2,800,000 shares of common stock in the offering at an
assumed initial public offering price of $9.00 per share and the application of
the estimated net proceeds of the offering, the net tangible book value of
Careside as of December 31, 1998 would have been $26,176,000 or $3.32 per
share. This represents an immediate increase of $2.50 per share of common stock
to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $5.68 per share of common
stock to the new stockholders who purchase common stock in the offering. The
following table illustrates this per share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                              <C>   <C>
   Assumed initial public offering price..........................        $9.00
   Net tangible book value per share before the offering..........  $0.82
   Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to
    new stockholders..............................................   2.50
                                                                    -----
   As adjusted net tangible book value per share after the
    offering......................................................         3.32
                                                                          -----
   Dilution in tangible book value per share to new stockholders..        $5.68
                                                                          =====
</TABLE>
  If the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, dilution per
share to new stockholders would be $5.42 per share of common stock.
 
  The following table summarizes as of December 31, 1998 the differences
between the existing stockholders and the new stockholders with respect to the
number of shares of common stock purchased, the total consideration paid, and
the average price per share paid:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                           Shares Purchased  Total Consideration
                           ----------------- -------------------     Average
                            Number   Percent   Amount    Percent Price Per Share
                           --------- ------- ----------- ------- ---------------
<S>                        <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>
Existing stockholders..... 5,084,340   64.5% $23,318,075   48.1%      $4.59
New stockholders.......... 2,800,000   35.5   25,200,000   51.9       $9.00
                           ---------  -----  -----------  -----
  Total................... 7,884,340  100.0% $48,518,075  100.0%
                           =========  =====  ===========  =====
</TABLE>    
 
  The above computations assume no exercise of outstanding options or warrants
to purchase common stock or of the underwriters' over-allotment option. All of
these outstanding securities are described in "Description of Capital Stock" on
page 55.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected financial data of Careside and the predecessor
business should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on page 18 and the
Financial Statements and notes thereto beginning on page F-7. The financial
data presented for the predecessor business at SmithKline Beecham Clinical
Laboratories, Inc. represents the research and development and related general
and administrative costs incurred by SmithKline Beecham Corporation in
connection with the development of technology and know-how acquired by Careside
on November 7, 1996. The selected financial data for Careside as of December
31, 1996 and the predecessor business as of December 31, 1995 and for the year
then ended are derived from the audited financial statements not included in
this prospectus. The selected financial data for the predecessor business as of
December 31, 1994 and for the year then ended are unaudited, but, in our
opinion, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such
financial data.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Predecessor Business                                    Careside, Inc.
                    -----------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Year ended         Ten months       Period from           Year ended              Period from
                        December 31,           ended          Inception           December 31,              Inception
                    ----------------------  October 30,  (July 10, 1996) to  ------------------------    (July 10, 1996)
                      1994        1995         1996       December 31, 1996     1997         1998      to December 31, 1998
                    ---------  -----------  -----------  ------------------- -----------  -----------  --------------------
<S>                 <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>                 <C>          <C>          <C>
Statement of
 Operations Data:
Operating expenses
 Research and
  development.....  $ 949,346  $ 2,109,802  $ 3,054,503      $ 1,561,847     $ 5,895,465  $ 8,297,974      $ 15,755,286
 General and
  administration..     26,069      585,058      224,399           55,515         640,574      850,129         1,546,218
                    ---------  -----------  -----------      -----------     -----------  -----------      ------------
  Operating loss..  $(975,415) $(2,694,860) $(3,278,902)      (1,617,362)     (6,536,039)  (9,148,103)      (17,301,504)
                    =========  ===========  ===========
Net interest in-
 come
 (expense)........                                               (20,809)        205,256      211,814           396,261
                                                             -----------     -----------  -----------      ------------
Net loss..........                                           $(1,638,171)    $(6,330,783) $(8,936,289)     $(16,905,243)
                                                             ===========     ===========  ===========      ============
Net loss per
 share............                                           $     (2.25)    $     (2.04) $     (1.93)
                                                             ===========     ===========  ===========
Shares used in
 computing net
 loss per share...                                               728,465       3,098,980    4,629,916
                                                             ===========     ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Predecessor
                              Business(1)                  Careside, Inc.
                         ----------------------  ------------------------------------
                             December 31,                   December 31,
                         ----------------------  ------------------------------------
                           1994        1995         1996        1997         1998
                         ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash
 equivalents ........... $     --   $       --   $   31,041  $1,237,149  $  3,926,603
Total assets............    43,780      306,589   1,192,562   3,140,223     7,911,403
Long-term debt..........       --           --          --          --      2,044,932
Deficit accumulated
 during the development
 stage..................  (975,415)  (3,670,275) (1,638,171) (7,968,954)  (16,905,243)
Total stockholders'
 equity (deficit).......       --           --   (1,066,818)  2,437,607     4,149,145
</TABLE>
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview
 
  Development of the point-of-care technology used in the Careside system began
in 1994 at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a subsidiary of
SmithKline Beecham Corporation. In November 1996, we acquired the predecessor
business, including intellectual property, equipment and other assets, from
SmithKline, to continue the development of point-of-care diagnostic technology
and to create a commercial product. As part of the consideration paid for the
acquisition, SmithKline Beecham Corporation became an equity owner in Careside.
The initial development of our point-of-care technology at SmithKline has been
reflected in the accompanying financial statements as a predecessor business.
 
  Since November 1996, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to
research and development activities. We have incurred losses since inception.
As of December 31, 1998, the aggregate loss incurred was approximately $16.9
million. We expect to incur significant additional losses over at least the
next 18 months as we continue product development activities, complete a pilot
marketing program and initiate marketing efforts.
   
  Although the CareSide Analyzer and 28 tests are cleared or exempt by the FDA
for use in laboratory testing, the rollout of our system is not expected to
take place until the third quarter of 1999. To date, we have generated no
revenue. We expect that our revenue will derive primarily from the sale of
disposable test cartridges rather than of the CareSide Analyzer itself.     
 
Results of Operations
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
 
  Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses
increased to approximately $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1998
compared to approximately $5.9 million in the same period in 1997, an increase
of 41%. This increase reflects increased payments to third parties for the
development of the CareSide Analyzer and increased staffing for additional test
development and submissions to the FDA.
 
  General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses
increased to $850,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to $641,000
in the same period in 1997, an increase of 33%. This increase reflects the
increase in the preliminary sales and marketing efforts associated with planned
pilot market testing in the second quarter of 1999.
 
  Net Interest Income (Expense).  Interest income was approximately the same
for the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to the same period in 1997 at
$212,000 and $205,000, respectively. This reflects comparable levels of cash
and cash equivalents available for investment.
 
  Net Loss.  The net loss was approximately $8.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 compared to approximately $6.3 million in the same period in
1997, an increase of 41%. This increase reflects the increase in research and
development expenses and preliminary sales and marketing efforts.
 
 Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
 
  Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses
increased to approximately $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997
compared to approximately $1.6 million for the period from inception through
December 31, 1996. This increase reflects a full year of spending as well as
the expanded efforts devoted to completing additional test development and
submissions of these tests to the FDA. Combined research and development
expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996 for both Careside and the
predecessor business were approximately $4.6 million.
 
  General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased to $641,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to $56,000
for the period from inception through December 31, 1996. This increase reflects
the full year impact of general and administrative expenses and the costs
associated with
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
raising additional capital. Combined general and administrative expenses for
the year ended December 31, 1996 for both Careside and the predecessor business
were $280,000.
 
  Net Interest Income (Expense). Net interest income was $205,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1997 compared to net interest expense of $21,000 for the
period from inception through December 31, 1996. This increase reflects the
impact of the resulting cash and cash equivalents available for investment
after an equity financing in 1997.
 
  Net Loss. The net loss was approximately $6.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 compared to approximately $1.6 million for the period from
inception through December 31, 1996. This increase reflects the increase in
research and development expenses, a full year of activity and preliminary
sales and marketing efforts.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
  We have financed our operations since inception primarily through the net
proceeds generated from the issuance of common stock, long-term debt and
certain short-term borrowings that were subsequently converted into equity
securities. As of December 31, 1998, we have received net proceeds aggregating
approximately $22.7 million from these transactions.
 
  Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $7.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. This represents the net loss for the year
partially offset by an increase in accounts payable to the manufacturer of the
CareSide Analyzer. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $6.5
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 and $0.9 million for the period
from inception through December 31, 1996. Cash used for operations was
primarily related to funding expansion of research and development activities
as well as the establishment of an administrative infrastructure.
 
  Cash used in investing activities for the purchase of property and equipment
was approximately $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, $0.9
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 and $345,000 for the period from
inception through December 31, 1996. The cash was used primarily for the
acquisition of laboratory equipment used in research and development.
 
  At December 31, 1998, our principal source of liquidity was approximately
$3.9 million in cash and cash equivalents.
 
  In December 1998, we entered into an agreement with an equipment lease
financing company regarding a $2.5 million facility secured by specific
equipment. Each draw will be a separate loan under the facility. Approximately
$1.0 million of this facility was drawn in December 1998 and was secured by our
existing equipment. We anticipate drawing the remaining amount by the end of
1999 which will be secured by manufacturing equipment for cartridge assembly
which we purchase with the loan proceeds. Each equipment loan will have a 48-
month term and bears an interest rate of approximately 14% per annum adjusted
for an index rate based on four-year U.S. Treasury Notes at the time of
borrowing.
 
  In addition, we entered into an agreement for the bridge financing with S.R.
One, Limited of which $1.5 million was funded in December 1998. The remaining
$1.5 million was funded in January 1999. The bridge financing matures upon the
earliest to occur of completion of the offering, a private equity financing of
at least $8,000,000 or January 31, 2000. It bears interest at 8% per annum,
payable quarterly. We issued a bridge warrant in connection with the bridge
financing. The bridge warrant will become exercisable on the earlier of
December 17, 1999 or six months after the completion of the offering for the
number of shares of common stock which is equal to $750,000 divided by 85% of
the initial public offering price per share of the common stock in the
offering. If the offering price is $9.00 per share, the bridge warrant will be
exercisable for 98,039 shares. The bridge warrant has an exercise price of 85%
of the initial public offering price. If the bridge financing is not repaid by
June 30, 1999, the bridge warrant becomes exercisable for twice as many shares
of common stock. The bridge warrant will expire on the earlier of December 17,
2005 or four years after the completion of the offering.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
  We estimate that our current liquidity, when combined with the proceeds of
this offering and sales revenue expected after 1999, will be sufficient to fund
our operating expenses and capital requirements for approximately 18 months.
Our operating expenses will increase as we approach the market launch of our
product in the second half of 1999. We also expect that the development of
additional tests will require research expenditures at a level comparable to
past spending for test development. Sales and marketing activities will require
hiring and training approximately 15 additional staff in 1999. Initiation of
manufacturing activities will require hiring approximately 20 staff and capital
expenditures to purchase the equipment needed for the automated cartridge
assembly line. We will also utilize our funds to build a cartridge inventory
during the second half of 1999 to the level needed to support our sales. This
estimate of the period for which we expect our available sources of cash to be
sufficient to meet our funding needs is a forward looking statement that
involves risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that we will be
able to meet our capital requirements for this period as a result of certain
factors set forth under "Risk Factors--Additional Funding May Not Be Available"
and elsewhere in this prospectus. In the event our capital requirements are
greater than estimated, we may need to raise additional capital to fund our
research and development activities, to scale-up manufacturing activities and
to expand our sales and marketing efforts. Our future liquidity and capital
funding requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the extent to
which our products under development are successfully developed and gain market
acceptance, the timing of regulatory actions regarding our products, the costs
and timing of expansions of sales, marketing and manufacturing activities,
procurement and enforcement of patents important to our business, and the
impact of competitors' products. There can be no assurance that such additional
capital will be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Furthermore,
any additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt
financing, if available, may include restrictive covenants. If adequate funds
are not available, we may be forced to curtail our operations significantly or
to obtain funds through entering into collaborative agreements or other
arrangements on unfavorable terms. Our failure to raise capital on acceptable
terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
or results of operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
  As of December 31, 1998, we had approximately $2,148,000 and $225,000 of net
operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards, respectively,
for federal income tax purposes, which expire on various dates between 2011 and
2013. These amounts reflect different treatment of expenses for tax reporting
than are used for financial reporting. As of December 31, 1998, we had
capitalized approximately $12.9 million of research and development expenses
for federal income tax purposes. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contains certain
provisions that may limit our ability to utilize net operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards in any given year. We experienced a change in ownership
interest in excess of 50% as defined under the Tax Reform Act upon the first
closing of our 1997 equity financing. We do not believe that this change in
ownership will impact our ability to utilize our net operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards. There can be no assurance that ownership changes in
future periods will not significantly limit our use of existing or future net
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
 
Year 2000 Compliance
 
  We have identified our Year 2000 risks in three major categories: internal
business operations software; software utilized within the CareSide Analyzer;
and software used by our external suppliers and distributor. A review of our
non-information technology systems did not identify any material risks.
 
  With respect to internal operations, most of our computers and software
programs have been recently acquired. We have relied on the efforts of computer
and software vendors to make their latest hardware and software releases Year
2000 compliant. As a result, no incremental material compliance cost is
expected to be incurred in this area. Our management has contacted vendors to
confirm the status of their software that we use. In addition, we have utilized
Year 2000 test software to evaluate compliance.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
  With respect to the CareSide Analyzer, all development work has occurred
since the widespread recognition of the Year 2000 problem. We designed our
products and the software encoded in our system to be Year 2000 compliant. We
plan to issue software updates for the CareSide Analyzer on a routine basis to
add additional tests to the menu. If an unforeseen Year 2000 issue arises, we
could distribute compliant software to our customers at little or no
incremental cost as part of these routine updates. In the future, it will also
be necessary to link the CareSide Analyzer with customer systems. If these
systems are Year 2000 compliant, management's time addressing Year 2000 issues
on the CareSide Analyzer's interface with customer systems will be minimal. If
they are not, management's time may be more significant. As the specific
customers are not known at this time, it is not possible to measure the
opportunity cost.
 
  Regarding our critical suppliers, the worst scenario that we might encounter
would be a short-term disruption of supply if a vendor were impacted by an
unforeseen Year 2000 failure. We inquire regularly regarding our suppliers'
Year 2000 compliance programs. To date, we believe that our suppliers either
are or will be Year 2000 compliant. We expect to establish appropriate
contingency plans by mid-1999 in the event certain key suppliers are not Year
2000 compliant. These contingency plans could include utilizing alternative
suppliers or building inventory of critical parts as appropriate. We do not
anticipate any incremental material costs if we are required to implement our
contingency plans.
 
  Sales and distribution of our product through SmithKline is anticipated in
the third quarter of 1999. Based on inquiries of SmithKline, we do not believe
that Year 2000 problems encountered by SmithKline would impact our ability to
distribute our product. Distribution of our products by other third parties is
not anticipated before the year 2000.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
General
 
  We have developed and plan to sell a proprietary blood testing system. It is
designed to decentralize laboratory operations. The system provides cost-
effective, accurate test results within 10 to 15 minutes at the point-of-care,
for a comprehensive menu of routine blood tests. Because it provides rapid test
results, the Careside system can also perform blood tests required for critical
care testing. The Careside system performs chemistry, electrochemistry,
coagulation and immunochemistry tests within a single testing instrument. Tests
in these four different test categories, along with hematology tests, comprise
the vast majority of blood tests ordered. No other point-of-care product
currently in the market offers as broad a menu of tests or combines these four
test categories. Our goal is to make the Careside system the standard for
routine and critical care blood testing. If we are successful, diagnostic
information will travel more rapidly and healthcare costs for physicians,
providers and payers will be reduced.
 
  The Careside system consists of the CareSide Analyzer and disposable test
cartridges. A separate hematology testing device to be manufactured by a third
party will be connected to the CareSide Analyzer. The Careside system is easy
to use and can be operated by a non-technical person. Its software will enable
the user to capture all data required to comply with the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Amendments of 1988. This law, commonly called CLIA, governs quality
assurance and quality control processes and reporting for healthcare providers.
   
  The FDA has granted pre-market clearance for the CareSide Analyzer and pre-
market clearance or exemption for 28 blood tests for laboratory use. We
recently filed for clearance for three additional blood tests. Prior to the
Careside system's launch in the third quarter of 1999 through SmithKline
Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc., we will conduct pilot site marketing
studies. We expect the pilot studies to demonstrate how potential customers
will use the Careside system and its cost-effectiveness. We will also use the
pilot study results to obtain FDA designation of the Careside system for point-
of-care use by non-technical personnel. At product launch, we expect to have
the CareSide Analyzer and over 50 tests, including nine hematology tests,
cleared or exempt for laboratory use. As we expand our marketing efforts in the
fourth quarter of 1999, we expect to have all of our tests cleared for point-
of-care use as well. We believe that the Careside system's planned menu
represents over 80% of all blood tests ordered on an out-patient basis,
including all of the most commonly ordered out-patient blood tests. We plan to
market and distribute the Careside system in the United States through our own
sales force and through SmithKline.     
 
  We have utilized strategic partners with specific design expertise and state-
of-the-art technology in order to develop the Careside system rapidly and on a
cost-effective basis. Many of our partners' expertise is in the area of test
reagents. Reagents are the materials within the test cartridges that react with
a patient's blood. The CareSide Analyzer then performs the test by analyzing
the reaction. Currently, we have agreements with:
 
  . Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. for the supply of its dry film based chemistry
    reagents during the Careside system's development stage,
 
  . International Technidyne Corporation for the joint development of
    coagulation reagents, and
 
  . UMM Electronics, Inc. to design and manufacture the CareSide Analyzer.
 
  We are negotiating long-term agreements with Fuji and Diagnostic Reagents,
Inc. to supply reagents for the test cartridges. In addition, we previously
contracted with Hauser, Inc. for the design of the Careside system and with
Battelle Memorial Institute for the design of the system's disposable test
cartridges and their automated assembly manufacturing system.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
  In November 1996, we acquired the assets and contracts used in the
predecessor business, including intellectual property, equipment and other
assets, from SmithKline to continue the development of point-of-care diagnostic
technology and to create a commercial product. Several senior members of our
management team worked on this point-of-care project at SmithKline, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President--Research and
Development. We continue to have a business relationship with SmithKline
through a distribution and supply agreement. This agreement gives SmithKline
distribution rights in the United States and certain foreign countries,
including the right to use the Careside system in its patient service centers
where blood is drawn.
 
The Laboratory Testing Market
 
  According to 1997 industry data and estimates, the worldwide market for in
vitro testing was $18.3 billion in 1997 and was expected to grow to $20 billion
in 2000. In vitro testing is the testing of all bodily tissues and fluids,
including blood. Based on their experiences while at SmithKline, our senior
management believes that the Careside system's 50 test menu will address over
38% of this market. The rest of the market includes complex and specialized
tests not performed by the Careside system. The United States and Canadian
market for in vitro testing is approximately 40% of the worldwide market. We
will seek to convert a reasonable portion of the United States and Canadian
blood testing market to point-of-care testing and then expand into the
worldwide market.
 
  Most routine blood tests are sent to a central location, either a commercial
or hospital laboratory, for processing. In these central laboratories, large
blood analyzers reduce individual test costs by producing high volumes of test
results. Commercial laboratories provide approximately 27% of all in vitro
diagnostic testing services, hospital laboratories provide approximately 63%,
and the balance is provided in physicians' offices.
 
  Commercial laboratories are currently the low cost provider of blood testing
services due primarily to economies of scale in testing multiple samples in
large analyzers. Commercial laboratories' testing expenditures relate
predominantly to labor intensive functions such as distribution, customer
service, general administration, communication technology and preparation of
the blood sample. There are numerous steps involved in obtaining test results
from commercial laboratories. Blood samples are collected throughout the day
from a variety of sources including hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing
homes and home care agencies. The samples are transported to the laboratory,
usually with special care in packaging to preserve sample integrity. After the
samples arrive at the laboratory, several administrative tasks are necessary as
thousands of samples are processed daily. Each sample is split into tubes that
are then sorted for testing in multiple large analyzers. The high throughput
analyzers require the attention of highly skilled technicians to prepare
reagents, prime multiple pumps, calibrate, prepare and load blood samples,
conduct centrifuge operations, process measurement data and report results.
This complex process must be tightly controlled at each step to ensure both
administrative and analytical accuracy. Tests are generally run overnight and
results are sent back to the healthcare provider the following day. This
factory-like process limits the ability to provide test results in less than 24
hours. If results are required sooner, certain laboratory operations must be
interrupted, resulting in significantly increased costs.
 
  The process in hospital laboratories is very similar. Blood samples are
typically collected in the early morning with tests performed late morning and
early afternoon. Results are generally returned within four to five hours.
However, in many instances, hospitals must respond to critical patient
conditions and conduct tests on an immediate basis in order to support the
healthcare provider when a patient's condition is life threatening. A hospital
must be able to process these critical care tests 24 hours a day. This requires
the hospital laboratory to remain open whether or not any tests are being
conducted. With insufficient testing volume to absorb laboratory operating
expenses and capital costs, tests performed in hospital laboratories are more
expensive.
 
  Many physicians' offices currently outsource their testing to commercial or
hospital laboratories. This practice is largely the result of the enactment of
the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments in 1988. CLIA was an attempt to
ensure the quality and reliability of laboratory test results by placing more
stringent
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
administrative and regulatory burdens on testing conducted in the physician's
office. Under CLIA, technicians conducting complex tests must meet detailed
proficiency requirements and must have established well-defined quality
assurance and quality control programs. As a result, for most individual
physicians, diagnostic testing became too burdensome and costly to justify
being done in the office.
 
  Managed care has put substantial pressure on healthcare providers to reduce
costs and to treat patients using clinical treatment protocols that have been
developed for many chronic and acute illnesses. These protocols frequently
contain diagnostic tests that are used to help avoid the occurrence of acute
episodes of illness. Diagnostic blood and urine testing are two of the major
tools used in these protocols for early detection and ongoing evaluation of
treatment efficacy. Although these pressures should increase testing volume,
managed care providers and other payers are becoming more stringent by only
reimbursing tests for which there is a clear medical need. We expect these
pressures to continue to cause healthcare providers to order individual
diagnostic tests instead of "panels," or pre-determined groups, of tests
performed at one time. Managed care providers and payers will reimburse all
tests in a panel only if there is a clear medical need for each. As managed
care pressures mount to perform only medically necessary tests, reimbursement
rates for individual tests will decrease, requiring the healthcare provider and
the testing laboratory to be even more cost-effective. Therefore, we believe
that, because the Careside system performs single reagent testing and offers
packages of tests that are based on third-party payer approved panels, it will
be well received by managed care organizations and other payers.
 
  The lack of timely test results from central laboratories has given rise to a
growing market for point-of-care tests. The initial products in the market have
targeted point-of-care tests for use in emergency rooms or critical care units.
While immediate test results benefit the patient and the healthcare provider,
current point-of-care testing devices have added costs to the system as the
hospitals must continue to operate a central laboratory using equipment that
conducts the same critical care tests as well as a much broader menu of tests
required for routine care. Furthermore, current point-of-care devices have not
attempted to provide customers with the quality assurance and quality control
data storage and retrieval capabilities necessary for CLIA requirements. No
company has developed a point-of-care system designed to decentralize routine
and critical care blood testing.
 
  We believe that an easy-to-use diagnostic blood testing system offering a
broad menu of accurate point-of-care tests with built-in quality assurance and
quality control features can respond to the substantial unmet needs in the
diagnostic testing marketplace. We expect that the Careside system will be able
to perform all of the most commonly ordered out-patient blood tests.
Consequently, it will enable healthcare providers to decentralize laboratory
services to the point-of-care and outsource the less common tests as necessary.
 
Careside's Solution
 
  We believe that the Careside system provides the platform for solving the
limitations of central blood testing laboratories and redefines the market for
point-of-care testing. In addition, we believe the features of the Careside
system will enable healthcare providers not currently conducting blood tests to
start providing this service. The following are the reasons why:
 
  . Cost-Effective Results-- The Careside system is designed to provide test
    results that are cost competitive with commercial laboratories, the
    lowest cost alternative currently available in the market. This is true
    even taking into consideration the initial purchase of the CareSide
    Analyzer, laboratory set-up and training, and ongoing costs associated
    with maintenance, cartridge and blood drawing supplies.
 
  . Rapid Test Results--The Careside system furnishes test results within 10
    to 15 minutes from the time blood is drawn from the patient. The Careside
    system can test from one to six cartridges in this time period. By
    comparison, 24 hours or more may elapse before a healthcare provider has
    in hand the results of blood tests performed at commercial laboratories,
    and four to five hours may elapse before results are in the provider's
    hands for a blood test performed at a hospital laboratory.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
  . Comprehensive Test Menu--The Careside system will offer a broad menu of
    the most commonly ordered blood tests, including critical care tests. The
    Careside system performs chemistry, electrochemistry, coagulation and
    immunochemistry tests, all within a single testing instrument. By the
    time of product launch, over 50 tests, including nine hematology tests,
    are expected to be available, which we believe substantially exceeds the
    capabilities of any other point-of-care system currently on the market.
    In addition, the Careside system will include a separate hematology
    testing device manufactured by a third party.
 
  . Ease of Use--The Careside system can be easily operated and maintained by
    non-technical personnel. The test process does not require separate
    centrifuging or sample splitting, and automatically doses and mixes the
    patient's blood sample with reagents within the cartridges.
 
  . Industry Standard Technology--The Careside system uses many test methods
    that are the same as those used in hospital and commercial laboratories.
    The Careside system's technology is a miniaturization of the technology
    in the largest testing devices utilized by centralized laboratories,
    which is considered the best testing technology.
 
  . Embedded Quality Assurance and Quality Control--The CareSide Analyzer has
    operating software designed to assist in meeting the quality assurance
    and quality control documentation requirements of the Clinical Laboratory
    Improvement Amendments of 1988.
 
  . Ability for Practice Enhancement--The Careside system's rapid test
    results enable a provider to make clinical decisions more quickly, see
    more patients, eliminate time spent reviewing records and making follow-
    up calls, and improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.
    Healthcare providers can also increase their revenue by performing and
    billing for tests themselves.
 
Careside's Strategy
 
  Our goal is to make point-of-care testing with the Careside system the
standard of care for routine and critical care blood testing. If we are
successful, diagnostic information will travel more rapidly and reduce
healthcare costs for physicians, providers and payers. The following are the
key elements of our strategy to achieve our objective:
 
  Provide the Unique Point-of-Care Solution. Most point-of-care companies have
focused solely on the critical care testing market with a limited number of
tests. In contrast, we have developed the Careside system to replace large
analyzers and decentralize testing to the point-of-care. As an illustrative
analogy, we believe that centralized laboratory testing is like using a
mainframe computer, whereas point-of-care testing is like using a desktop
personal computer. Unlike the "mainframe computer-based" approach of large
hospital and commercial testing laboratories, the Careside system creates a
"personal computer-based" solution for blood testing. We believe this will
enable hospitals and other healthcare provider-sponsored laboratories to
substantially reduce their reliance on centralized testing services. Instead,
they could use decentralized point-of-care technology on a cost-effective basis
with test results available in 10 to 15 minutes.
 
  More complex tests that are not supportable by our decentralized testing
system, such as microbiology, genetic and other less common tests, could then
be referred outside the hospital to commercial laboratories or to a core
laboratory supporting multiple hospitals. Centralized laboratories that
continue to provide such complex testing would be able to streamline
procedures. We expect that this would lower the cost of complex testing. With
lower costs of centralized testing and the Careside system for decentralized
testing, we expect that the entire testing process will become more efficient
and cost effective. After the Careside system's launch, we intend to continue
to build its test menu so as to have the broadest test menu of any point-of-
care system on the market. Its unique menu will combine the four different test
categories of chemistry, electrochemistry, coagulation and immunochemistry into
a single testing instrument.
 
  Satisfy Healthcare System Needs. The Careside system is designed to meet the
various needs of each of our targeted customer markets. Important factors for
hospitals will include quality of test result, ease of use, impact on
personnel, benefits to patients and whether it provides a better cost
alternative than the central
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
hospital laboratory. For physician group practices, the Careside system will
offer improvements in daily office routine, greater convenience, enhanced
patient satisfaction, and new revenue opportunities. For the nursing home and
home care markets, which traditionally outsource testing services, the Careside
system will offer improved turnaround time on test results, individualized
testing, cost savings or revenue opportunities, and improved patient services.
We believe that the Careside system will enable each of these types of
healthcare providers to replace their centralized testing services with
decentralized point-of-care technology on a cost-effective basis. In pursuing
this strategy, we will continue to benefit from the over 20 years experience of
our Chief Executive Officer as a senior executive of several large hospitals
where hospital laboratory costs were a significant issue, as well as his more
than four years experience as President of SmithKline Beecham Clinical
Laboratories, Inc. See "Management."
 
  Leverage Expertise of Strategic Partners. We expect to continue to work with
our strategic partners, such as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and UMM Electronics,
Inc. who have already developed specific expertise and state-of-the-art
technology. Fuji supplies chemistry and electrochemistry test reagents for the
Careside system's proprietary test cartridges. UMM develops the software and
manufactures the device for our system. With these and other strategic
partners, we expect to be able to develop new tests on a rapid, cost-effective
basis.
   
  Systematic Commercial Rollout. The CareSide Analyzer and 28 tests are cleared
for marketing in the United States for use in licensed laboratories. We
recently filed for clearance of three additional blood tests. Our initial
product launch is not planned until the third quarter of 1999, at which time
over 50 tests are expected to be cleared or exempt by the FDA. In the second
quarter of 1999, we intend to conduct pilot site marketing studies in certain
of our targeted market segments to determine utilization patterns, demonstrate
cost-effectiveness and develop a "franchise book." The franchise book will be a
tool for customers to follow in order to take the appropriate steps in
establishing diagnostic testing services using the Careside system. In
addition, the pilot sites will provide validation testing necessary to obtain
FDA clearance of tests for point-of-care use by non-technical personnel. We
have arranged pilot site studies with APRIA Healthcare in the home care
services market, three hospitals affiliated with Child Health Corporation of
America in the hospital market, Reliant Care Group, L.L.C. in the nursing home
market, a small group practice in Arizona for the physician office market, and
SmithKline for its own use. We plan to market and distribute the Careside
system in the United States through our own sales force and through our
distribution arrangement with SmithKline. We believe that this systematic
commercial rollout improves the chances of having a successful product launch.
    
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                     Status of Careside Product Development
<TABLE>   
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Technology
           Product                              Regulatory Status                            Partner
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <C>                        <S>                   <C>                   <C>           <C>
      CareSide Analyzer      Cleared under Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug            UMM
                             and Cosmetic Act for use in licensed laboratories.         Electronics, Inc.
                             Section 510(k) clearance for point-of-care use will be       Hauser, Inc.
                             applied for based on data to be gathered during the
                             marketing pilot program.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Disposable Test Cartridges Test cartridges are integral to approval of the tests          Battelle
                             listed below. Chemistry, electrochemistry and                  Memorial
                             coagulation cartridges have been developed. The                Institute
                             immunochemistry test cartridge is in development.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                     Submitted Pending
                             Cleared/Exempt for      Marketing Clearence Planned 1999
        Test Category          Laboratory Use*       for Laboratory Use   Submissions
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Chemistry          Glucose                 Creatine Kinase     Carbon            Fuji Photo
                                                                         Dioxide
                             BUN (Urea Nitrogen)     Creatine Kinase MB  Ionized         Film Co., Ltd.
                                                                         Calcium
                             Creatinine              %CKMB               Bilirubin,
                                                                         Direct
                             BUN/Creatinine                              Magnesium
                             Ratio
                             Albumin                                     Hemoglobin
                             A/G Ratio (calc.)                           Direct LDL-
                             Globulin (calc.)                             cholesterol
                             Total Cholesterol                           Ammonia
                             HDL-Cholesterol                             Anion Gap
                             LDL-Cholesterol                              (Chem-Echem)
                             (calc.)
                             Cholesterol/HDL
                              Cholesterol
                             Ratio
                             GGT
                             ALT
                             Total Bilirubin
                             Phosphorus
                             Total Protein
                             Uric Acid
                             Triglycerides
                             LDH
                             Total Calcium
                             Alkaline
                             Phosphatase
                             Osmolality
                             Amylase
                             AST
                             ALT/AST Ratio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Electrochemistry      Chloride                                                      Fuji Photo
                             Potassium                                                   Film Co., Ltd.
                             Sodium
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Coagulation                                                     aPTT             International
                                                                         Fibrinogen        Technidyne
                                                                         PT                Corporation
                                                                         Thrombin Time
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Immunochemistry                                                   Digoxin           Diagnostic
                                                                         Theophylline    Reagents, Inc.
                                                                         Phenytoin
 
</TABLE>    
* Clearance or exemption for point-of-care use by non-technical personnel is
  expected based on submissions after our pilot marketing studies.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Technology
        Product                     Regulatory Status                       Partner
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <C>                  <S>                                           <C>
  Hematology Testing   In development; scheduled for filing under    Independent third
   Device              Section 510(k) in the second quarter of       party with whom we
                       1999 for laboratory use.                      are negotiating a
                                                                     supply agreement
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Careside Cable       Development planned for first quarter of      UMM Electronics, Inc.
  Interface between    1999 after availability of the Hematology
  the CareSide         Testing Device.
  Analyzer and the
  Hematology Testing
  Device
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Hematology Tests
  Platelet count       All hematology tests will be submitted with   Independent third
                       the filing of the Hematology Testing Device   party with whom we
                       under Section 510(k) in 1999 for laboratory   are negotiating a
                       and point-of-care use.                        supply agreement
  Lymphocyte/Monocyte
   Count
  %
   Lymphocyte/Monocyte
   Count
  Total Granulocyte
  Count
  % Total Granulocyte
  Count
 
  White Blood Cell
  Count
  Hematocrit
  Hemoglobin
  MCHC
 
</TABLE>
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
The Careside System
 
  The Careside system is comprised of an instrument, the CareSide Analyzer, and
a series of disposable, diagnostic test cartridges designed for the accurate
determination of a wide variety of commonly ordered chemistry,
electrochemistry, immunochemistry and coagulation tests. In addition, the
Careside system will include a separate hematology testing device manufactured
by a third party. The chart on page 27 summarizes the status of tests that the
CareSide Analyzer is intended to perform.
 
 The CareSide Analyzer
 
  The CareSide Analyzer is approximately 13 inches tall by 12 inches wide and
11 inches deep and weighs about 17 pounds. The exterior is made of high impact
resin plastic. The top of the CareSide Analyzer consists primarily of a touch
screen, on an ergonometric angle, on which the user inputs patient, physician
and billing information, the tests to be conducted and any desired commentary.
Alternatively, a separate keyboard is available for use if the operator so
chooses. We believe that the CareSide Analyzer's user interface software is a
significant strategic advantage. The software includes extensive user interface
applications in addition to its quality assurance and quality control
capabilities which are equal to those required of central laboratories. The
quality assurance and quality control software stores and interprets the
quality control data generated using the embedded electronic quality control
system in the CareSide Analyzer as well as the traditional wet testing quality
control approach for test cartridges. After testing, quality control data is
flagged when out of limits and plotted on graphical charts for ease of review.
A set of five re-usable and proprietary quality control test cartridges will be
provided with each instrument that allows the user to perform automated,
electronic quality control for all electrochemistry, chemistry, coagulation and
immunochemistry tests. These reusable quality control test cartridges will
replace traditional quality control which involved running multiple levels of
commercial plasma specimens for all the tests on the system. The software
utilized by the CareSide Analyzer is designed to govern testing of one patient
at a time, perform quality assurance and quality control documentation and
conduct the test ordering processes. It also contains a security system that is
compliant with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. The user
interface system can be customized for each particular customer.
 
  The process for using the CareSide Analyzer is streamlined and partially
automated compared to conducting tests in large commercial blood diagnostic
testing laboratories. The Careside system can be operated by non-technical
personnel. The operator will first select one or more test cartridges from
inventory depending on the tests ordered by the attending healthcare provider.
Most cartridges will contain one test, but some cartridges will contain two or
three tests. Up to six cartridges of a single patient's blood can be tested at
the same time. See "--Disposable Test Cartridges." The Careside system is
currently capable of conducting a maximum of eight tests per patient in a
single 10 to 15 minute test cycle. When the development of additional multi-
test cartridges is completed, the Careside system will be able to handle 13
tests in a single 10 to 15 minute test cycle. To prepare a cartridge, the
operator will place a small amount of the patient's drawn blood into the test
cartridge with a pipette or other standard transfer device. The operator will
then simply load the test cartridges into the instrument. Any combination of
cartridges can be loaded in any order, thus enabling the operator flexibility
to perform individual tests or customized panels. This flexibility is designed
to minimize waste by allowing the operator to run only the tests ordered by the
provider rather than traditional pre-set panels that may contain unnecessary
tests. This feature is particularly responsive to the current and expected
future requirements of third-party payers. See "--Third-Party Reimbursement."
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
            ROUTINE BLOOD ANALYSIS PROCEDURE: THE CARESIDE SYSTEM

1. Draw blood. Place a few 2. Using the touch-screen or  3. 10-15 minutes later,
drops of whole blood into  keyboard, input demographic   CareSide Analyzer(TM)
the cartridge sample well. information and select tests  provides test results
                           to be performed. Insert       via print card, screen,
                           appropriate cartridges and    and/or electronic data
                           press start.                  transfer. Caregiver 
                                                         reviews test results
                                                         with patient.
          
  After the operator inputs patient information and test orders, the instrument
will automatically perform the tests and record and display or print the
results. To perform the tests, the CareSide Analyzer undertakes cycles for
heating, centrifuging and several types of reading. The cycle time from the
moment the cartridge is dosed with whole blood and placed into the CareSide
Analyzer to final test result is approximately 10 to 15 minutes for chemistry,
electrochemistry, immunochemistry or coagulation tests, or any combination of
these tests. A standard Chem 7 panel, comprised of sodium, potassium, chloride,
carbon dioxide, glucose, creatinine and urea nitrogen tests, can be performed
in approximately ten minutes and will utilize five cartridges. Sodium,
potassium and chloride tests are on one cartridge and they are always ordered
in combination. At the conclusion of the test, the CareSide Analyzer ejects the
cartridges into a waste container for later disposal in appropriate biohazard
vessels.     
   
  The CareSide Analyzer provides test results to the healthcare professional in
several ways. A self-adhesive label can be printed with test results for direct
transfer to the patient's chart. Each CareSide Analyzer also incorporates a
floppy disk drive so that information can be downloaded from the instrument for
analysis. An additional electronic output method is through use of the rs-232
port on the rear of the machine. With appropriate FDA clearance, we expect to
routinely work with our customers to program an appropriate software interface
into the CareSide Analyzer to allow information to be transferred
electronically into the user's data system.     
 
 Disposable Test Cartridges
 
  Each test cartridge is designed to facilitate the flow of the blood, serum or
plasma specimen onto chemicals packaged in the cartridge. These chemicals,
which are called reagents, react with the specimen and change. The changes are
then read by the CareSide Analyzer to yield the test result. Each test
cartridge is designed for a single use. Its various channels and pools assure
proper reagent and specimen temperature equilibration, sample separation,
sample metering, sample dispensing, test incubation and facilitate result
detection. Each cartridge contains all reagents necessary to perform a reagent
measurement on a serum, plasma or whole blood sample for a particular test. The
proprietary cartridges are each approximately 2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches
wide and are comprised of layers of molded plastic with channels for
application of the sample to the reagent. When stored in refrigerators, the
cartridges are expected to have a maximum of an 18 month shelf life. The
cartridges are placed in the CareSide Analyzer directly from the refrigerator
after sample dosing.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
The first four minutes of the test cycle warms the test cartridges to the
appropriate test temperature. If necessary, the CareSide Analyzer then spins
the cartridges using centrifugal force to push the sample through small
channels, separating it into serum or plasma. Excess sample is deposited in an
overflow well. A measured amount of sample remains in the metering passage and
is dispensed onto the reagent film or mixed with wet reagent pushed from an
interior pouch. Each test cartridge is designed to be airtight to prevent
ventilation spoilage of the specimen sample.
 
  The three basic types of measurements that will be made are spectral
transmittance, reflectance and electrochemical. In the case of the chemistry
cartridge, the CareSide Analyzer's platter spins the cartridge containing the
dry film, which will turn color from reaction with the blood element, over
LED/photodiode pairs. The LED lights reflect through the colors of the reagent.
Multiple reflectance tests are performed to yield a result. In the case of
coagulation and immunochemistry tests, the cartridge is spun over the same
LED/photodiode pairs which shine through a small rectangular hollowed prism,
called a prismatic cuvette, built into the cartridge. The light transmission is
then read by the CareSide Analyzer. In the case of electrochemistry, the test
is done on whole blood, before the other cartridges are centrifuged. For these
tests, the CareSide Analyzer contains ion specific electrodes which interact
with the proprietary electrochemistry cartridges to yield the test result.
 
  The disposable test cartridges have a number of key features that we believe
contribute to the Careside system's reliability, speed, low cost and accuracy
of analysis. These include:
 
  .  Unique Cartridge Design. Specimen preparation, calibration and test
     performance are incorporated in an inexpensive plastic cartridge. Where
     necessary, the cartridge design incorporates storage and measured
     delivery of reagents and electrolytes for mixing with the patient's
     sample prior to analysis. Cartridges are loaded into the instrument
     manually and are designed so that they can be inserted in only one
     direction to avoid error.
 
  .  Ease of Sampling. Sampling is automatic and requires small volumes using
     approximately 75 to 150 microliters (^l) of whole blood, as compared to
     current approaches requiring much larger amounts. The dosing process
     requires the tester to fill the cartridge well to a point indicated on
     the cartridge. No precise measurement of the blood sample is required by
     the tester, as the cartridges' channels measure how much sample is
     applied to the reagent.
 
  .  Built-in Centrifuge. Separation of plasma from whole blood, as required
     for many tests, is accomplished in the cartridge after placement in the
     CareSide Analyzer, so that a separate centrifugation step is
     unnecessary.
 
  .  Flexibility in Testing. One, two or three tests may be contained in each
     cartridge. Single test cartridges and a three test cartridge have been
     designed, manufactured and used in testing. Two test cartridges have
     been designed, but have not yet been manufactured and used in testing.
     Careside's multi-testing capability in a single cartridge is unique
     among point-of-care instrument makers. The added cost and complications
     of using test panels containing unnecessary tests is avoided.
 
  .  Quality Assurance and Quality Control Features. All test cartridges are
     bar-coded for test identification. The bar codes contain the type of
     test cartridge, as well as a lot number, expiration date and self-
     calibration information, which are all CLIA requirements. The data from
     the cartridge's bar code will be read and stored in the CareSide
     Analyzer. As each test is completed, it becomes part of the CLIA
     documentation. Because each cartridge contains an identifying bar code
     which is read by the instrument, the order in which the cartridges are
     loaded is immaterial. The Careside system will check that the ordered
     tests and the cartridges entered in the device match.
 
 Test Menu
 
  The CareSide Analyzer combines chemistry, electrochemistry, coagulation and
immunochemistry testing in a single testing instrument. In addition, the
Careside system will include a separate hematology testing device manufactured
by a third party. We are not aware of any other point-of-care blood testing
system on the market that has this combined capability.
 
  Chemistry Tests. Chemistry tests are used to assess general health status as
well as to diagnose and monitor diseases of the major organ systems such as the
heart, liver, kidney, blood, pancreas, endocrine and
 
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<PAGE>
 
bone. The film chemistry cartridges contain dry chemistry reagents which are
stacked as required for the test. When they react with the sample, generate an
optical remission level that correlates to the concentration of the reagent
being measured. Within a few minutes after the sample has been applied, a
colored dye is produced. The color intensity of the dye is measured by
reflectance and, through calibration information coded in the instrument and on
the test cartridge, a test result is generated.
 
  We have an agreement with Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. for the use of its dry
film chemistry reagent technology during the Careside system's development
stage and are currently negotiating a long-term supply agreement with Fuji.
Although in dry form, the film uses the same technology as the wet reagent
technology used in high volume commercial analyzers. We anticipate that the
long-term agreement will continue to provide us with an exclusive supply of
Fuji's dry film chemistry reagents for use in our point-of-care system. Under
the current development-stage agreement, Fuji has agreed to supply this reagent
technology for more than 25 chemistry tests, and we have agreed to purchase dry
chemistry reagents exclusively from Fuji. See "--Sales--International." Fuji is
also developing four additional chemistry tests at its expense. Any additional
tests that Fuji develops may be available to us over the period of the existing
agreement, which runs through 2003 and thereafter is automatically renewed on
an annual basis. If we fail to obtain the necessary regulatory clearances for
80% of the 39 tests specified in the contract by the end of 1999, our rights
become non-exclusive.
 
  Electrochemistry Tests.  Like chemistry tests, electrochemistry tests
produced by Fuji pursuant to its agreement with us, are used to assess general
health status and to diagnose and monitor diseases of the major organ systems
such as the heart, liver, kidney, blood, pancreas, endocrine and bone. The
electrochemistry cartridge contains an ion specific electrode slide. When the
slide reacts with the sample, it generates values that correlate to the
concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride in the sample. The test
compares an electrochemical signal generated from a reference solution to a
similar signal generated from the patient's blood. The reference solution is a
liquid contained in a pre-filled pouch embedded in the cartridge. One side of
the ion specific electrode slide is exposed to a reference solution during the
testing sequence and the other side is exposed to the patient's whole blood.
The CareSide Analyzer reads the difference between the two, thereby generating
the test result.
 
  Coagulation Tests.  Coagulation testing assesses the ability of a patient's
blood to coagulate. Coagulation is the series of events that leads to the
formation of a blood clot. Tests of prothrombin time, or PT, and activated
partial thromboplastin time, or aPTT, are the primary coagulation tests used by
both physicians and hospitals.
 
  Reagents from the coagulation test cartridge are contained inside a small
hollowed prism, called a prismatic cuvette, and in a pouch. Plasma is delivered
to the cuvette by pressurization of the membrane on the cartridge. A second
reagent, such as a buffer or calcium chloride, is added via the pouch. Light is
then transmitted through the cuvette. The coagulation reaction causes a change
in the cloudiness, or turbidity, of the plasma that is detected optically by
the CareSide Analyzer. The time it takes for this optical change to occur is
reported out as the coagulation time.
 
  We are co-developing coagulation reagent technology for PT and aPTT tests
with International Technidyne Corporation. International Technidyne has agreed
that such reagent technology may be used by us in the CareSide Analyzer on an
exclusive basis. However, International Technidyne will retain the exclusive
right to use the technology in the field of point-of-care devices that perform
only coagulation testing. International Technidyne will also initially
manufacture the coagulation reagent and load it in the cuvette for us.
 
  Immunochemistry Tests.  Immunochemistry tests are used for the diagnosis of
drug effectiveness for heart, thyroid analysis and for other purposes. To date,
immunochemistry systems have had limited penetration in the point-of-care
market, because they are difficult to use, related instrumentation is
expensive, reagents are costly and assay times are long. We are in the process
of developing our immunochemistry test cartridge and are in the process of
performing our first validation studies using it.
 
  The immunochemistry test cartridge is identical in form and function to the
coagulation test cartridge except that a much smaller sample size is delivered
to the prismatic cuvette. The reagents in the cuvette and pouch are different
for each immunochemistry test. The CareSide Analyzer measures a rate of change
or
 
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<PAGE>
 
endpoint in cloudiness depending on the test. The rate of change or endpoint is
converted from calibration information coded in the instrument and on the test
cartridge, generating a test result. We currently purchase immunochemistry
reagents from Diagnostic Reagents, Inc. and are currently negotiating a long-
term supply agreement with Diagnostic Reagents.
 
  Hematology Tests.  Hematology testing determines various attributes of a
patient's blood, such as how many platelets, monocytes or lymphocytes it has.
We expect to expand the Careside system's capabilities by adding nine
hematology tests, which will be performed on a separate device manufactured and
supported by a third party. It is expected that this device will be
electronically connected to the CareSide Analyzer via a cable interface to take
advantage of the CareSide Analyzer's extensive ordering, data storage, clinical
records and quality assurance and quality control capabilities.
 
 Future Developments
 
  We intend to have the broadest menu of any point-of-care blood testing device
and plan to continue to develop tests for the Careside system. At product
launch, the Careside system's menu is expected to include over 50 tests,
including nine hematology tests, representing over 80% of all blood tests
ordered on an out-patient basis, including all of the most commonly ordered
out-patient blood tests. Even though our point-of-care technology will not be
capable of conducting every test potentially ordered by a healthcare provider,
we believe that, over time, our planned menu will provide over 90% of all out-
patient tests in many clinical settings, and up to 60% of tests commonly
ordered in in-patient settings. For tests not performed by the Careside system,
healthcare providers could order tests from either a hospital laboratory or a
commercial laboratory.
 
 We plan to add enhancements to the Careside system in the future, including
the ability for the blood sample to be loaded from a test tube into a test
cartridge automatically. This will eliminate the need for a person to handle an
open tube containing the patient's blood. In addition, we are evaluating
alternative methods of immunochemistry testing, such as the use of high
precision latex beads for the development of large molecule immunochemistry
tests. Also designed and under development is a multi-test cartridge that will
be able to perform two or more film tests simultaneously on one cartridge. The
CareSide Analyzer's detection technology is capable of extensive menu
expansion. This gives us the ability to add traditional chemistry, coagulation
and small molecule immunochemistry tests such as screening tests for drugs of
abuse. We expect to develop additional tests in the large molecule
immunochemistry field such as prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer and
Troponin for heart attacks, as well as tests for infectious diseases such as
Strep A and Chlamydia.
 
Marketing Strategy
 
  Our marketing strategy is to position the Careside system as the blood
testing system of choice by demonstrating to hospitals the benefits of
decentralized blood testing, and by providing other healthcare providers with a
profitable and cost-effective alternative to central laboratory testing. In the
second quarter of 1999, we intend to conduct pilot site marketing studies with
hospitals, home care organizations and physician group practices to determine
utilization patterns, create a franchise book, demonstrate cost-effectiveness
and obtain FDA designation of the Careside system for point-of-care use. We
currently plan to rollout our system in the third quarter of 1999 through
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. pursuant to our distribution and
supply agreement. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 1999, we intend to employ
our own sales force to sell the Careside system to hospitals, nursing homes,
home care organizations and larger physician group practices. At the time of
product rollout, our goal is to have the most comprehensive menu of tests
available in any single point-of-care system.
 
  Our key targeted market segments are as follows:
 
  Hospitals. There are over 5,000 acute care hospitals in the United States.
Laboratory testing services required by hospitals are usually provided by a
central hospital laboratory, which services all of the hospital's testing needs
as well as the testing service needs of hospital physician groups. Hospital
laboratories are
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
expensive to maintain because they have to be maintained on a 24 hour basis,
they require specially trained personnel to be present at all times to operate
high volume analyzers and they demand significant amounts of capital to equip
and maintain. Furthermore, hospitals are often reimbursed by institutional
payers for patient admissions based on specific diagnoses reflecting the
complexity of the care needed and a predetermined payment for such care. While
laboratory testing services are an essential part of diagnosis and monitoring
the beneficial results of treatment, they also represent a cost to the hospital
as it seeks to generate a profit by completing the care and treatment of
patients before their costs exceed the level of reimbursement. The Careside
system provides hospitals with the opportunity to decentralize laboratory
testing to the patient floors and bedside, as routine and stat tests can be
conducted at the time the patient is being evaluated by providers.
Consequently, the Careside system is expected to enable some hospitals to
eliminate their central laboratories or replace certain costly analyzers and
outsource non-routine testing not done on the CareSide Analyzer to a
centralized laboratory.
 
  Physician Groups. There are over 3,500 physician groups in the United States
with practices in excess of 35 doctors. Excluding radiology groups, the target
market for the Careside system is over 2,200 groups. Physicians usually obtain
their laboratory testing services from the hospital laboratories with which the
physicians are affiliated or from a commercial laboratory. In either case,
patient samples are collected from the physician's office and sent via courier
to the applicable laboratory, with results delivered to the physician, either
electronically, by fax or by telephone. For physician group practices, the
Careside system will offer improvements in daily office routine, greater
convenience, enhanced patient satisfaction and new revenue opportunities.
 
  Home Care.  Industry data shows that the number of home care agencies and
patients receiving home care services has grown significantly in recent years.
We believe significant growth in this market segment will continue. Industry
data reported that the total number of Medicare certified home care agencies
rose from 11,000 in 1989 to over 20,000 by the end of 1996. In 1996, the Health
Care Financing Administration estimated that 3.9 million Medicare enrollees
would receive home care services during 1997. This is twice the number that
received such services in 1990. The number of home care visits increased from
70 million in 1990 to an estimated 306 million in 1997. On average, 30% of home
care patients visited each week require laboratory testing. Common laboratory
tests include, among others, Chem 7 panels, iron, blood glucose, magnesium,
prothrombin time and immunochemistry tests for monitoring phenobarbital,
phenytoin and digoxin. Patient samples are drawn from the patient, gathered
from the home care providers and delivered via courier to a commercial
laboratory for testing. Test results are made available the next day or on a
premium price basis by fax, telephone or written report delivered four or five
hours later. The CareSide Analyzer is expected to enable the home healthcare
provider to draw the patient's sample, run the test and deliver the results
without having the sample delivered via courier to a commercial laboratory.
 
  Nursing Homes.  In 1994, the most recent year for which industry data has
been compiled, there were over 15,000 nursing homes in the United States with
more than 1.6 million licensed beds. The average occupancy rate was over 92%
with each nursing home averaging nearly 100 patients. Common diagnostic tests
ordered for nursing home patients are complete blood counts, Chem 7 panels,
electrolytes, blood glucose, prostate specific antigen, therapeutic drug
monitoring and urinalysis. Nursing homes generally obtain their testing
services from commercial laboratories and encounter the same delays and
reimbursement issues as physicians. The CareSide System provides a profit
opportunity to the nursing home by allowing it to conduct and bill for
laboratory services, while simultaneously enhancing the nursing home's ability
to provide better care.
 
Pilot Program
 
  Prior to the planned rollout of our system commencing in the third quarter of
1999, we will pilot the Careside system in multiple sites within certain
targeted market segments. To date, we have arranged for pilot studies with
Children's Hospital of San Diego, Children's Hospital--Los Angeles and the
Seattle Children's Hospital, all through Child Health Corporation of America,
APRIA Healthcare, one of the largest United States home care providers, a group
physician practice in the Phoenix, Arizona area, Reliant Care Group, L.L.C. in
the nursing home market, and SmithKline.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
  The purposes of piloting the Careside system are to collect data
demonstrating the economic benefit of the Careside system in each customer
segment, and to create a franchise book that will be tailored to the needs of
each customer type. This franchise book will explain the process of obtaining
and maintaining a laboratory license, train personnel to conduct testing and
educate personnel about the operation of the Careside system. With both a
financial model and franchise book that are specific to customer segments, we
then intend to introduce the Careside system to the overall market in the
fourth quarter of 1999. We will also use the pilot program to generate data to
support the regulatory application for point-of-care classification.
 
Sales
 
 Domestic
 
  We intend to hire, train and regionally deploy our own domestic sales force
to sell the Careside system to hospitals, healthcare systems, large physician
group practices, managed care organizations, home care agencies and nursing
homes, either directly or through institutional pharmaceutical service
organizations which serve them. Because we intend to target customers who order
large volumes of tests, we anticipate building a direct sales force of
approximately 40 people.
 
  As one of the largest commercial laboratories in the United States,
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. conducts millions of tests for
small physician groups and individual physicians annually. We expect the
Careside system to be available to small or solo practices through in-patient
service centers owned and staffed by SmithKline since it may be inefficient for
such practices to own and operate a CareSide Analyzer. SmithKline owns and
operates over 700 patient service centers across the United States. We have
entered into a distribution agreement with SmithKline which gives SmithKline,
with respect to domestic sales, an exclusive right, as a commercial laboratory,
to use and distribute the Careside system within the commercial laboratory
industry and the non-exclusive rights to sell the Careside system to hospitals
and healthcare systems, other health care providers, managed care organizations
and insurers. The agreement also obligates SmithKline, upon FDA clearance or
exemption of 30 specified tests, to purchase a minimum number of CareSide
Analyzers and test cartridges from us for the first five years following such
FDA action.
   
  SmithKline has recently entered into an agreement to sell the stock of
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. to Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated and take a 29.5% ownership interest in Quest. The impact of this
sale on our business is not yet known. SmithKline has informed us that no
amendments to our Distribution and Supply Agreement with SmithKline will occur
as a result of that sale. SBCL will continue to be the entity with which we
deal. It will, however, be a subsidiary of Quest after the transaction closes.
See "Certain Transactions--SmithKline Beecham."     
 
 International
 
  In international markets, we intend initially to enter into distribution
agreements and gradually to develop our own sales force as appropriate. Our
distribution and supply agreement with SBCL gives SBCL the same exclusive and
non-exclusive distribution rights as it has in the United States in any ten of
the following countries where SBCL owns, operates, manages a commercial
laboratory on or before December 31, 2000: Great Britain, Mexico, Spain, South
Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, Argentina, France and
Germany. In addition, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. has a right of first refusal to
be our distributor on an exclusive basis in Japan and a non-exclusive basis in
other Asian countries. The current agreement with Fuji expires in 2003 and
permits automatic annual renewals thereafter subject to cancellation by either
party. We are currently negotiating more specific terms of our supply and
distribution arrangement with Fuji. We also expect to partner with other
diagnostic instrument distributors in the international markets with an initial
focus on Europe. See "Certain Transactions--SmithKline Beecham."
 
Research and Development
 
  As of March 11, 1999, we employed 25 scientists and technical staff who
supervise the development of the instrument and tests, validate test results,
and perform quality assurance and quality control documentation and regulatory
submissions.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
  After extensive review of available test technologies, we chose Fuji Photo
Film Co., Ltd. as our partner for chemistry and electrochemistry tests. Fuji
makes dry film based chemistry tests and uses them in large analyzers that it
produces and sells in Japan and Taiwan. In addition, Fuji has agreed to supply
this reagent technology during the Careside system's development stage for more
than 25 chemistry tests. We are currently negotiating a long-term supply
agreement with Fuji. Fuji has agreed to develop four additional tests at its
expense for the Careside system. See "--The Careside System--Test Menu."
 
  The utilization of third parties to develop our tests has allowed us to focus
on creating a platform for delivery of a highly efficient test system. For
hospital environments, the CareSide Analyzer's software has a configuration
capability that facilitates a test order entry menu and security processes as
determined by laboratory management. Fields exist for extensive data capture
including patient, physician and billing information. All of these systems are
optional to the user other than the data requirements for compliance with the
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. In addition, the Careside
system easily accommodates test menu additions by downloading new test
algorithms into the device via a floppy disk. This eliminates the need to
remove the instrument from the field as new test capabilities receive FDA
clearance/approval.
 
  We have entered into a series of research and development agreements for our
system. As is customary in the industry, these agreements are short term and
provide for termination for any reason by either party on relatively short
notice. Battelle Memorial Institute, a leader in developing industrial
technology, has designed the disposable testing cartridge according to
specifications which we provided. All applicable patent rights under this
contract have been assigned to us. To date, two patent applications on the
cartridges have been allowed and are expected to be issued as U.S. patents in
the near future. We have filed a third U.S. patent application on our
cartridges as well. See "--Patents and Proprietary Rights." Pursuant to this
relationship, Battelle is also designing a cost-effective manufacturing process
and quality assurance methods, based on federal Good Manufacturing Practices
protocols, for the disposable cartridges.
 
  We have engaged UMM Electronics, Inc. a contract engineering and
manufacturing firm, to perform the design and development work of the CareSide
Analyzer. Other products developed by UMM include point-of-care blood glucose
monitors, point-of-care coagulation instruments, intravenous infusion pumps,
dialysis machines and infant care warmers. UMM is an FDA-registered
manufacturer of sophisticated medical products required to comply with federal
GMP regulations.
 
  Hauser, Inc., an industrial design consultant, has provided services for the
design and development of the entire Careside system. Hauser conducted focus
groups from each target market segment in order to obtain customer input on the
design features and to assist in the development of an instrument and software
systems involving user interaction.
 
Manufacturing and Supply
 
  We designed and outfitted a building in Culver City, California, of
approximately 16,000 square feet in December 1996 as our development facility
and offices. The building contains space for our automated assembly system
which Battelle Memorial Institute is designing. The assembly system will mount
the reagents in the test cartridges, and package and label the cartridges. This
facility has been set up to comply with all applicable state and federal
regulatory requirements, including registration with the state and federal
governments in accordance with applicable laws governing medical devices prior
to commercial distribution. The facility will be subject to periodic FDA
inspection to determine whether our manufacturing processes comply with federal
GMP regulations for medical devices.
 
  We intend to assemble and package at our Culver City facility all cartridges
used by the instrument. The cartridges are assembled in two main stages.
Initially, those components which are not sensitive to humidity, such as
plastic parts, are assembled in a normal humidity environment. The second stage
of the cartridge assembly process involves the mounting of dry film chemistry
strips or pouched reagents in the cartridges, which must be done in a low
humidity environment to preserve the film. This step will be performed in an
automated assembly line at our facility. We are in the process of selecting and
purchasing the equipment
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
necessary for this process. In addition, during the cartridge manufacturing
process, our equipment must test the pressure of the ultrasonic seal between
the base plate and the upper plates of the test cartridges. Our equipment
allows for several inspection steps during the assembly process. Battelle is
assisting us in developing the fully automated assembly line for the cartridges
with these steps built in. The production capacity of the pilot cartridge
production line for chemistry and immunochemistry will be approximately 1,800
units per hour or 13,000 units per shift. Depending on the specific tests
ordered, our current facility will support between $40 and $60 million of test
cartridge sales annually. The automated production line will utilize
proprietary process technology, designed by Battelle and owned by us, and will
be scalable to meet increasing demand.
 
  We will outsource the manufacturing of the plastic components of our
cartridges. We have been using a third party to manufacture these components
using injection molding processes. Recently, we obtained bids from a number of
manufacturers of cartridge components and have selected a supplier to meet our
manufacturing needs based on competitive terms.
 
  We have entered into an agreement with UMM Electronics, Inc. for the
manufacture of the CareSide Analyzer at UMM Electronics' facility in
Indianapolis. Certain aspects of the manufacturing agreement, including the
price at which UMM Electronics will manufacture the device, are subject to
further negotiation and will be finalized once tooling is completed and the
manufacturing line set up.
 
  We expect to source our chemistry, electrochemistry, coagulation and
immunochemistry reagents from Fuji, International Technidyne Corporation and
Diagnostic Reagents, Inc. See "--The Careside System--Test Menu."
 
  We intend to purchase and distribute a hematology testing device manufactured
by a third party and are currently negotiating a supply agreement.
 
Competition
 
  We will principally compete with manufacturers of traditional diagnostic
testing equipment used by centralized laboratories and current point-of-care
diagnostic companies whose products perform testing for patients in critical
condition. Historically, most clinical testing has been performed in a
centralized laboratory setting. These laboratories provide analyses similar to
those to be conducted by our system and have traditionally been effective at
processing large panels of tests using skilled technicians and complex
equipment. While the CareSide Analyzer will not be designed to provide the same
range of tests, we believe that our products will offer several advantages over
centralized laboratories, including lower costs, mobility, faster results,
simplified specimen preparation, reduced opportunity for error through
decreased specimen handling, ease of regulatory compliance and increased
patient satisfaction.
 
  We are also aware of other companies with point-of-care analysis devices.
These companies have focused on the testing for critical care patients or tests
that are disease specific. Examples of disease specific tests are glucose and
digoxin which measure blood sugar levels in diabetic patients or heart
complications. In all cases, these companies perform a limited number of tests
and their systems are not designed to have their test menus increase.
Consequently, these devices add costs as the large analyzers in hospital or
commercial laboratories conduct these tests and many more. We believe that our
system will offer distinct competitive advantages over these products,
including the ability to conduct multiple tests in a single device, internal
centrifugation, convenience and ease of use. Several companies, including i-
STAT Corporation, Abaxis, Inc., Diametrics Medical, Inc. and PharmaNetics,
Inc., are currently making or developing products that will compete with our
tests although not with our system. Some of these companies also provide
disease specific tests that will not be available at the time of launch on the
CareSide Analyzer but which we expect will be added later.
 
  Some large pharmaceutical companies also have point-of-care blood testing
devices and could, given their resources, develop systems which compete with
the Careside system. Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Clinical Diagnostic Systems (a
division of Johnson & Johnson) and Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc. all have
products
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
which perform point-of-care testing. To date, we believe that none has
developed a point-of-care testing system comparable to our system.
 
Patents and Proprietary Rights
 
  Our policy is to seek patent protection, both in the United States and
abroad, for each of the areas of invention embodied in our CareSide Analyzer
and related cartridges. To date, we have filed three patent applications on our
cartridges with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Two of these applications
have been allowed and are expected to issue as U.S. patents. We have filed
international applications corresponding to two of the U.S. cartridge
applications and intend to file an additional international application for the
remaining U.S. cartridge application. We have also filed one design and three
utility patent applications on the CareSide Analyzer. Our agreements with Fuji
Photo Film Co., Ltd., Battelle Memorial Institute and International Technidyne
Corporation, assign to us certain proprietary rights that result from the
research conducted under the agreements. The Fuji agreement gives us non-
exclusive rights to use Fuji's proprietary technology in the Careside system
outside of Japan. Only Fuji will sell our system in Japan. The other agreements
provide that the technology used in the Careside system is owned either by us
or jointly by us and our partner. These agreements do not restrict us, if we
choose, from seeking other suppliers of competitive technologies. We will seek
to protect any such proprietary rights assigned to us by our technology
partners. Battelle and International Technidyne have agreed to share expenses
or otherwise assist us in prosecuting patent applications. Upon completion of
the offering, we expect to proceed with the patent application process, and
anticipate the filing of additional applications. In addition to patent
protection, if any, we will rely upon trade secrets, know-how and continuing
technological innovation. Although our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice
President--Research and Development and Chief Financial Officer have agreed to
maintain in confidence our confidential information and proprietary technology,
we have not otherwise required our employees to sign confidentiality
agreements. We plan on seeking the execution of such confidentiality agreements
by our current and future employees.
 
Third-Party Reimbursement
 
  In April 1998, the federal government instituted a policy that, in connection
with Medicare reimbursement for large panel testing, will only reimburse four
different panels of chemistry tests, the largest of which has 13 tests. The
consequence of this policy has been that more single tests are ordered as
compared to large panels. The Careside system is currently capable of
conducting eight tests in a single 10 to 15 minute test cycle. At the time of
product launch, the 13 test panel can be accommodated in two test cycles. Upon
the completion of development of additional multi-test cartridges, the Careside
system will be able to handle a 13-test panel in a single 10 to 15 minute test
cycle. The Careside system is also configured to easily test any combination of
single test cartridges with similar cycle times for up to six single tests per
cycle. Payers have stated that they will only reimburse for panels that are
disease specific. With this change in policy and reimbursement practice, the
number of tests reimbursed as part of panels has begun to drop. The Careside
system, which places primary focus on single and disease specific testing, is
very competitive in light of these changes in payer practice related to test
panels. See "Risk Factors--Uncertainty Relating to Third-Party Reimbursement
May Impact Our Business."
 
  Managed care provides physicians with incentives to treat patients using
clinical treatment protocols that have been developed for many chronic and
acute illnesses. These protocols frequently contain preventative diagnostic
interventions that are used to help avoid the occurrence of acute episodes of
illness. Diagnostic blood testing is one of the major tools used in these
protocols for early detection and for ongoing evaluation of treatment efficacy.
We believe that a diagnostic blood testing system that is cost effective and
adds convenience and rapid information will be well received by managed care
organizations and their physicians.
 
  Even with the growth of managed care, more than 75% of all blood tests
continue to be reimbursed on a fee for service basis. This number has remained
steady in the commercial laboratory industry for the past three years. We
believe that in both the managed care and fee-for-service markets, our point-
of-care system will be responsive to incentives that drive the respective
markets. Many managed care entities dictate to their member
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
physicians which laboratories they must use for blood testing. Physicians have
the opportunity to utilize exceptions to these mandates to conduct in-office
testing. The Careside system will enable physicians to offer laboratory testing
services and take advantage of these exceptions to the managed care
organizations' policies. We expect to facilitate this by working closely with
the physicians and the managed care organizations to demonstrate cost
effectiveness and cost reduction of our system. This will be a critical
component of the pilot site testing strategy and is intended to position the
Careside system as the new testing standard and the blood testing system of
choice over traditional laboratory testing methods.
 
Government Regulation
 
  The FDA regulates the development, manufacture, and marketing of medical
devices including diagnostic tests. The FDA requires testing of the Careside
system in accordance with regulatory requirements in the laboratory and, as
appropriate, in clinical settings to establish product performance before
marketing. After marketing has commenced, FDA clearance must be obtained before
making certain types of product changes. The CareSide Analyzer and certain
tests have already received marketing clearance for laboratory use, and we
expect that the CareSide Analyzer and tests will receive marketing clearance
for point-of-care use following clinical testing of the instrument at clinical
sites. Without the point-of-care use clearance, the CareSide Analyzer could be
used only at licensed laboratory sites with laboratory personnel, which would
limit our potential market.
 
  The point-of-care designation depends upon the FDA's determination that the
results obtained from clinical studies for a number of representative tests,
selected by the FDA, have accuracy and reliability when performed by a non-
laboratory user that is equivalent to or better than test results obtained from
the same tests performed by a laboratory professional.
 
  The FDA has regulations that set varying requirements for medical devices
according to potential risk class. Class I devices represent the lowest
potential risk devices and are therefore subject only to the general controls
that include establishment registration, product listing, the prohibition of
mislabeling or adulteration, and a requirement to comply with federal Good
Manufacturing Practices regulations. Pre-market notification is required for
some Class I clinical diagnostic devices. Class II devices present greater risk
than Class I devices and are subject to special controls, such as guidelines or
performance standards, as well as the same general controls that are applicable
to Class I devices. Class II devices require pre-market clearance to
demonstrate that the FDA accepts the manufacturer's claims that the device is
substantially equivalent to other legally marketed devices, and meets generally
accepted performance criteria that may be required to demonstrate that the
device is safe and effective. Class III devices present a higher level of risk
and are additionally subject to rigorous demonstration of safety and
effectiveness through the pre-market approval process.
 
  For some Class I and most Class II devices, a pre-market notification must be
submitted to the FDA. Usually within 90 days of the receipt of this
notification, the FDA makes the determination whether the device submitted is
substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device. A legally marketed
device is one which was marketed prior to the passage of the Medical Device
Amendments of 1976, or a post-1976 device that has been determined by the FDA
to be substantially equivalent to previously cleared devices. A determination
of substantial equivalence requires several FDA findings: first, that the
device has the same intended use as the legally marketed device; and second,
either that the device has the same technological characteristics as the
legally marketed device or, if it does not, that the device is as safe and
effective as the legally marketed device and does not present different
questions about safety and effectiveness. Class III devices require extensive
clinical testing to prove safety and effectiveness, and submission of the
resulting data to the FDA as a pre-market approval application. The FDA
ordinarily will refer a new device pre-market approval application to an
advisory panel of outside experts for a recommendation on whether to approve
the application or to request additional testing. We believe that the CareSide
Analyzer and all of the tests currently expected to be performed by it will be
classified in Class II requiring pre-market notification. If the FDA disagrees,
however, a pre-market approval application might be required for one or more
tests. We expect certain future tests, such as prostate specific antigen, to
require pre-market approval.
 
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
  The information required for a pre-market notification for the Company's
products will be generated by or for us. For tests that will be performed in a
clinical laboratory, validation may be performed in the manufacturer's
laboratory. For tests that are intended for use outside of the clinical
laboratory, such as physician offices or nursing homes, the FDA also requires
that validation data be gathered from at least three clinical sites. We believe
that the required laboratory or clinical studies do not constitute a
significant risk for patients. Non-significant risk device studies performed in
the clinic require institutional review board approval and may require patient
informed consent but do not require the clearance of an investigational device
exemption application by the FDA. If the FDA were to believe that such studies
constitute a significant risk, we would need to submit an investigational
device exemption application, containing an investigation and study monitoring
plan, and allow the FDA 30 days to review the investigational device exemption
application or request additional information prior to initiating an
investigation.
 
  Where a pre-market approval application is required, FDA regulations require
the demonstration of safety and effectiveness, typically based upon extensive
clinical trials. Fulfilling the requirements of the pre-market approval
application are costly and both the preparation and review are time consuming,
commonly taking from one to several years. Before granting pre-market approval,
the FDA must inspect and find acceptable the proposed manufacturing procedures
and facilities. The pre-market approval regulations also require FDA approval
of most changes made after the tests have been approved.
 
 Manufacturing Regulation
 
  For products either cleared through the pre-market notification process or
approved through the pre-market approval process, our manufacturing facility
must also be registered with the FDA. The manufacture of products subject to
Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or to Section 515
pre-market approval requirements must be in accordance with quality system
regulations and current federal Good Manufacturing Practices regulations. We
are also subject to various post-marketing requirements, such as complaint
handling and reporting of adverse events. Pre-market approval products are also
subject to annual reports. The FDA typically inspects manufacturing facilities
every two years. We intend to seek and maintain ISO 9001 certification. As a
result, inspections by notified bodies may be more frequent.
 
  The CareSide Analyzer is being developed and will be manufactured by UMM
Electronics, Inc. UMM is an FDA registered and inspected facility. UMM is also
ISO 9001 certified. In adherence to FDA and ISO 9001 requirements, UMM follows
a structured design control process.
 
 Third-Party Safety
 
  Third-party safety certification is not required for FDA marketing
permission, but will be required by our customers and to enter markets in other
countries. In this regard, we intend to obtain an Underwriters Laboratories, or
UL, listing for the instrument. UL will review the CareSide Analyzer according
to UL 3101-1 that is equivalent to the international standard IEC 1010. The
CareSide Analyzer is also being designed to comply with requirements that
ultimately will facilitate marketing of the product in Europe and Japan. These
requirements include the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC), the Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC), and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical
Device Directive (98/79/EC).
 
 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
   
  All medical testing in the United States is regulated by the Health Care
Financing Administration according to the complexity of the testing as
specified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1998. CLIA
regulations establish three categories of laboratory tests, for which
regulatory requirements become increasingly stringent as the complexity of the
test rises: (1) tests that require little or no operator skill, which allows
for a certificated waiver of the regulations; (2) tests of moderate complexity;
and (3) high complexity tests which require significant operator skill or
training. CLIA regulatory requirements apply to facilities such as clinical
laboratories, hospitals, and physician offices which perform laboratory tests.
All laboratories are subject to periodic inspection. In addition, all
laboratories performing tests of moderate or high complexity must register     
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
   
with HCFA or an organization to whom HCFA has delegated such authority. They
also must meet requirements relating to personnel qualifications, proficiency
testing, quality assurance, and quality control. We expect all of the tests for
the CareSide Analyzer to be categorized as moderate or lower complexity. To
date, the tests performed by the CareSide Analyzer have been categorized within
the moderate complexity class as defined by current CLIA regulations. In
practical terms, performing a test of moderate complexity means that the
individual supervising the test, i.e., the physician, pathologist or laboratory
director, must be appropriately educated and trained, whereas the individual
technician who operates the CareSide Analyzer requires either formal laboratory
education or a high-school education and training in the skills required to
perform testing with the CareSide Analyzer, such as specimen collection and
quality control.     
 
 State Regulation
 
  We and our products will be subject to a variety of state laws and
regulations in those states where our products are marketed, sold or used.
Thirteen states currently restrict or control, to varying degrees, the use of
medical devices such as the Careside system outside the clinical laboratory by
persons other than doctors or licensed technicians. For example, California,
New York and Florida all have unique requirements that define which steps in
the testing process can be performed by physicians, nursing or other personnel
who are not licensed technicians. We have designed our testing system to comply
with these requirements, while minimizing the need for higher cost labor to run
the test process. However, these restrictions may add labor costs to the
customer, and such costs may hinder our ability to market our products in these
locations. Although we plan to seek interpretations, rulings or changes in
relevant laws and regulations to remove or ameliorate these restrictions, there
can be no assurance that we will be successful.
 
 International Regulation
 
  In addition to the United States market, we intend to pursue markets in Asia
and Europe through select strategic alliances. The recently published European
Community In Vitro Diagnostic Directive places our products within a category
that has a low regulatory burden. Manufacturers are allowed entry into the
market based upon self-certification that they complied with published
directives, similar to existing United States requirements, containing
performance, labeling, and other quality requirements. Japan has its own
requirements for in vitro diagnostics.
 
Product Liability and Property Insurance
 
  Sale of our products entails risk of product liability claims. The medical
testing industry has historically been litigious, and we face financial
exposure to product liability claims in the event that use of our products
result in personal injury. We also face the possibility that defects in the
design or manufacture of our products might necessitate a product recall. There
can be no assurance that we will not experience losses due to product liability
claims or recalls in the future. We anticipate purchasing product liability
insurance in reasonable and customary amounts when we begin to sell products in
the third quarter of 1999. Such insurance can be expensive, difficult to obtain
and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. No
assurance can be given that product liability insurance can be maintained in
the future at a reasonable cost or in sufficient amounts to protect us against
losses due to liability. An inability to maintain insurance at an acceptable
cost or to otherwise protect against potential product liability could prevent
or inhibit the commercialization of our products. We expect that our insurance
coverage will be adequate for the risks we face. However, a product liability
claim in excess of relevant insurance coverage or product recall could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
 
  We have liability insurance covering our property and operations with
coverage and deductible amounts and exclusions that we believe are customary
for companies of our size and adequate for our industry. There can be no
assurance that our current insurance coverage is adequate or that we will be
able to maintain insurance at an acceptable cost or otherwise to protect
against liability.
 
Employees
   
  As of March 18, 1999, we had 30 full-time employees, of which 25 were engaged
in research and development and manufacturing activities and five were engaged
in administrative activities. None of our     
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe our
relations with our employees are good. Additionally, our contract strategic
partners, Battelle Memorial Institute and UMM Electronics, Inc. have provided
approximately 40 full-time equivalent employees on a contract basis to develop
of the Careside system.
 
Properties
 
  We lease approximately 16,000 square feet of space in Culver City, California
as our executive offices and for the research and development, validation,
manufacture and assembly of test cartridges. The lease has a term of five
years, with a current monthly rent of $13,620, increasing to $15,220 per month
until the expiration of the lease in October 2001. We have an option to renew
the lease for one additional five-year term at 95% of the fair market rental
value. We believe that the Culver City facility will adequately serve our needs
for the immediate future.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
  We are not a party to any material legal proceedings.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Key Employees
 
  The following table sets forth certain information concerning the individuals
who serve as our directors, executive officers and key employees:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Name                              Age                              Position
 ----                              ---                              --------
 <C>                               <S>   <C>
 Directors and Executive Officers:
 W. Vickery Stoughton (1)......... 53    Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
 Thomas H. Grove.................. 49    Executive Vice President--Research and Development,
                                         Secretary and Director
 James R. Koch (2)................ 44    Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Executive Vice
                                         President and Director
 Anthony P. Brenner (1)........... 41    Director
 William F. Flatley (2)........... 57    Director
 Kenneth N. Kermes (2)............ 63    Director
 C. Alan MacDonald (2)............ 65    Director
 Diana Mackie (1)................. 52    Director
 Philip B. Smith (1).............. 63    Director
 Key Employees:
 Kenneth Asarch................... 41    Vice President--Quality Systems and Regulatory Affairs
 Harry J. Fini.................... 48    Vice President--Sales and Marketing
 Marija N. Valentekovich.......... 67    Vice President--Manufacturing
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee
(2) Member of Audit Committee
 
 Directors and Executive Officers
 
  W. Vickery Stoughton, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Stoughton has served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors and
the Chief Executive Officer since our formation in July 1996. Prior to that, he
served as President of SmithKline Beecham Diagnostics Systems Co., a diagnostic
services and product company, from October 1995 to July 1996, and was President
of SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a provider of diagnostic
laboratory services, from August 1992 to September 1995. As President of SBDS,
Mr. Stoughton had responsibility for SBCL, SmithKline Beecham Clinical
Laboratories International and SBDS's genetic testing and point-of-care testing
projects. In addition, Mr. Stoughton served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice
Chancellor for Health Affairs of Duke University Hospital from 1991 to 1992,
Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Hospital in Toronto, Canada from 1981 to
1991, Chief Operating Officer of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston from
1980 to 1981 and Chief Executive Officer of Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in
Boston from 1978 to 1980. Mr. Stoughton holds a B.S. in Chemistry from St.
Louis University and a M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. He is currently a
director of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, a financial services company,
and Biomira, Inc., a pharmaceutical company.
 
  Thomas H. Grove, Executive Vice President--Research and Development,
Secretary and Director. Dr. Grove has served as our Executive Vice President--
Research and Development, Secretary and as one of our directors since our
formation in July 1996. From April 1984 to July 1996, he served in a number of
management positions at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc.
involving research and development activities, including the position of Vice
President of Scientific Affairs from January 1991 to July 1996, where, among
other things, he was in charge of National Quality Control and Quality
Assurance for SBCL. Dr. Grove has received a number of awards, including a NATO
Science Fellowship to attend Oxford
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
University from 1978 to 1979. He was also named Young Investigator of the Year
in 1980 by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry and was elected to
the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry in 1977. Dr. Grove holds a B.S.
in Biology from SUNY-Albany and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Syracuse
University.
 
  James R. Koch, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Executive Vice President
and Director. Mr. Koch has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer,
Executive Vice President and as one of our directors since July 1998. Prior to
joining us, Mr. Koch served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
ILEX Oncology, Inc., a company which develops oncology drugs, from August 1996
to July 1998. In addition, Mr. Koch served as Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer for two start-up specialty pharmaceutical companies, Symphony
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., from September 1993 to August 1996, and Neose
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., currently Neose Technologies, Inc., from September 1991
to September 1993. His prior experience also includes ten years in senior
financial management positions with G.D. Searle Pharmaceutical, a manufacturer
of pharmaceutical products. Mr. Koch holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
from General Motors Institute and a M.S. from the Krannert School of Management
at Purdue University.
 
  Anthony P. Brenner, Director. Mr. Brenner has served as one of our directors
since November 1996. Since January 1998, he has served as a Managing Director
with Omega Ventures, a venture capital firm, where he oversees investment
activities in the information and business services industries. Prior to that,
Mr. Brenner served as Senior Managing Director of Advanta Partners LP, a
private equity investment partnership, and as a member of the Board of
Directors of Advanta Corporation, a financial services company, from 1992 to
1996. In addition, since 1989 Mr. Brenner has served as President of Cedar
Point Partners, a private equity investment partnership. Mr. Brenner earned a
B.A. from Yale University and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.
 
  William F. Flatley, Director. Mr. Flatley has served as one of our directors
since November 1996. Since July 1997, he has served as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Executive Health Group, a provider of preventive
healthcare services to corporations. From 1980 to December 1994, he held a
number of senior management positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb Corporation, a
pharmaceutical company, including President of a multi-division medical device
business, the Health Care Group, and President of the Drackett Company, a
household products manufacturer. Mr. Flatley retired from Bristol-Myers Squibb
at the end of 1994 but continued to provide the company with certain consulting
services after his retirement. Mr. Flatley obtained a B.S. from Villanova
University and a M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania.
 
  Kenneth N. Kermes, Director. Mr. Kermes has served as one of our directors
since February 1997. Since June 1998, he has served as a principal of Riparian
Partners Limited and of Bay View Equity Partners, two related investment
banking and private equity investment partnerships. Prior to that, he served as
Vice President of Business and Finance for the University of Rhode Island from
December 1994 to June 1998 and as Chief Financial Officer for SmithKline
Beecham Corporation from October 1986 to July 1989. From 1991 to 1994, Mr.
Kermes was a consultant and an investor in the venture capital industry. Mr.
Kermes obtained a B.A. from Amherst College and attended the New York
University Graduate School of Business and the Harvard Business School Advanced
Management Program.
 
  C. Alan MacDonald, Director. Mr. MacDonald has served as one of our directors
since November 1996. Since October 1997, Mr. MacDonald has served as a Managing
Director of Directorship, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in corporate
governance issues. Prior to that, he served as General Partner of the Marketing
Partnership, Inc., a full service marketing consulting firm, from January 1995
to July 1997 and as an acquisitions consultant with the Noel Group, a venture
capital firm, from July 1994 to December 1994. In addition, he served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Snacks Co., a caramelized
popcorn snack company, from September 1992 to July 1994. Mr. MacDonald holds a
B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and is a member of the
Cornell Society of Hotelmen and the Dean's Advisory Committee at Cornell. Mr.
MacDonald is also a director of Lincoln Snacks Co.
 
  Diana Mackie, Director. Ms. Mackie has served as one of our directors since
February 1997. She currently is a Vice President for Strategy and Business
Development at SmithKline Beecham Healthcare Services, the business development
division of SmithKline Beecham Corporation, a position she has held since
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
October 1997, where her responsibilities include developing business plans,
long-range strategy and negotiating external alliances and investments. Prior
to that, Ms. Mackie served as Vice President, Group Business Initiatives for
SBHS from November 1996 to October 1997. From March 1996 to November 1996, she
was General Manager of Diversified Prescription Delivery, a pharmaceutical mail
services company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diversified Pharmaceutical
Services, a pharmaceutical benefit management group. From March 1993 to March
1996, she served as Vice President, Strategy Development, SmithKline Beecham
Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company. Ms. Mackie holds a B.S. in Chemistry
from the University of Illinois, a M.B.A. from The Massachusetts Institute of
Technology Sloan School of Management and a M.S. in Polymer and Fiber
Engineering from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
 
  Philip B. Smith, Director. Mr. Smith has served as one of our directors since
November 1996. Since June 1998, Mr. Smith has served as a Vice Chairman of
Laird & Co., LLC, a merchant bank. In addition, from 1991 until August 1998,
Mr. Smith served as a Vice Chairman with Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated,
an investment banking firm. Mr. Smith served in a number of other senior
management positions. From June 1986 to June 1988, Mr. Smith served as Managing
Director of Prudential Securities, an investment firm, in its merchant bank
division. From December 1967 to December 1972, Mr. Smith served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Citicorp Venture Capital, a venture capital
company which he founded. Mr. Smith currently serves on the board of directors
of Movie Gallery, Inc., Digital Video Systems, Inc., and KLS Enviro Resources,
Inc. Mr. Smith has a B.S.E. from Princeton University and a M.B.A. from the
Harvard Business School.
 
 Key Employees
 
  Kenneth Asarch, Vice President--Quality Systems and Regulatory Affairs. Dr.
Asarch has served as our Vice President--Quality Systems and Regulatory Affairs
since November 1996. From June 1995 to October 1996, Dr. Asarch served as
Director of Regulatory Affairs for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories,
Inc. and SmithKline Beecham Diagnostics Systems Co. Prior to that, he served as
Director of Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Clinical Affairs with
Diagnostic Products Corporation, an immuno-diagnostic testing company, from
1987 to 1995, where his duties included overseeing the FDA regulatory clearance
and approval process for approximately 150 blood testing products. Dr. Asarch
holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of California at Los Angeles
and doctoral degrees in both Clinical Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Pharmaceutical
Sciences (Ph.D.) from the University of Southern California.
 
  Harry J. Fini, Vice President--Sales and Marketing. Mr. Fini has served as
our Vice President--Sales and Marketing since June 1997. From 1995 until he
joined us, Mr. Fini operated a consulting practice which assisted point-of-care
companies and venture capitalists in evaluating technologies, business
development, marketing and sales, and strategic planning. Prior to that, Mr.
Fini had more than 16 years of executive, sales and marketing experience,
including serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at i-STAT
Corporation, a medical diagnostic device manufacturer, from 1992 to 1995 where
he was responsible for marketing, market research, business development,
strategic planning and sales of a point-of-care in vitro blood diagnostics
device worldwide. From 1987 through 1992, Mr. Fini was employed at Bristol-
Myers Squibb Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, as Director of Marketing
and Sales in the managed healthcare area, and at Pyxis Corporation, a
manufacturer of drug distribution systems, as Vice President of Sales. Mr. Fini
received a B.A. in English from LaSalle College.
 
  Marija N. Valentekovich, Vice President--Manufacturing. Dr. Valentekovich has
served as our Vice President--Manufacturing since January 1998 when she came
out of retirement to join us. Before that, Dr. Valentekovich served as a
Production Manager with Diagnostic Products Corporation from January 1989 to
July 1997. Dr. Valentekovich received a M.S. in Chemical Engineering and a
Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry, using radioisotope techniques, from the
University of Zagreb, Croatia.
 
Agreement Relating to Election of Directors
 
  Each of our directors was nominated and elected pursuant to the terms and
conditions of a stockholders' agreement we entered into with our stockholders
and warrantholders in connection with two private placements
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
of our common stock in 1997 and 1998. Pursuant to this stockholders' agreement,
SmithKline Beecham Corporation was granted the right to nominate an individual
to our Board of Directors to serve as its representative. Spencer Trask
Securities Incorporated was also granted the right in the stockholders'
agreement to nominate one individual to our Board of Directors to serve as its
representative. Currently, Ms. Mackie serves as SmithKline's representative and
Mr. Smith serves as Spencer Trask's representative. Mr. Stoughton and Dr. Grove
were nominated and elected to our Board of Directors pursuant to this
stockholders' agreement. In addition, the stockholders' agreement requires that
three individuals who are independent of us and hold no more than five percent
of our common stock serve on our Board of Directors. The number of directors
permitted by the stockholders' agreement was increased from seven to nine with
the consent of Spencer Trask as called for in the stockholders' agreement. This
stockholders' agreement expires by its terms upon the completion of the
offering.
 
Classified Board of Directors
 
  Upon completion of the offering, our Board of Directors will be divided into
three classes. Each class will contain, as nearly as possible, an equal number
of directors. Directors within each class will be elected to serve three-year
terms and approximately one-third of the directors will sit for election at
each annual meeting of our stockholders. Mr. Koch, Mr. Kermes and Mr. Smith
will serve in the class whose term expires in 1999. Dr. Grove, Mr. Flatley and
Ms. Mackie will serve in the class whose term expires in 2000. Mr. Stoughton,
Mr. Brenner and Mr. MacDonald will serve in the class whose term expires in
2001. A classified board of directors may have the effect of deterring or
delaying any attempt by any group to obtain control of us by a proxy contest
since such third party would be required to have its nominees elected at two
separate annual meetings of our Board of Directors in order to elect a majority
of the members of our Board of Directors. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Takeover Protection and Certain Charter and By-Law Provisions."
 
Director Compensation
 
  Our non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $5,000 payable semi-
annually, plus $1,000 for each Board of Directors or committee meeting they
attend in person and $500 for those meetings they attend telephonically. Ms.
Mackie is precluded by SmithKline policy from receiving any fees or stock
options for her service as a director. We reimburse all reasonable expenses
incurred by the directors in attending Board of Directors or committee
meetings. In addition, the non-employee directors, other than the SmithKline
representative, Ms. Mackie, participate in our 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified
Stock Option Plan. For each year that Mr. Brenner, Mr. Flatley, Mr. Kermes, Mr.
MacDonald and Mr. Smith served as directors, we granted each an annual option
to purchase 2,163 shares of common stock at the then applicable market price.
The options granted after the end of 1996 were issued at $5.20 per share. The
options granted after the end of 1997 were issued at $6.76 per share. Upon
completion of the offering, options granted to non-employee directors will only
be made under our 1998 Director Stock Option Plan. Under our 1998 Director
Stock Option Plan, we will grant each non-employee director an annual option to
purchase 2,000 shares of common stock at the then applicable market price. See
"--Stock Option Plans" and "Certain Transactions."
 
Committees of the Board of Directors
 
  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors presently consists of
Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Brenner, Ms. Mackie and Mr. Smith. The Compensation
Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning salaries
and incentive compensation for our officers and employees other than our Chief
Executive Officer, whose compensation is determined by the Board of Directors
after consultation with the non-employee directors on the Compensation
Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors presently consists of
Mr. Koch, Mr. Flatley, Mr. Kermes and Mr. MacDonald. The Audit Committee
reviews our financial statements and accounting practices, makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the selection of
independent auditors and reviews the results and scope of all audits and other
services provided by our independent auditors.
 
  We also have granted rights to Fahnestock & Co. Inc. to send one observer of
its choosing to our Board meetings for up to 18 months after completion of the
offering. The observer also has the right to receive
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
materials distributed to directors for the Board meetings. Before the observer
attends any meetings after completion of the offering, and before any
information is disclosed to the observer, we will seek the agreement of
Fahnestock and its observer to keep confidential all information received
through this arrangement and to abide by the trading restrictions that apply to
our directors generally. The observer and Fahnestock however, are not required
to sign such agreements. We also intend to adopt internal confidentiality and
trading policies and to educate our directors and observers regarding
confidentiality and trading obligations under applicable law. The observer and
Fahnestock will not have any of the duties, powers or obligations of a
director.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
  While Mr. Stoughton, a member of our Compensation Committee, is our Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brenner, Ms. Mackie
and Mr. Smith, the other members of our Compensation Committee, have not been,
at any time since our formation, an officer or employee of ours. In addition,
none of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or
compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers
serving on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee. Cedar Capital
Investors, an entity owned and controlled by Mr. Brenner, provided certain
financial consulting services to us immediately following our formation and up
to the completion of our private placement of common stock in 1997. As
consideration for such services, we reimbursed Cedar Capital's out-of-pocket
expenses and granted Cedar Capital an option to purchase 1,154 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $.052 per share. Ms. Mackie, who serves as Vice
President for Strategy and Business Development at SmithKline Beecham
Healthcare Services, the business development division of SmithKline Beecham
Corporation, was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors by SmithKline
Beecham Corporation pursuant to the terms of a stockholders' agreement by and
among us and our stockholders and warrantholders prior to the offering. Mr.
Smith, who served as a Vice Chairman of Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
until August 1998, was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors by Spencer
Trask Securities and was formerly a partner in Exigent Partners L.P. See "--
Agreement Relating to Election of Directors" and "Certain Transactions."
 
Executive Compensation
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding compensation awarded to,
earned by, or paid to our Chief Executive Officer and executive officers whose
salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for all services rendered to us during the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998. No executive officer who would
otherwise have been includable in such table on the basis of salary and bonus
earned during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 has resigned or
otherwise terminated employment during such years.
 
                           Summary Compensation Table
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Long-Term
                                     Annual       Compensation
                                  Compensation       Awards
                                ----------------- ------------
                                                   Securities
    Name and Principal                             Underlying     All Other
         Position          Year  Salary  Bonus(1)   Options    Compensation(2)
    ------------------     ---- -------- -------- ------------ ---------------
<S>                        <C>  <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>
W. Vickery Stoughton...... 1998 $203,481      --      9,135        $20,797
  Chairman of the Board of 1997 $195,281 $27,000    158,655        $20,547
  Directors and Chief
  Executive Officer
Thomas H. Grove........... 1998 $163,880      --      5,529        $ 8,603
  Executive Vice           1997 $154,013 $25,000     79,327        $ 8,353
  President--Research and
  Development
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Bonus earned in 1997 and paid in 1998.
(2) Includes $4,750 contributed under our 401(k) Plan for the benefit of each
    of Mr. Stoughton and Dr. Grove in 1997 and $5,000 for the benefit of each
    of Mr. Stoughton and Dr. Grove in 1998. Also includes $15,797 and $3,603 of
    premiums paid for life insurance for Mr. Stoughton and Dr. Grove, in each
    year, respectively.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
Stock Options Granted to Executive Officers During 1998
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding options for the purchase
of common stock that were granted to certain executive officers during the year
ended December 31, 1998:
 
                             Option Grants in 1998
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Potential Realizable
                         Number of   Percent of                            Value at Assumed
                           Shares      Total                             Annual Rates of Stock
                         Underlying   Options    Exercise or            Price Appreciation for
                          Options     Granted    Base Price                 Option Term (4)
                          Granted   to Employees  Per Share  Expiration -----------------------
          Name              (1)     in 1998 (2)      (3)        Date        5%          10%
          ----           ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
W. Vickery Stoughton....   7,212          7%        $6.76      7/30/08  $    30,661 $    77,700
                           1,923          2%        $7.28     11/05/08  $     8,804 $    22,312
Thomas H. Grove.........   3,606          4%        $6.76      7/30/08  $    15,330 $    38,850
                           1,923          2%        $7.28     11/05/08  $     8,804 $    22,312
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) All options were granted under our 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock
    Option Plan. The first listed grant for each person vested or will vest 12%
    on December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and 40% on July 30, 2007.
    The second listed grant vested or will vest 20% on each December 31,
    commencing December 31, 1998. See "--Stock Option Plans."
   
(2) Based on an aggregate of 101,135 shares of common stock underlying options
    granted to employees in 1998.     
(3) Options were granted at fair market value, as determined by our Board of
    Directors, based on all factors available to them on the date of grant.
    These factors included our history and prospects, as well as the history
    and prospects of our industry, an assessment of our past and present
    operations and financial performance, the prospects for our future
    earnings, the present state of our development, the possibility of an
    initial public offering by us and market prices of publicly traded common
    stocks of comparable companies in recent periods.
(4) Assumes stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded annually from the
    date the respective options were granted to their expiration date, as
    mandated by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and does
    not represent our estimate or projection of the future appreciation of our
    stock price. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises and common
    stock holdings, are dependent upon the timing of such exercise and the
    future performance of the common stock and may be greater or less than the
    potential realizable value set forth in the table.
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding options held as
of December 31, 1998 by certain executive officers. None of such executive
officers exercised options during the year ended December 31, 1998.
 
                         Fiscal Year-End Option Values
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                Number of Shares
                             Underlying Unexercised     Value of Unexercised
                             Options at Fiscal Year-   In-The-Money Options at
                                       End               Fiscal Year-End (1)
                            ------------------------- -------------------------
       Name                 Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
       ----                 ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                         <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
W. Vickery Stoughton.......   80,577       87,213      $285,343     $297,132
Thomas H. Grove............   40,481       44,375      $150,104     $157,098
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) There was no public trading market for the common stock as of December 31,
    1998. Accordingly, these values have been calculated on the basis of the
    assumed initial public offering price of $9.00 per share minus the
    applicable per share exercise price.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
Employment Agreements
 
  We are party to employment agreements with each of Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove
and Mr. Koch. On the anniversary date of each employment agreement, the
agreement is automatically extended for three-year rolling terms unless either
party, at least 60 days prior to the annual extension date, gives notice that
the employment agreement shall not be extended or otherwise terminates the
agreement. Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove and Mr. Koch may resign upon 90 days notice
to us. Under the employment agreements, Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove or Mr. Koch
will be entitled to have his base salary, bonus and stock options continue to
accrue through the end of the then current term if he is terminated without
cause, or becomes disabled. "Cause" includes disloyalty, dishonesty, fraud,
conviction of a felony or the disclosure of confidential information. He will
also be entitled to such amounts if he terminates his employment agreement as a
result of a reduction in his duties, our breach of the employment agreement or
a transaction resulting in our sale. The employment agreements prohibit Mr.
Stoughton, Dr. Grove and Mr. Koch from engaging in the point-of-care
diagnostics business during the term of such employment agreements. These non-
compete clauses will remain in effect for one year after the expiration or
termination of employment. If, however, the term of employment had continued
for at least two years then the non-compete clauses have no effect when
employment is terminated or expires. However, if we terminate employment
without cause or if the employee terminates his employment following our breach
of the agreement or because of a change of control, the non-compete clause
terminates.
 
  Under their respective employment agreements, Mr. Stoughton serves as our
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, and currently
earns an annual base salary of $210,893, Dr. Grove serves as Executive Vice
President--Research and Development, and currently earns an annual base salary
of $167,633, and Mr. Koch serves as our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Executive Vice President, and currently earns an annual base salary of
$160,000. In addition, Mr. Koch received a $15,000 relocation allowance in
connection with entering into his employment agreement. At the discretion of
our Board of Directors, an annual bonus may be paid to Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove
and Mr. Koch. In each case, we may agree to future raises and other
compensation for each of Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove and Mr. Koch. In addition,
Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove and Mr. Koch are eligible to receive stock options
pursuant to the 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the 1996
Key Executive Stock Option Plan and the 1998 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plan. Such executive officers are also entitled to reimbursement for
certain travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of their duties.
 
Stock Option Plans
   
  Prior to completion of the offering, we have had two stock option plans in
place: the 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Key
Executive Stock Option Plan. These plans provide for the grant of stock options
to purchase up to 576,923 shares of common stock. To date, we have granted
options to purchase 430,315 shares of common stock under these plans. Of these,
options to purchase 411,588 shares are outstanding. The weighted average
exercise price of options outstanding under the plans is $5.80. To date, we
have granted Mr. Stoughton, Dr. Grove, Mr. Koch, Dr. Asarch, Mr. Fini and Dr.
Valentekovich options to purchase 167,790, 84,856, 41,586, 21,875, 38,462 and
5,769 shares of common stock, respectively, at a weighted average exercise
price of $5.81. We have also granted options to purchase an aggregate of
19,467 shares of common stock to non-employee directors for their service as
directors. We may grant options to purchase 147,620 shares of common stock in
the future under the 1996 plans.     
 
  Upon completion of the offering, two additional option plans will take
effect: the 1998 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 1998
Director Stock Option Plan. These 1998 plans provide for the grant of stock
options to purchase up to 565,000 and 60,000 shares of common stock,
respectively.
 
  The purpose of our stock option plans is to promote our long-term growth and
profitability by providing key personnel with incentives to improve stockholder
value and to contribute to our growth and financial success. After completion
of this offering, options may be awarded under the 1996 plans and the 1998
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan to our executive officers,
employees and consultants. Only non-employee directors will be eligible for
awards under the 1998 Director Stock Option Plan.
 
  Our option plans are administered by our Board of Directors or a committee of
the Board. They decide the types of options to be granted, the number of shares
to be covered, the exercise price of each stock option, the expiration date of
each stock option, the vesting schedule and any other material provisions.
 
  Non-employee directors have received automatic, fully-vested option grants
under the 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. After completion
of the offering, each year, we will automatically grant each non-employee
director an option to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock under the 1998
Director Stock Option Plan. Director options always have a fair market value
exercise price. Such options vest at the end of the year of service as a
director to which the option relates. All director options under the 1998
Director Stock Option Plan generally will be exercisable for a period of five
years.
 
  Option grants to our employees may take the form of either incentive stock
options, which are intended to qualify for preferential tax treatment under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-qualified stock options, which
do not qualify for such treatment. Directors may receive only non-qualified
stock options. The exercise price of an incentive stock option generally must
not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the
option is granted. The exercise price of a non-qualified stock option will be
stated in the option agreement governing the non-qualified stock option and is
not required by the option plans to be the fair market value of the common
stock on the date the option is granted.
 
  In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split,
recapitalization or reclassification, involving us, appropriate proportional
adjustments will be made in the number of shares reserved for issuance under
the option plans, and the number, kind and price of shares covered by
outstanding grants. The option plans also provide for the ability of the Board
of Directors or a committee to accelerate the exercise date of any options
granted thereunder. Options may not be exercised more than 10 years after the
date of grant. In some cases, shorter periods apply. Shares underlying options
that lapse or expire are returned to the pool of shares available under the
plans. Grants under any option plan may only be made during the 10 year period
after the plan's adoption.
 
  Our stock option plans may be amended by the Board of Directors so long as
such amendment does not change the terms of any outstanding option without the
affected optionee's consent or increase the number of shares that are the
subject of the plans.
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
  Our Board of Directors adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan in November
1998. This plan qualifies as an employee stock purchase plan under Internal
Revenue Code Section 423 and will be effective upon completion of the offering.
It allows employees to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 150,000 shares of our
common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. The purchase price per
share offered under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan will be 85% of the lesser
of the fair market value per share on the first or last trading day of the
quarter. Stock purchased will not be subject to taxes until sold. The plan is
designed to encourage and facilitate the purchase of common stock by our
employees and thereby to provide our employees with both a personal stake in
our business and a long range inducement to remain our employee. Each of our
full-time employees is eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase
Plan.
 
  The number and price of shares of common stock available for purchase under
the plan is subject to adjustment in the event the outstanding shares of common
stock are increased or decreased through stock dividends, recapitalizations,
reorganizations or similar changes. The plan is to be administered by our Board
of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors.
 
  All funds we hold or receive under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be
used for any corporate purpose until applied to the purchase of shares of
common stock or refunded to employees and will not be
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
segregated from our general assets. We will pay all fees and expenses incurred
(excluding individual federal, state, local or other taxes) in connection with
the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
  Unless stockholder approval is required by law, the Board of Directors or a
committee of the Board of Directors has the right to amend, modify or terminate
the Employee Stock Purchase Plan at any time without notice, provided that no
employee's then existing rights are adversely affected without his or her
consent.
 
401(k) Plan
 
  We have a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan and Trust for eligible employees.
Eligible employees may contribute up to 15% of their current compensation, up
to a statutorily prescribed annual limit, to the 401(k) plan. Each participant
is fully-vested in his or her deferred salary contributions. A participant's
contributions are held in trust and invested pursuant to his or her directions
from among 20 or more investment funds made available under the 401(k) plan. We
may make matching contributions of 50% of each participant's deferred salary
contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of such participant's compensation. Our
matching contributions vest after a participant has completed three years of
service with us, or earlier upon attainment of age 55, death while in service,
retirement for disability or termination of the 401(k) plan. Payment of 401(k)
plan benefits are made in a single lump-sum payment. Distribution of a
participant's vested interest in his or her account generally occurs after a
participant's termination of employment for any reason, including retirement,
death or disability.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
   
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of common stock as of March 18, 1999, by (1) each person or group of
affiliated persons known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
our outstanding common stock, (2) each of our directors, (3) each of our
executive officers and (4) all of our executive officers and directors as a
group. As of such date, there were 5,084,340 shares of common stock outstanding
before giving effect to the sale of common stock in the offering.     
   
  The number of shares of common stock actually owned by each principal
stockholder is listed in Column A, entitled "Shares of Common Stock." In
addition, each principal stockholder is deemed to be the beneficial owner of
common stock that such stockholder can acquire upon the exercise of warrants or
options on or within 60 days after March 18, 1999. These option and warrant
shares are listed separately in the Column B, entitled "Shares Underlying
Options/Warrants." The total of these two columns is then set forth in Column
C. Each principal stockholder's percentage ownership is based on the share
numbers in Column C. Unless otherwise noted, we believe that all persons named
in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by them.     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               (C)
                             (A)            (B)               Total           Total        Total
                          Shares of        Shares      Benficial Ownership  Percentage  Percentage
                           Common        Underlying      (Column A plus    Owned Before Owned After
Name of Beneficial Owner    Stock     Options/Warrants      Column B)        Offering    Offering
- ------------------------  ---------   ---------------- ------------------- ------------ -----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>              <C>                 <C>          <C>
Kevin Kimberlin.........   765,891(1)     336,349(2)        1,102,240          20.3%       13.4%
 c/o Spencer Trask
  Securities
  Incorporated
 535 Madison Avenue,
  18th Floor
 New York, New York
  10022
W. Vickery Stoughton....   285,005        152,693             437,698           8.4%        5.5%
 c/o Careside, Inc.
 6100 Bristol Parkway
 Culver City, California
  90230
Peter Friedli...........   373,521(3)      42,974(4)          416,495           8.1%        5.3%
 c/o Friedli Corp.
  Finance
 Freigustrasse 5
 8002 Zurich,
  Switzerland
SmithKline Beecham
 Corporation............   229,808         98,039(5)          327,847           6.3%        4.1%
 One Franklin Plaza
 Philadelphia,
  Pennsylvania 19101
Dr. Thomas H. Grove.....   205,294         76,539             281,833           5.5%        3.6%
 c/o Careside, Inc.
 6100 Bristol Parkway
 Culver City, California
  90230
Philip B. Smith.........    94,315(6)     113,097(7)          207,412           4.0%        2.6%
James R. Koch...........       --          32,676              32,676             *           *
William F. Flatley......    15,470          4,326              19,796             *           *
Anthony P. Brenner......     9,615          5,480(8)           15,095             *           *
Kenneth Kermes..........     2,959          2,163               5,122             *           *
Diana Mackie............     4,438            --                4,438             *           *
C. Alan MacDonald.......       --           4,326               4,326             *           *
All executive officers
 and directors as a
 group (9 persons)......   617,097        391,297           1,008,394          18.4%       12.2%
</TABLE>    
- --------
  * Represents less than 1% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
 (1) Includes 426,850 shares of common stock held by Oshkim Limited Partners,
     L.P., and 339,041 shares of common stock held by Kevin Kimberlin Partners,
     L.P., both of which are limited partnerships of which Mr. Kimberlin is the
     general partner.
 (2) Includes 20,517 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
     warrants held by Oshkim Limited Partners, L.P., and 38,095 shares of
     common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by Kevin
     Kimberlin Partners, L.P. Also includes 277,737 shares of common stock
     issuable upon the exercise of warrants owned by Spencer Trask Securities
     Incorporated of which Mr. Kimberlin is Chairman and exercises voting
     control. See "Certain Transactions--Financing Activities."
 (3) Includes 373,521 shares of common stock owned by Venturetec, Inc., of
     which Mr. Friedli is the controlling stockholder.
 (4) Includes 9,320 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
     warrants owned by Pine Incorporated, a corporation owned and controlled by
     Mr. Friedli.
 (5) Includes 98,039 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
     held by S.R. One, Limited, an affiliate of SmithKline Beecham Corporation.
     Notwithstanding the exercisability of the bridge warrant by its terms,
     S.R. One has separately agreed not to exercise it until the earlier of six
     months after the offering or December 17, 1999.
 (6) Includes 50,952 shares of common stock owned by Private Equity
     Partnership, of which Mr. Smith is the general partner.
 (7) Includes 108,771 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
     held by Private Equity Partnership.
 (8) Includes 1,154 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
     options which were issued pursuant to a consulting agreement with an
     affiliate of Mr. Brenner. See "Certain Transactions--Financing
     Activities."
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
 SmithKline Beecham
 
  In July 1996, we entered into a letter of intent with SmithKline Beecham
Corporation and SmithKline Beecham Diagnostics Systems Co., an affiliate of
SmithKline Beecham Corporation, with respect to their point-of-care development
program. Pursuant to that letter of intent, SmithKline Beecham Corporation
supported the point-of-care development program by funding $1.8 million of the
program's operating expenses for the transition period from July 1, 1996
through October 31, 1996. This funding has been reflected in the Statement of
Operations of the predecessor business for the ten months ended October 31,
1996. Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, SmithKline Beecham Diagnostics
Systems Co. and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc., sold us certain
fixed and intangible assets used in connection with the point-of-care
development program. As consideration for the purchase of the assets, we issued
to SmithKline Beecham Diagnostics Systems Co. 5% of our total common stock
outstanding at that time. This stock was later transferred to SmithKline
Beecham Corporation. Ms. Mackie, Vice President for Strategy and Business
Development at SmithKline Beecham Healthcare Services, a division of SmithKline
Beecham Corporation, has served as one of our directors since February 1997 as
a representative of SmithKline Beecham Corporation. SmithKline Beecham
Corporation is one of our significant stockholders.
 
  In addition to the operating funding provided during the transition period,
SmithKline Beecham Corporation made available to us a $1.0 million credit
facility at an interest rate of 8% per annum. We used the $1.0 million to fund
research and development and to establish our production facility by funding
capital purchases, rental payments for our facilities in Culver City,
California and operating expenses. In January 1997, the SmithKline Beecham
Corporation credit facility was converted into an additional 2% of our
outstanding common stock simultaneously with the initial closing of our 1997
private placement of common stock.
 
  Simultaneously with the closing of the asset purchase, we entered into a
distribution and supply agreement with SmithKline Beecham Clinical
Laboratories, Inc. pursuant to which SmithKline received exclusive distribution
rights to sell our products to segments of the commercial laboratory industry.
The exclusive distribution rights will extend to ten of the following
countries: United States, Great Britain, Mexico, Spain, South Africa,
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, Argentina, France or Germany,
if SmithKline or one of its affiliates owns, operates or manages a clinical
laboratory in such country on or before December 31, 2000. Whenever we obtain
the necessary approvals to market and sell our products in a listed country,
SmithKline must submit purchase orders for the products within designated time
periods in order to preserve its exclusive rights in that country. Otherwise,
we will be free to sell our products in that country to the commercial
laboratory industry as well. Our ability to sell our products outside the
commercial laboratory industry is not limited by the contract with SmithKline.
SmithKline and its affiliates are not restricted from entering into similar
commercial distribution arrangements with other point-of-care diagnostic
companies. In consideration for this grant of exclusivity, SmithKline will pay
us an annual fee of up to $100,000 commencing on the date of FDA approval of
the CareSide Analyzer and 25 designated tests. Subject to earlier termination,
the distribution and supply agreement will terminate five years from the date
of such FDA approval.
 
  Under the distribution and supply agreement, SmithKline will, until December
31, 2000 or any earlier termination of the agreement, supply us with clinical
samples to enable us to validate tests for our research and development of
point-of-care products. We will bear the cost of retrieving the samples and
conducting our comparative validation tests. In addition, the distribution and
supply agreement obligates SmithKline, upon FDA approval of the CareSide
Analyzer and 30 designated tests, to purchase minimum numbers of CareSide
Analyzers and test cartridges from us for the first five years following such
FDA approval. We have agreed to supply SmithKline with its requirements of
CareSide Analyzers and cartridges at our cost plus a reasonable margin. If we
do not develop the CareSide Analyzer and obtain FDA approval of 25 designated
tests by December 31, 2000, SmithKline has the option to terminate the
agreement or waive the FDA approval requirement.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
  Under our distribution and supply agreement with SmithKline, all intellectual
property rights to patents, trademarks or otherwise which are associated with
the marketing and development of point-of-care products remain with us although
we share rights and responsibilities with SmithKline in the protection of these
rights.
 
 Financing Activities
   
  On December 2, 1996, in connection with the establishment of a $1 million
working capital facility, we issued 557,601 shares of common stock to Exigent
Partners, L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of $98,995. The working capital
facility was arranged by Exigent Partners, L.P. to be provided to us in the
form of a $1.0 million irrevocable letter of credit from Citibank, N.A.,
secured by pledges of cash or cash equivalents by Exigent Partners, L.P. The
general partner of Exigent Partners, L.P. was Kevin Kimberlin, an affiliate of
Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated and one of our principal stockholders,
and the limited partners were Mr. Stoughton and Dr. Grove, two of our executive
officers and directors, and Mr. Smith, one of our directors. Of the 557,601
shares of common stock issued to Exigent Partners, L.P., Mr. Kimberlin took
beneficial ownership of 426,850 shares of common stock, and Mr. Stoughton and
Dr. Grove took beneficial ownership of 36,802 and 18,958 shares of common
stock, respectively. We repaid all funds drawn under the facility and the
letter of credit, both of which have since terminated. Exigent Partners, L.P.
was dissolved and each of its partners received a pro rata distribution of
shares of common stock. See "Principal Stockholders."     
   
  In 1997 and 1998, we undertook two private placements of our common stock,
both of which were completed through Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated.
Spencer Trask received approximately $2.5 million in commissions and expenses
from the private placements, which generated aggregate net proceeds to us of
$19.0 million. Affiliates of Spencer Trask, including its employees, received
warrants to purchase 384,615 shares of common stock at $5.20 per share in the
1997 private placement and warrants to purchase 340,237 shares of common stock
at $6.76 per share in the 1998 private placement. Warrants issued in connection
with both private placements will expire three years from the closing of the
offering.     
 
  As partial consideration for its services in the 1997 private placement,
Spencer Trask was granted a right of first refusal to act as underwriter or
agent for any proposed public offering or any private placement of our
securities. Spencer Trask was also granted the right to purchase securities in
any such offering in which purchasers in the 1997 private placement are
entitled to preemptive rights under the stockholders' agreement or in any sale
of common stock by the former partners of Exigent Partners, L.P. Spencer Trask
has waived all such rights in connection with the offering. Upon completion of
the offering, Spencer Trask will be paid $100,000 pursuant to a letter
agreement signed in connection with the 1998 private placement.
 
  At the first closing of the 1997 private placement, we entered into an
investment banking agreement with Spencer Trask pursuant to which Spencer Trask
will receive a percentage, ranging from seven percent to two and one-half
percent depending upon the size of the transaction involved, of the
consideration involved in any transaction we undertake with a person introduced
to us by Spencer Trask in the five years ending March 2002. The agreement also
provides for Spencer Trask, subject to certain terms and conditions, to act as
our exclusive representative in advising us with respect to executive
compensation benefits, insurance and retirement planning, providing us with
certain investment banking services and addressing our cash management needs.
Spencer Trask has waived all such rights relating to investment banking
services.
 
  In connection with the 1997 and 1998 private placements, we entered into a
stockholders' agreement with each of our stockholders and warrantholders. The
stockholders' agreement included preemptive rights and provided for the
nomination and election of each of our current directors including Ms. Diana
Mackie, Vice President of a division of SmithKline Beecham Corporation. The
preemptive rights do not apply to shares issued in the offering. The
stockholders' agreement will terminate by its terms upon completion of the
offering. See "Management-- Agreement Relating to Election of Directors."
 
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
  In December 1997, Cedar Capital Investors, an entity owned and controlled by
Anthony P. Brenner, one of our directors, provided certain financial consulting
services to us in connection with the 1998 private placement. In consideration
for providing such services, Cedar Capital Investors was reimbursed $6,651 for
out-of-pocket expenses and received options to purchase 1,154 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $.052 per share. These options remain exercisable
until August 8, 2007.
 
  In July 1998, in connection with the relocation of James R. Koch, our Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President, as well as one of
our directors, from Texas to the Los Angeles area in August 1998, we provided a
bridge loan to Mr. Koch, pursuant to a promissory note executed in our favor by
Mr. Koch, in the aggregate principal amount of $125,000. The bridge loan, which
was subject to an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, was paid in full by Mr. Koch
on September 21, 1998. As of that date, an aggregate of $125,911 in principal
and interest was owing under the promissory note.
 
  In December 1998, we entered into a bridge financing with S.R. One, Limited,
a business trust controlled by SmithKline Beecham Corporation. For
consideration of $3.0 million cash, we issued S.R. One a $3.0 million note
payable and a detachable bridge warrant for the purchase of that number of
shares of common stock which is equal to $750,000 divided by 85% of the initial
public offering price per share of common stock in the offering. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
  We consider the terms of all of the above-referenced transactions to be at
arm's length and reasonably equivalent to terms it could have obtained through
negotiations with unaffiliated third parties under similar economic conditions.
Any transactions undertaken in the future, including loans, we enter into with
any of our officers, directors and principal stockholders or their affiliates,
will be approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, and will be on
terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from unaffiliated third
parties. See "Description of Capital Stock--Takeover Protection and Certain
Charter and By-Law Provisions."
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
   
  Upon completion of the offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of
(1) 50,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share and (2)
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, of which there
will be 7,884,340 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock
outstanding, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
The following description of our capital stock is a summary and is qualified in
its entirety by the provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws, copies of which have been filed
as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part.     
 
Common Stock
 
  The issued and outstanding shares of common stock being offered hereby will
be, when sold and issued in accordance herewith, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. Each holder of shares of common stock will be entitled to one
vote for each share held of record and may not cumulate votes for election of
directors. The shares will not be entitled to preemptive rights under
applicable law and will not be subject to redemption or assessment. Subject to
the rights and preferences of the holders of any preferred stock outstanding in
the future, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of
shares of common stock will be entitled to receive, pro rata, our assets which
are legally available for distribution to stockholders. In addition, subject to
the rights and preferences of the holders of any preferred stock outstanding in
the future, the holders of shares of common stock will be entitled to share
ratably in dividends as, if and when declared by our Board of Directors. We do
not anticipate that any dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. As of
December 31, 1998, there were 433 holders of common stock.
 
Preferred Stock
 
  In addition to the common stock, we are, without further action by
stockholders, also authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock. Our Board of Directors may determine the timing, series, designation,
and number of shares of preferred stock to be issued, as well as the rights,
preferences, and limitations of such shares, including those relating to voting
power, redemption, conversion, dividend rights, and liquidation. The issuance
of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of
common stock or have the effect of deterring, delaying or preventing any
attempt by a person, entity or group to obtain control of us. We have no
current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
 
Warrants
   
  As of December 31, 1998, we had outstanding exercisable warrants to purchase
384,615 shares of common stock at $5.20 per share. These warrants were issued
in connection with the 1997 private placement and will expire three years after
the completion of the offering. In addition, as of December 31, 1998, we had
outstanding exercisable warrants to purchase 340,237 shares of common stock at
$6.76 per share. These warrants were issued in connection with the 1998 private
placement and will expire three years from the closing of the offering.
Further, we issued a bridge warrant to S.R. One, Limited in connection with the
bridge financing. The bridge warrant will become exercisable on the earlier of
December 17, 1999 or six months after the completion of the offering for the
number of shares of common stock which is equal to $750,000 divided by 85% of
the initial public offering price per share of the common stock in the
offering. The bridge warrant would be exercisable for 98,039 shares if the
initial public offering price were $9.00 per share. The bridge warrant has an
exercise price of 85% of the initial public offering price. If the bridge
financing is not repaid by June 30, 1999, the bridge warrant becomes
exercisable for twice as many shares of common stock. The bridge warrant will
expire four years after completion of the offering. Upon the completion of the
offering, an additional 280,000 warrants will be issued to the representatives
of the underwriters. These warrants will have an exercise price equal to 145%
of the initial public offering price and will expire five years from the
effective date of the offering. See "Underwriting."     
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
Registration Rights
 
 Granted in Private Placements
 
  We granted investors in the 1997 and 1998 private placements of common stock
demand and incidental registration rights. These include the right of the
holders of a majority of the registrable shares to demand registration of their
shares and the right of these investors to include their shares in other
registrations of our equity securities, other than in connection with issuances
under our benefit and other employee plans. We granted similar rights with
respect to the shares underlying the warrants issued to Spencer Trask
Securities Incorporated in connection with the 1997 and 1998 private
placements. In addition, we agreed to effect a registration under the
Securities Act for the resale of the common stock purchased by investors in the
1997 private placement automatically within 180 days after the date of this
prospectus. We also agreed to effect a registration for the resale of the
common stock purchased by investors in the 1998 private placement automatically
within 360 days after the date of this prospectus. This automatic registration
may be delayed by Spencer Trask together with Fahnestock & Co Inc. If we fail
to register the common stock underlying the shares in accordance with the terms
of the agreements with the investors in the 1997 and 1998 private placements,
we must either repurchase the shares at the fair market value or give investors
the ability to elect a majority of our Board of Directors in order to provide
liquidity. Pursuant to powers of attorney granted by many investors, and
amendments and waivers to the registration agreements, our obligation to effect
such registrations has been deferred until one year after the date of this
prospectus.
 
 Granted to SmithKline
 
  We have also granted demand and incidental registration rights to SmithKline
Beecham Corporation for the registration under the Securities Act of the resale
of any or all of the common stock held by it at any time after the date of this
prospectus. SmithKline has agreed not to make a demand for registration for a
period of at least one year after the offering. If we register an issuance of
our equity securities, other than shares issuable under employee or other
benefit plans, SmithKline may request that its shares be included in the
registration.
 
 Granted to Management and Exigent Partners, L.P.
 
  Additionally, Messrs. Stoughton and Smith, Drs. Grove and Asarch and three of
our employees and the former partners of Exigent Partners, L.P. have also been
granted demand and incidental registration rights with respect to their common
stock. The holders of a majority of all registrable securities owned by these
stockholders may demand on two occasions registration for the resale of any or
all of their shares. If we register an issuance of our equity securities, other
than shares issuable under our employee or other benefit plans, these holders
may request to include their shares in the registration.
 
 Granted to S.R. One
 
  In December 1998, we granted demand and incidental registration rights to
S.R. One, Limited in connection with the bridge financing. S.R. One may demand
that their shares of common stock purchased upon exercise of the bridge warrant
be registered under the Securities Act. S.R. One may make such demand anytime
after one year and before three years after this offering. S.R. One has the
same incidental registration rights as SmithKline, described above.
 
 Granted to Representatives
 
  Finally, pursuant to a warrant agreement that we will enter into with each of
the representatives of the underwriters, we will agree, on or before the first
anniversary of the effective date of the offering, to file and cause to be
declared effective a registration statement under the Securities Act covering
the common stock issuable upon the
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
exercise of the representatives' warrants. Such registration statement will
allow the representatives of the underwriter to offer and resell such shares of
common stock to the public. We will cause the registration statement to remain
effective until the earlier of the time that all of the representatives'
warrants have been exercised and the date which is five years after the
effective date of the offering. All expenses incurred in connection with the
registration of the shares issuable upon the exercise of the representatives'
warrants will be borne by us. Under the warrant agreement, the parties will
also be bound by standard indemnification and contribution provisions with
respect to the registration of the warrant shares issuable upon the exercise of
the representatives' warrants.
 
 General
   
  As of March 18, 1999, there were 5,084,340 shares of common stock subject to
registration rights. We will pay for all expenses incurred in connection with
these registrations, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. The
registration agreements also provide for customary indemnification and
contribution provisions involving the participants in any registration effected
pursuant thereto. The foregoing is only a summary of certain of the terms and
conditions of the registration rights agreements involving such parties. Copies
of the actual agreements have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part.     
 
Takeover Protection and Certain Charter and By-Law Provisions
 
  Certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), our
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter") our Amended
and Restated By-Laws (the "By-Laws") and our stock option plans may have an
anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer, proxy
contest or other takeover attempt. This may be true even in circumstances where
a takeover attempt might result in payment of a premium over market price for
shares held by stockholders.
 
  Following the completion of the offering, we will become subject to Section
203 of the DGCL. Section 203 prohibits, subject to certain exceptions, a
Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any
interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such
stockholder became an interested stockholder. A business combination includes
mergers, asset sales and other transactions that may result in a financial
benefit to stockholders. A person will be deemed an interested stockholder
triggering this protection if the person together with any affiliates or
associates of such person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or
more of our outstanding voting stock. There are three exceptions to these
provisions. First, if our Board of Directors gives prior approval to either the
business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder then the restrictions do not apply. Second,
the restrictions will not apply if, upon the consummation of the transaction
which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the
interested stockholder owns at least 85% of our outstanding voting stock.
Finally, the restrictions will not apply if, at the time of or following the
consummation of the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested
stockholder, our Board of Directors approves the business combination and
stockholders holding at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder authorize the business combination.
 
  Upon completion of the offering, our Board of Directors will be divided into
three classes of directors each containing, as nearly as possible, an equal
number of directors. Directors within each class will serve three-year terms.
Approximately one-third of the directors will sit for election at each annual
meeting of our stockholders. All directors elected to our classified Board of
Directors serve until the election and qualification of their successors or
their earlier resignation or removal. The Board of Directors may create new
directorships and fill such positions so created. In addition, the Board of
Directors or its remaining members, even though
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
less than a quorum may fill vacancies on the Board of Directors occurring for
any reason until the next annual election of directors. Members of the Board of
Directors may only be removed for cause. These provisions may have the effect
of deterring or delaying any attempt by any group to obtain control of us by a
proxy contest. For example, a third party would be required to have its
nominees elected at two separate annual meetings in order to elect a majority
of the members of the Board of Directors.
 
  We may issue 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock. Under certain
circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock could be utilized as a method of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of our stock.
 
  Our Charter provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by our
stockholders may be effected only at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders. Such action will not be permitted to be taken by written consent
in lieu of a meeting. Our Charter and the By-Laws also provide that special
meetings of stockholders may only be called by a majority of our Board of
Directors, our Chairman or our Chief Executive Officer. Stockholders will not
be permitted to call a special meeting or to require that our Board of
Directors call a special meeting of stockholders.
 
  Our Charter provides that any director or the entire Board of Directors may
be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of 80%
or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. Further, our Charter
provides that the amendment of this provision for removing directors for cause
may only be amended by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the voting power
of all the then outstanding shares of our capital stock voting together as a
single class.
 
  Our By-Laws establish an advance notice procedure for nomination, other than
by or at the direction of our Board of Directors, of candidates for election as
directors. Advance notice procedures also exist for other stockholder proposals
to be considered at annual or special meetings of stockholders. In general, we
must receive notice of intent to nominate a director or raise business at an
annual meeting not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the scheduled
annual meeting. In the case of a special meeting called for the purpose of
electing directors, such notice of intent must be received not later than the
close of business on the fifth day following the day on which notice of the
date of the meeting was mailed. Such notice of intent must contain certain
specified information concerning the person to be nominated or the mater to be
brought before the meeting.
 
  In addition, our By-Laws allow our Board of Directors to increase the number
of directors from time to time although a decrease in the number of directors
may not have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Our
By-Laws also grant the Board of Directors the authority to fill any vacancies
on the Board of Directors, including vacancies resulting from an increase in
the number of directors. Our Charter states that our By-Laws may be amended by
the stockholders only by the vote of not less than 80% of the outstanding
shares of stock entitled to vote upon the election of directors.
 
  The provisions of the Charter and the By-Laws summarized in the preceding
paragraphs may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a non-
negotiated merger or other business combination involving us. These provisions
are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us to negotiate
with and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors in connection with the
transaction. Certain of these provisions may, however, discourage our future
acquisition in a transaction not approved by our Board of Directors in which
stockholders might receive an attractive value for their shares or that a
substantial number or even a majority of our stockholders might believe to be
in their best interest. As a result, stockholders who desire to participate in
such a transaction may not have the opportunity to do so. Such provisions could
also discourage bids for our common stock at a premium, as well as create a
depressive effect on the market price of our common stock. See "Risk Factors--
Statute, Charter and By-laws May Delay or Prevent Acquisition of Careside."
 
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
 
  Our stock option plans, in certain circumstances, allow our Board of
Directors or a committee thereof to accelerate the vesting or exercise date of
any options granted thereunder. The ability to accelerate the vesting or
exercise date of options could be utilized as a method of discouraging,
delaying or preventing a change in control of our stock. See "Management--Stock
Option Plans."
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
   
  Upon completion of the offering, we expect to have 7,884,340 shares of common
stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of outstanding options or warrants, or
8,304,340 shares if the underwriters' over-allotment is exercised in full. Of
these shares, the 2,800,000 shares of common stock sold in the offering will be
freely tradeable without restrictions or further registration under the
Securities Act, except that any shares purchased by our "affiliates", as that
term is defined under the Securities Act, may generally only be sold in
compliance with the limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of
the remaining outstanding shares of common stock are restricted securities
within the meaning of Rule 144 and may not be sold in the absence of
registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is
available, including the exemption from registration offered by Rule 144.     
   
  Holders of more than 95% of our restricted shares of common stock have agreed
(the "Lock-Up Agreements") not to sell or otherwise dispose of any of their
shares of common stock for a period of one year after completion of the
offering (the "Lock-Up Period"), without the prior written consent of
Fahnestock & Co. Inc., subject to certain limited exceptions. After the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, or earlier upon the prior written consent of
Fahnestock, 5,084,340 shares of the common stock may be sold in the public
market pursuant to Rule 144.     
 
  In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after
the date of this prospectus, a person who has beneficially owned restricted
shares for at least one year, including a person who may be deemed to be our
affiliate, may sell within any three-month period a number of shares of common
stock that does not exceed a maximum number of shares. This maximum is equal to
the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the
average weekly trading volume in the common stock during the four calendar
weeks immediately preceding the sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to
restrictions relating to manner of sale, notice and availability of current
public information about us. In addition, under Rule 144(k) of the Securities
Act, a person who is not our affiliate, has not been an affiliate of ours
within three months prior to the sale and has beneficially owned shares for at
least two years, would be entitled to sell such shares immediately without
regard to volume limitations, manner of sale provisions, notice or other
requirements of Rule 144.
   
  Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, certain shares issued or
issuable upon the exercise of options granted by us prior to the date of this
prospectus will also be eligible, subject to the Lock-Up Period, for sale in
the public market pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Pursuant to
Rule 701, persons who purchase shares upon exercise of options granted under a
written compensatory plan or contract may sell such shares in reliance on Rule
144 without having to comply with the holding period requirements of Rule 144,
and in the case of non-affiliates, without having to comply with the public
information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. As of March
18, 1999, we have options outstanding to purchase 411,588 shares of common
stock which have not been exercised and which become exercisable at various
times in the future. Any shares issued upon the exercise of these options will
be eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 701.     
   
  We intend to file a Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act
approximately 180 days after the closing of the offering to register up to an
aggregate of 1,334,208 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our
stock option plans and the employee stock purchase plan. See "Management--Stock
Option Plans" and "--Employee Stock Purchase Plan." Accordingly, shares
registered under such registration statement will, subject to Rule 144 volume
limitations applicable to affiliates, be available for sale in the open market,
unless such options are subject to vesting restrictions or the Lock-Up
Agreements. As of March 18, 1999, options to purchase 411,588 shares of common
stock were outstanding and 922,620 shares of common stock remained available
for future grants under our stock option plans and issuance under the employee
stock purchase plan.     
   
  We previously issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 724,852 shares of
common stock at exercise prices ranging $5.20 to $6.76 per share to Spencer
Trask Securities Incorporated. These warrants are     
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
 
exercisable until three years after completion of the offering. The bridge
warrant issued to S.R. One, Limited will become exercisable on the earlier of
December 17, 1999 or six months after completion of the offering to purchase
such number of shares of common stock determined by dividing $750,000 by 85% of
the initial public offering price per share. The bridge warrant has an exercise
price of 85% of the initial public offering price and will expire on the
earlier of December 17, 2005 or four years after the completion of the
offering. The holders of the warrants and the bridge warrant are entitled to
certain registration rights with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise
of such warrants. These shares may be sold without restriction in the public
market upon registration, and with respect to more than 95% of these shares,
after the lock-up period expires.
 
  In connection with the offering, the Company has agreed to issue to the
representatives of the underwriters warrants to purchase 280,000 shares of
common stock. This number is equal to 10% of the number of shares of common
stock being offered by this prospectus, excluding over-allotment shares. The
representatives' warrants will be exercisable at any time during the four-year
period commencing one year after the effective date of the offering. The common
stock issued to the representatives will be freely tradeable.
 
  Prior to the offering, there has been no market for our common stock and
there can be no assurance that a significant public market for the common stock
will develop or be sustained after the offering. Future sales of substantial
amounts of common stock, including shares issued upon exercise of outstanding
options and warrants in the public market after the offering, or the perception
that such sales may occur, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from
time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of
our securities.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
  The underwriters named below, for whom Fahnestock & Co. Inc., Wedbush Morgan
Securities, Inc. and Southeast Research Partners, Inc. are acting as the
representatives, have severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions
contained in an underwriting agreement, to purchase from us, and we have agreed
to sell to each underwriter, the aggregate number of shares of common stock
indicated below opposite the name of such underwriter at the initial public
offering price less the underwriting discount set forth below and on the cover
page of this prospectus:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Number of
                                                                        Shares
Name of Underwriter                                                    Purchased
- -------------------                                                    ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>
Fahnestock & Co. Inc..................................................
Wedbush Morgan Securities, Inc. ......................................
Southeast Research Partners, Inc......................................
                                                                          ---
  TOTAL...............................................................
                                                                          ===
</TABLE>
 
  The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters
are subject to certain conditions and that the underwriters are committed to
purchase all of the shares, other than those covered by the over-allotment
option described below, if any are purchased. The underwriting agreement also
provides that we will indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, and will contribute to payments
which the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  The representatives of the underwriters have advised us that the underwriters
propose to offer the common stock directly to the public initially at the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to
certain dealers, who may include the underwriters, at such public offering
price less a selling concession not to exceed $  per share. The underwriters
may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession of not more than $  per
share to certain other dealers. After the offering, the offering price, the
concession to certain dealers and other selling terms may be changed by the
representatives of the underwriters. The underwriters have agreed not to
confirm sales of common stock in excess of 5% of the total amount of shares
offered hereby to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
The underwriters have also agreed not to confirm any such sales without the
prior written approval of the customer.
 
  We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable not later than 30
days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to a maximum of 420,000
additional shares of common stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any, at
the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount set forth
herein. If the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option, each
underwriter will be committed to purchase a proportionate number of the
additional shares based on its relative proportion of shares to be purchased by
it shown in the preceding table.
 
   Without the prior written consent of Fahnestock, holders of more than 95% of
our shares of common stock, certain option and warrant holders, including our
officers and directors, and we, are not permitted to offer, pledge, sell,
contract to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
our securities until after at least 360 days after the closing of the offering.
Such prohibition does not apply to our grant of options under our stock option
plans, our issuance of warrants to representatives of the underwriters or to
the potential issuance of our common stock upon exercise of the over-allotment
option.
 
  The following table sets forth the amount of the underwriting discount and
the nature of the compensation to be paid to the underwriters for each share of
common stock and in total. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and
full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
 
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Compensation to be paid to Underwriters
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                              No Exercise of Over-           Full Exercise of Over-
                                Allotment Option                Allotment Option
                         ------------------------------- -------------------------------
                           Per Share         Total         Per Share         Total
                         -------------- ---------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
Underwriting Discount...
Representatives'
 Warrants(1)............ 1/10th Warrant 280,000 Warrants 1/10th Warrant 280,000 Warrants
Non-accountable Expense
 Allowance(2)...........      N/A           $250,000          N/A           $250,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In connection with the offering, we have agreed to issue warrants to the
    representatives of the underwriters to purchase a number of shares of
    common stock equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of shares of common
    stock being offered hereby, excluding over-allotment shares. The
    representatives' warrants will be exercisable during the four-year period
    ending on the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the offering, at
    an exercise price equal to one hundred forty-five percent (145%) of the
    initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
    prospectus. The representatives' warrants are restricted from sale,
    transfer, assignment or hypothecation for a period of one year from the
    effective date of the offering except to officers and partners of the
    representatives of the underwriters. The representatives of the
    underwriters are entitled to certain rights with respect to the
    registration of shares of the common stock issuable upon the exercise of
    the representatives' warrants for offer and sale to the public under the
    Securities Act. See "Description of Capital Stock--Registration Rights." To
    the extent that the representatives of the underwriters realize any gain
    from the resale of the shares issuable upon the exercise of such warrants,
    such gain may be deemed additional underwriting compensation.
(2) We have also agreed to pay Fahnestock a non-accountable expense allowance
    equal to 1% of the gross proceeds of the offering, up to a maximum of
    $250,000, of which $60,000 has been paid to date. In addition, we have
    agreed to pay the representatives' counsel in connection with such
    counsel's involvement in the review and approval of the representatives'
    compensation by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
   
  We will enter into an investment banking agreement with Fahnestock which,
among other things, will grant Fahnestock a right of first refusal in
connection with any investment banking services we require for a period of 18
months after the completion of the offering. In addition, pursuant to a letter
of intent executed in connection with this offering, Fahnestock has the right
to nominate one person to our Board of Directors who is acceptable to us. Such
nominee may be a director, officer, partner, employee or affiliate of
Fahnestock. As of March 18, 1999, Fahnestock has not exercised its right to
nominate any person to our Board of Directors. However, Fahnestock is expected
to exercise its right and nominate a person to our Board of Directors after the
closing of the offering. Fahnestock also has the right to have one
representative observe all meetings of our Board of Directors and to have such
person receive all information provided to our Board of Directors for a period
of 18 months after the closing of the offering.     
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth an itemization of all expenses we will pay in
connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being
registered. Except for the SEC Registration Fee, the Nasdaq National Market
Listing Fee and the NASD Fee, the amounts listed below are estimates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nature of Expense                                                      Amount
- -----------------                                                    ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>
SEC Registration Fee................................................ $    9,174
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee..................................     72,875
NASD Fee............................................................      3,720
Printing and engraving fees.........................................    150,000
Registrant's counsel fees and expenses..............................    320,000
Accounting fees and expenses........................................    125,000
Spencer Trask Fee...................................................    100,000
Underwriters' Expenses..............................................    250,000
Blue Sky expenses and counsel fees..................................     25,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees...................................      8,000
Miscellaneous.......................................................     36,231
                                                                     ----------
  TOTAL............................................................. $1,100,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for our common stock.
We will negotiate the initial public offering price for our common stock with
the representatives of the underwriters. Such public offering price will not
necessarily bear any relationship to our assets, book value, revenues or other
established criteria of value. The initial public offering price should not be
considered to be indicative of our actual value. Among the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price, in addition to
prevailing market conditions, will be the prospects for the business and
industry in which we compete, an assessment of our management, our capital
structure, our past and present operations, our prospects for future earnings
and other factors deemed relevant. There can be no assurance that an active
trading market will develop for our common stock or that the prices at which
our common stock will sell in the public market after the offering will not be
lower than the price at which it will be sold in the offering.
 
  In connection with the offering, certain underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock.
Such transactions may include stabilization transactions effected in accordance
with Regulation M of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to which
such persons may bid for or purchase common stock for the purpose of pegging,
fixing or maintaining the price of our common stock at a level that is higher
than the market would dictate in the absence of such transactions.
 
  The underwriters may also create a short position for the account of the
underwriters by selling more shares of common stock in connection with the
offering than they are committed to purchase from the company, and in such case
may purchase common stock in the open market following the completion of the
offering to cover all or a portion of such short position. The underwriters may
also cover all or a portion of such short position, up to 420,000 shares of
common stock, by exercising the over-allotment option described herein.
 
  In addition, the representatives of the underwriters may also impose a
"penalty bid" under contractual arrangements with the underwriters whereby the
representatives may reclaim from an underwriter, or dealer participating in the
offering, for the account of other underwriters, the selling concession with
respect to common stock that is distributed in the offering but subsequently
purchased for the account of the underwriters in the open market.
 
  In general, any of the transactions described above may result in the
maintenance of the price of our common stock at a level above that which might
otherwise prevail in the absence of such transactions. We and the underwriters
make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any
effect that such transactions may have on the price of our common stock. In
addition, we and the underwriters make no
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
 
representation that the representatives of the underwriters or the
underwriters, as the case may be, will engage in such transactions or that such
transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
 
  Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated is not participating as an underwriter
or member of the selling group in the offering. However, we will pay Spencer
Trask a $100,000 fee upon completion of the offering pursuant to a placement
agency agreement we entered into with Spencer Trask in connection with our 1998
private placement of common stock. See "Certain Transactions--Financing
Activities."
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for
us by Pepper Hamilton LLP. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.,
Boston, Massachusetts has acted as counsel for the underwriters in connection
with the offering.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The audited financial statements included in this prospectus and elsewhere in
the registration statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of that firm as
experts in giving their reports. Reference is made to their report contained
elsewhere in this prospectus on us which contains an explanatory paragraph
regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
 
  The statements in this prospectus under the captions "Risk Factors -- Our
Proprietary Technology is a Crucial Part of Our Business -- We Do Not Have Any
Patents on Our Proprietary Technology," "Risk Factors-- Our Proprietary
Technology is a Crucial Part of Our Business -- Our Technology May Infringe on
the Proprietary Rights of Third Parties" and "Business -- Patents and
Proprietary Rights" relating to patent matters have been reviewed and approved
by Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP, Los Angeles, California, patent counsel to
Careside, as experts on such matters, and are included herein in reliance upon
that review and approval.
 
                       WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
 
  Our fiscal year ends on December 31. We will file annual, quarterly and
current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other
information on file at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. You
can request copies of those documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by
writing to the SEC.
 
  We have filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC. This
prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain
all of the information included in the registration statement. Certain
information is omitted. You should refer to the registration statement and its
exhibits. With respect to references made in this prospectus to any contract or
other document relating to us, such references are not necessarily complete.
You should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for
copies of the actual contract or document. You may review a copy of the
registration statement at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C.,
and at the SEC's regional offices in Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation
of the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings, including the registration
statement, can also be reviewed by accessing the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
CARESIDE, INC.:
  Report of Independent Public Accountants.................................  F-2
  Balance Sheets...........................................................  F-3
  Statements of Operations.................................................  F-4
  Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit).............................  F-5
  Statements of Cash Flows.................................................  F-6
  Notes to Financial Statements............................................  F-7
PREDECESSOR BUSINESS:
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................. F-14
  Statement of Operations.................................................. F-15
  Notes to Statement of Operations......................................... F-16
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
  After the recapitalization referred to in Note 2 to the Financial Statements
is effected, we will be in a position to render the following report.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pa.,
  January 29, 1999
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Careside, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Careside, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation in the development stage) as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the
related statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows
for the period from inception (July 10, 1996) to December 31, 1996, the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the period from inception (July 10, 1996)
to December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Careside, Inc. as of December
31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
period from inception (July 10, 1996) to December 31, 1996, the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the period from inception (July 10, 1996) to
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
financial statements, the Company will require significant funding to continue
operations, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described
in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to
the recoverability and classification of asset carrying amounts or the amount
and classification of liabilities that might result should the Company be
unable to continue as a going concern.
 
Philadelphia, Pa.,
  January 20, 1999 (except for the 
   recapitalization discussed in Note 2, as
   to which the date is               , 1999)
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
                         (a development-stage company)
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                           December 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                        1997          1998
                                                     -----------  ------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
                       ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 1,237,149  $  3,926,603
  Prepaid expenses and other........................     226,580       251,698
                                                     -----------  ------------
    Total current assets............................   1,463,729     4,178,301
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net.........................   1,578,727     3,216,959
DEFERRED OFFERING COSTS.............................         --        498,443
DEPOSITS............................................      97,767        17,700
                                                     -----------  ------------
                                                     $ 3,140,223  $  7,911,403
                                                     ===========  ============
        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt................. $       --   $    186,998
  Accounts payable..................................     492,985     1,369,889
  Accrued expenses..................................     209,631       160,439
                                                     -----------  ------------
    Total current liabilities.......................     702,616     1,717,326
                                                     -----------  ------------
LONG-TERM DEBT......................................         --      2,044,932
                                                     -----------  ------------
COMMITMENTS (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued..........................         --            --
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares
   authorized, 3,365,400 and 5,084,340 shares issued
   and outstanding..................................      33,654        50,843
  Additional paid-in capital........................  10,372,907    21,003,545
  Deficit accumulated during development stage......  (7,968,954)  (16,905,243)
                                                     -----------  ------------
    Total stockholders' equity......................   2,437,607     4,149,145
                                                     -----------  ------------
                                                     $ 3,140,223  $  7,911,403
                                                     ===========  ============
</TABLE>    
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
                         (a development-stage company)
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          For the Period                            For the Period
                               From                                      From
                             Inception         For the Year            Inception
                          (July 10, 1996)          Ended            (July 10, 1996)
                              Through          December 31,             Through
                           December 31,   ------------------------   December 31,
                               1996          1997         1998           1998
                          --------------- -----------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 Research and
  development...........    $ 1,561,847   $ 5,895,465  $ 8,297,974   $ 15,755,286
 General and
  administrative........         55,515       640,574      850,129      1,546,218
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
 Operating loss.........     (1,617,362)   (6,536,039)  (9,148,103)   (17,301,504)
INTEREST INCOME.........            --        213,585      234,089        447,674
INTEREST EXPENSE........        (20,809)       (8,329)     (22,275)       (51,413)
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
NET LOSS................    $(1,638,171)  $(6,330,783) $(8,936,289)  $(16,905,243)
                            ===========   ===========  ===========   ============
BASIC NET LOSS PER
 SHARE..................    $     (2.25)  $     (2.04) $     (1.93)
                            ===========   ===========  ===========
SHARES USED IN COMPUTING
 BASIC NET LOSS PER
 SHARE                          728,465     3,098,980    4,629,916
                            ===========   ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
                         (a development-stage company)
 
                  STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Deficit
                                                                     Accumulated
                           Common Stock    Additional      Stock        During          Total
                         -----------------   Paid-in    Subscription Development    Stockholders'
                          Shares   Amount    Capital     Receivable     Stage      Equity (Deficit)
                         --------- ------- -----------  ------------ ------------  ----------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>     <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
BALANCE, JULY 10, 1996
 (inception)............       --  $   --  $       --     $   --     $        --     $       --
 Shares issued to
  founders and
  management............   659,344   6,593      (6,593)       --              --             --
 Shares issued to
  SmithKline Beecham
  Corporation in
  connection with asset
  purchase..............    34,702     347     571,006        --              --         571,353
 Sale of shares to
  Exigent Partners,
  L.P...................   557,601   5,576      93,419    (98,995)            --             --
 Shares issued to
  investment banker in
  connection with equity
  financing.............    30,173     302        (302)       --              --             --
 Shares issued to
  SmithKline Beecham
  Corporation pursuant
  to antidilution
  agreement.............    30,935     310        (310)       --              --             --
 Net loss...............        --     --          --         --       (1,638,171)    (1,638,171)
                         --------- ------- -----------    -------    ------------    -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1996................... 1,312,755  13,128     657,220    (98,995)     (1,638,171)    (1,066,818)
 Shares issued in
  connection with
  private placement, net
  of expenses of
  $1,291,772             1,923,090  19,231   8,688,998        --              --       8,708,229
 Shares issued to
  SmithKline Beecham
  Corporation upon
  conversion of note
  payable...............   129,555   1,295   1,026,689        --              --       1,027,984
 Payment of stock
  subscription..........       --      --          --      98,995             --          98,995
 Net loss...............       --      --          --         --       (6,330,783)    (6,330,783)
                         --------- ------- -----------    -------    ------------    -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1997................... 3,365,400  33,654  10,372,907        --       (7,968,954)     2,437,607
 Shares issued in
  connection with
  private placement, net
  of expenses of
  $1,302,029............ 1,701,225  17,012  10,180,959        --              --      10,197,971
 Shares issued in
  connection with
  exercise of stock
  options...............    17,715     177     119,565        --              --         119,742
 Value of warrants
  issued in connection
  with bridge
  financing.............       --      --      330,114        --              --         330,114
 Net loss...............       --      --          --         --       (8,936,289)    (8,936,289)
                         --------- ------- -----------    -------    ------------    -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31,
 1998 .................. 5,084,340 $50,843 $21,003,545    $   --     $(16,905,243)   $ 4,149,145
                         ========= ======= ===========    =======    ============    ===========
</TABLE>    
 
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
                         (a development-stage company)
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          For the Period                            For the Period
                               From                                      From
                             Inception                                 Inception
                          (July 10, 1996)   For the Year Ended      (July 10, 1996)
                              Through          December 31,             Through
                           December 31,   ------------------------   December 31,
                               1996          1997         1998           1998
                          --------------- -----------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net loss...............    $(1,638,171)  $(6,330,783) $(8,936,289)  $(16,905,243)
 Adjustments to
  reconcile net loss to
  net cash used in
  operating activities--
  Depreciation..........         12,275       145,858      367,231        525,364
  Imputed interest on
   note payable.........            --          8,329          --           8,329
  Amortization of debt
   discount.............            --            --        20,960         20,960
 Changes in assets and
  liabilities--
  Increase in prepaid
   expenses and other...        (15,840)     (210,740)     (25,118)      (251,698)
  Decrease (increase) in
   deposits.............       (102,700)       19,933       80,067         (2,700)
  Increase in accounts
   payable..............        284,079       208,906      876,904      1,369,889
  Increase (decrease) in
   accrued expenses.....        575,301      (346,014)     (49,192)       180,095
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
  Net cash used in
   operating
   activities...........       (885,056)   (6,504,511)  (7,665,437)   (15,055,004)
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Purchases of property
  and equipment.........       (344,733)     (888,510)  (2,005,463)    (3,238,706)
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net borrowings
  (repayments) on line
  of credit.............        400,000      (400,000)         --             --
 Proceeds from issuance
  of notes..............      1,000,000           --     2,541,084      3,541,084
 Deferred offering
  costs.................       (191,906)          --      (498,443)      (690,349)
 Proceeds from the
  issuance of Common
  stock.................            --      8,900,134   10,317,713     19,217,847
 Payment of stock
  subscription..........            --         98,995          --          98,995
 Cash received from
  SmithKline Beecham
  Corporation in
  connection with asset
  purchase..............         52,736           --           --          52,736
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
  Net cash provided by
   financing
   activities...........      1,260,830     8,599,129   12,360,354     22,220,313
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND
 CASH EQUIVALENTS.......         31,041     1,206,108    2,689,454      3,926,603
CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING
 OF YEAR................            --         31,041    1,237,149            --
                            -----------   -----------  -----------   ------------
CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS, END OF
 YEAR...................    $    31,041   $ 1,237,149  $ 3,926,603   $  3,926,603
                            ===========   ===========  ===========   ============
</TABLE>
 
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 CARESIDE, INC.
                         (a development-stage company)
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. CARESIDE:
 
Background
 
  Careside, Inc., formerly Exigent Diagnostics, Inc., is focused on designing
products intended to perform routine diagnostic blood tests in doctors'
offices, hospital rooms, patient homes or anywhere a patient is receiving
medical attention. Careside's first product in development is a compact
portable device with related disposables that performs chemistry,
electrochemistry, immunochemistry and coagulation testing.
 
Development-Stage Risks and Liquidity
 
  Careside was incorporated in July 1996 to acquire an ongoing, point-of-care
("POC") testing, development-stage product from SmithKline Beecham Corporation
and its affiliates ("SmithKline") and to complete the development of and to
manufacture, market and distribute POC diagnostic products. Since its
inception, Careside has generated no revenues and incurred significant losses.
Careside anticipates incurring additional losses over at least the next several
years, and such losses are expected to increase as Careside expands its
research and development activities. Substantial financing will be needed by
Careside to fund its operations and to commercially develop its products. The
ability of Careside to commercialize its products will depend on, among other
things, the relative cost to the customer of Careside's products compared to
alternative products, its ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and
to manufacture the products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices,
and its ability to market and distribute its products. There can be no
assurance that Careside's research and development efforts will be successful
or that any products developed by Careside will receive regulatory clearance or
be profitable in the marketplace.
 
  The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
principles of accounting applicable to a going concern. These principles
contemplate the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in
the normal course of business. As shown in the accompanying financial
statements, Careside incurred a net loss of $8,936,289 and used cash for
operating activities of $7,665,437 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Management believes that Careside's existing sources of liquidity together with
the proceeds to be received from its initial public offering (the "Offering")
contemplated in this prospectus will be sufficient to fund its planned
operations into 2000. There can be no assurance that the Offering will be
successful.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Careside considers all highly liquid investments consisting of purchases with
an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment capitalized
under capital leases are recorded at the present value of the minimum lease
payments due over the lease term. Depreciation and amortization are provided
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related
assets or the lease term, whichever is shorter. Careside uses lives of three to
five years for research and manufacturing equipment and five to seven years for
office equipment.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  Cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other current assets,
accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected in the accompanying
financial statements at fair value due to the short-term nature of those
instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value on
the balance sheet dates.
 
Research and Development
 
  Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
Income Taxes
 
  Careside follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS No. 109, the liability method is
used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax
rates that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse.
 
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
 
  Careside applies Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," in accounting for its stock
options. Careside follows the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which permits pro forma disclosure
of the net loss using a fair value-based method of accounting for employee
stock option plans (see Note 8).
 
Net Loss Per Common Share
 
  Careside has presented net loss per share pursuant to SFAS No. 128, "Earnings
per Share," and the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 98. Net loss per share is computed using the weighted average
number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the
period.
 
  Basic loss per share was computed by dividing net loss applicable to common
shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of Common stock
outstanding during the period. Dilutive loss per share has not been presented,
since the impact on loss per share using the treasury stock method is anti-
dilutive due to Careside's losses.
 
Recapitalization
 
  In          1999, Careside's stockholders approved a 1-for-5.2 reverse stock
split of Careside's Common stock. All references in the accompanying financial
statements to the number of shares and per share amounts have been
retroactively restated to reflect the reverse stock split.
 
Recently Issued Pronouncements
 
  In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement requires companies to
classify items of other comprehensive income
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the
stockholders' equity section of the balance sheet. SFAS No. 130 is effective
for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997. Management believes that SFAS No. 130 will not have a material adverse
effect on Careside's financial statements.
 
  In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes additional
standards for segment reporting in the financial statements and is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Management is currently
evaluating the need to make additional disclosures under SFAS No. 131. However,
this statement will not have any effect on Careside's reported financial
position or results of operations.
 
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                            1997        1998
                                                         ----------  ----------
    <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
    Laboratory equipment................................ $1,280,663  $3,264,286
    Leasehold improvements..............................    371,239     371,239
    Computer and office equipment.......................     84,958     106,798
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                          1,736,860   3,742,323
    Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization......   (158,133)   (525,364)
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                         $1,578,727  $3,216,959
                                                         ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Depreciation and amortization expense for the period from inception (July 10,
1996) through December 31, 1996, the years ended 1997 and 1998, and the period
from inception (July 10, 1996) through December 31, 1998 was $12,275, $145,858,
$367,231 and $525,364, respectively.
 
4. INCOME TAXES:
 
  At December 31, 1998, Careside had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $2,148,000. In addition, Careside
has federal research and development credit carryforwards of approximately
$225,000. The net operating loss and credit carryforwards begin to expire in
2011 and are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue
Service. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contains provisions that may limit the net
operating loss carryforwards available to be used in any given year in the
event of significant changes in ownership interest.
 
  The approximate income tax effect of each type of temporary difference and
carryforward is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                            1997        1998
                                                         ----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>
Net operating loss carryforwards........................ $  233,188  $  730,438
Research and development credit carryforwards...........    128,623     224,775
Capitalized research and development....................  2,219,926   4,395,926
Start-up costs..........................................    185,906     419,936
Nondeductible accruals..................................      8,779       6,663
Nondeductible depreciation and amortization.............     53,765     178,623
Valuation allowance..................................... (2,830,187) (5,956,361)
                                                         ----------  ----------
                                                         $      --   $      --
                                                         ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the deferred tax asset,
Careside has provided a full valuation allowance against this asset.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
5. COMMON STOCK PRIVATE PLACEMENTS:
   
  In March 1997, Careside completed a private placement (the "1997 Private
Placement") of 1,923,090 shares of its Common stock at $5.20 per share. The
1997 Private Placement raised approximately $8,800,000, net of the placement
agent's commission and offering costs. In connection with the 1997 Private
Placement, the placement agent and its affiliates received warrants to purchase
384,615 shares of Careside's Common stock at $5.20 per share. These warrants
are currently exercisable and expire on the later of seven years from the date
of issuance or three years from the closing the Offering.     
   
  In June 1998, Careside completed a private placement (the "1998 Private
Placement") of 1,701,225 shares of its Common stock at $6.76 per share, which
generated net proceeds of approximately $10,200,000. In connection with the
1998 Private Placement, the placement agent and its affiliates received
warrants to purchase 340,237 shares of Careside's Common stock at $6.76 per
share. These warrants are currently exercisable and expire on the later of
seven years from the date of issuance or three years from the closing of the
Offering. In connection with providing financial consulting services for the
1998 Private Placement, Careside granted an option to purchase 1,154 shares of
Common stock at $.05 per share to an entity owned by a director of Careside.
    
6. TRANSACTIONS WITH SMITHKLINE:
   
  On November 7, 1996, Careside and SmithKline entered into an Asset Purchase
Agreement (the "Agreement") under which Careside acquired certain assets and
intangible property related to SmithKline's POC business in exchange for a 5%
equity interest in Careside. In connection with the Agreement, SmithKline
loaned Careside $1,000,000, which was converted into an additional 2% equity
interest in Careside upon the closing of the 1997 Private Placement (see Note
5). The Agreement provided for certain antidilution protection, which required
Careside to issue additional shares of Common stock to SmithKline such that it
maintained its 7% ownership interest, until a defined equity financing was
completed. Upon the closing of the 1997 Private Placement, the antidilution
protection lapsed and SmithKline owned 195,192 shares, representing 5.8% of the
then outstanding Common stock. The tangible property received in connection
with the Agreement was as follows:     
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                             <C>
       Cash........................................................... $ 52,736
       Property and equipment.........................................  503,617
       Deposit........................................................   15,000
                                                                       --------
                                                                       $571,353
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
  In December 1998, Careside entered into an agreement with an affiliate of
SmithKline for up to $3,000,000 of bridge financing (see Note 7).
7. DEBT:
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               December 31,
                                                            ------------------
                                                             1997      1998
                                                            ------- ----------
   <S>                                                      <C>     <C>
   Note payable, interest at 8%, $1,500,000 due on January
    31, 1999,
    net of unamortized discount of $309,154................ $   --  $1,190,846
   Equipment loan due to finance company, interest at 14%,
    due in 47
    remaining monthly installments of principal and
    interest
    of $26,836, with a final payment of $133,489 in
    December 2002..........................................     --   1,041,084
                                                            ------- ----------
                                                                     2,231,930
   Less--Current portion...................................     --    (186,998)
                                                            ------- ----------
   Long-term debt.......................................... $   --  $2,044,932
                                                            ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  In connection with the Agreement (see Note 6), Careside borrowed $1,000,000
from SmithKline. In connection with closing the 1997 Private Placement (see
Note 5), 129,555 shares of Common stock were issued to SmithKline upon the
conversion of the $1,000,000 note plus accrued interest of $27,985.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
   
  In December 1996, Careside established a $1,000,000 line of credit facility
with a bank collateralized by a standby letter of credit guaranteed by Exigent
Partners, L.P. ("Exigent Partners"), whose partners are the founders of
Careside and an affiliate of the private placement agent. In consideration for
the establishment of the standby letter of credit, Exigent Partners was issued
557,601 shares of Common stock at $0.18 per share. The balance outstanding
under the line at December 31, 1996 was $400,000, with interest at 9.25% per
year. The line was repaid in connection with the 1997 Private Placement.     
 
  In December 1998, Careside entered into a $2,500,000 facility with an
equipment lease financing company. Borrowings under the facility will be
evidenced as separate loans and will be secured by specific equipment assets.
Each equipment loan will have a 48-month term and bears interest at
approximately 14% per year, adjusted for an index rate based on 48-month U.S.
Treasury Notes at the time of borrowing.
 
  In December 1998, Careside entered into an agreement with an affiliate of
SmithKline for up to $3,000,000 of bridge financing, of which $1,500,000 was
drawn on December 28, 1998. The remaining $1,500,000 may be drawn, at
Careside's option, prior to January 31, 1999. The outstanding principal under
the bridge financing matures upon the earliest of the completion of the
Offering, a private equity financing of at least $8,000,000 or January 31,
2000. Careside issued a warrant (the "Bridge Warrant") in connection with the
bridge financing. The Bridge Warrant is exercisable into that number of shares
of Common stock which is equal to $750,000 divided by 85% of the Offering price
per share (98,039 shares based on an assumed Offering price of $9.00 per
share). The Bridge Warrant has an exercise price equal to 85% of the Offering
price. If the Offering does not occur, the Bridge Warrant is exercisable into
103,022 shares of Common stock at an exercise price of $7.28 per share. If the
outstanding principal under the bridge financing is not repaid by June 30,
1999, the Bridge Warrant becomes exercisable for twice as many shares of Common
stock. The Bridge Warrant becomes exercisable on the earlier of December 1999
or six months after the completion of the Offering and expires on the earlier
of December 2005 or four years after the completion of the Offering. Using the
Black-Scholes model, the estimated fair value of the Bridge Warrant was
calculated at $330,114 and was recorded as a reduction in the carrying amount
of the bridge note, with a corresponding increase in stockholders' equity. The
discount on the bridge note is being amortized over the estimated term of the
note as additional interest expense.
 
  Future maturities of debt at December 31, 1998 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                           <C>
       1999......................................................... $  186,998
       2000.........................................................  1,715,141
       2001.........................................................    247,520
       2002.........................................................    391,425
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      2,541,084
       Less--Unamortized discount...................................   (309,154)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                     $2,231,930
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Careside borrowed the remaining $1,500,000 under the Bridge Financing in
January 1999.
 
8. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS:
 
Stock Options
 
  Careside has adopted the 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
and the 1996 Key Executive Stock Option Plan (together, the "Plans"), which
provide for the granting of options to purchase up to 576,923 shares of Common
stock to directors, officers, consultants and employees of Careside. The number
of options to be granted and the option prices are determined by the Board of
Directors in accordance with the terms of the Plans. Each option expires on
such date as the Board of Directors may determine.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
  For purposes of SFAS No. 123 disclosure requirements, the fair value of each
option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model using the following assumptions for options granted during 1997
and 1998: weighted average risk-free interest rate of 6.41% and 5.56%; expected
weighted average life of 6.7 and 7.0 years; dividend yield of zero; and
volatility of zero. The weighted average fair value of each option granted
during 1997 and 1998 was $1.72 and $2.20, respectively. Had the compensation
cost of these options been recorded for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
1998, the Company's net loss would have increased by approximately $28,000 and
$316,000, respectively.
 
  Information with respect to options under the Plans is as follows:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                           Options Outstanding
                                      ------------------------------
                           Available             Price    Aggregate
                           for Grant  Shares   Per Share    Price
                           ---------  -------  ---------- ----------
<S>                        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Balance, inception (July
 10, 1996)................      --        --   $      --  $      --
  Authorized..............  576,923       --          --         --
                           --------   -------  ---------- ----------
Balance, December 31,
 1996.....................  576,923       --          --         --
  Granted................. (317,163)  317,163   .05--7.44  1,741,122
                           --------   -------  ---------- ----------
Balance, December 31,
 1997.....................  259,760   317,163   .05--7.44  1,741,122
  Granted................. (111,950)  111,950  6.76--7.28    762,782
  Cancelled...............      673      (673)       5.20     (3,500)
  Exercised...............      --    (17,715)       6.76   (119,753)
                           --------   -------  ---------- ----------
Balance, December 31,
 1998.....................  148,483   410,725  $.05--7.28 $2,380,651
                           ========   =======  ========== ==========
</TABLE>    
   
  As of December 31, 1998, 198,343 options were exercisable at prices ranging
from $.05 to $7.28 per share, with a weighted average exercise price of $5.70
per share. At December 31, 1998, the aggregate exercise price of these options
was $1,129,802.     
 
Stock Warrants
 
  The following table summarizes outstanding warrants at December 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
     Type of             Outstanding                 Exercise
     Warrants             Warrants                    Price                   Issuance Date
     --------            -----------                 --------                 -------------
   <S>                   <C>                         <C>                      <C>
   Common stock            384,615                    $5.20                   February 1997
   Common stock            340,237                    $6.76                   April 1998
   Common stock             98,039                    $7.65                   December 1998
                           -------
                           822,891
                           =======
</TABLE>    
 
  The warrants issued in March 1997 and June 1998 are currently exercisable and
expire on the later of seven years from the date of issuance or three years
from the closing of the Offering. The number of warrants outstanding and the
exercise price of the Bridge Warrant issued in December 1998 is based on an
assumed Offering price of $9.00 per share. If the outstanding principal under
the bridge financing is not repaid by June 30, 1999, the Bridge Warrant becomes
exercisable for twice as many shares of Common stock. The Bridge Warrant
becomes exercisable on the earlier of December 1999 or six months after the
completion of the Offering and expires on the earlier of December 2005 or four
years after the completion of the Offering.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
9. COMMITMENTS:
 
Leases
 
  Careside leases an office and laboratory facility under a noncancelable
operating lease. Rent expense for the period from inception (July 10, 1996)
through December 31, 1996, the years ended 1997 and 1998, and the period from
inception (July 10, 1996) through December 31, 1998 was $26,126, $156,756,
$156,756 and $339,638, respectively. Future minimum rental payments under these
leases at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                              <C>
       1999............................................................  167,440
       2000............................................................  177,040
       2001............................................................  152,200
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $496,680
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
Collaborative Arrangements
 
  Careside has utilized strategic partners with specific design expertise and
state-of-the-art technology in order to develop the Careside system rapidly and
on a cost-effective basis. Careside has agreements with (i) Fuji Photo Film
Co., Ltd. for the supply of its dry film based chemistry reagents during the
Careside system's development stage, (ii) Diagnostic Reagents, Inc. to supply
immunochemistry reagents and technology during the Careside system's
development stage, (iii) International Technidyne Corporation for the joint
development of coagulation reagents and (iv) UMM Electronics, Inc. to design
and manufacture the CareSide Analyzer. In addition, Careside contracted with
Hauser, Inc. for the design of the Careside system and with Battelle Memorial
Institute for the design of the system's disposable test cartridges and their
automated assembly manufacturing system. Careside's agreements with its
strategic partners do not obligate Careside to any minimum purchase
commitments.
 
Employment Agreements
 
  Careside has entered into three-year renewable employment agreements with
three of its executive officers that provide for aggregate annual compensation
of approximately $539,000.
 
10.RETIREMENT PLAN:
 
  Careside maintains a 401(k) profit sharing plan on behalf of its employees.
Participation in the plan is voluntary and eligible employees, as defined, may
contribute up to 15% of their compensation to the plan. Careside matches 50% of
the employee's contribution up to 4% of an employee's compensation. Careside's
contributions were zero, $32,315, $34,657 and $66,972 for the period from
inception (July 10, 1996) through December 31, 1996, the years ended 1997 and
1998, and the period from inception (July 10, 1996) through December 31, 1998,
respectively.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Careside, Inc:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statement of operations for the ten months
ended October 31, 1996 of the Predecessor Business (see Note 1). This financial
statement is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  The statement of operations has been prepared for the purpose of complying
with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (for
inclusion in the Form S-1 filing of Careside, Inc.) as described in Note 1 and
is not intended to be a complete presentation of the financial results of the
Predecessor Business.
 
  In our opinion, the statement of operations referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of the Predecessor
Business for the ten months ended October 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pa.,
  October 16, 1998
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
                         PREDECESSOR BUSINESS (NOTE 1)
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Ten Months
                                                                      Ended
                                                                   October 31,
                                                                      1996
                                                                   -----------
<S>                                                                <C>
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Research and development........................................ $ 3,054,503
  General and administrative......................................     224,399
                                                                   -----------
NET LOSS.......................................................... $(3,278,902)
                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
                              PREDECESSOR BUSINESS
 
                        NOTES TO STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
  Careside, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on July 12, 1996, and had no
operations until the purchase of certain assets from SmithKline Beecham
Corporation ("SmithKline") on November 7, 1996. The assets were acquired in
exchange for an equity interest in Careside. The assets acquired are referred
to as the "Predecessor Business." In connection with Careside's initial public
offering as contemplated in this Prospectus, the accompanying financial
statement has been prepared to comply with the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
  The statement of operations represents the research and development and
related general and administrative expenses incurred by the Predecessor
Business in connection with the technology and know-how acquired by Careside.
The development of the technology related to the Predecessor Business commenced
in 1994.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
 
Research and Development
 
  Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
Transactions with SmithKline
 
  For the ten months ended October 31, 1996, SmithKline allocated corporate
overhead to the Predecessor Business of $55,118 for employee benefits and other
corporate services. These allocations were based on actual payroll expense
incurred by the Predecessor Business and the estimated cost of services
provided by SmithKline. Management believes the method of allocation of such
expenses is reasonable and that the Predecessor Business would not have
incurred any other material costs if it had operated on a stand alone basis. In
addition, SmithKline funded approximately $7,450,000 of operating losses and
capital expenditures since the commencement of the Predecessor Business for
which no interest charge has been reflected in the statement of operations.
 
Cash Flow Information
 
  For the ten months ended October 31, 1996, cash used in operations was
$3,233,423 and purchases of property and equipment were $242,507.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                              [Inside Back Cover]
 
                        ROUTINE BLOOD ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             THE TRADITIONAL WAY                 [Careside Logo] THE CARESIDE SOLUTION
<S>              <C> <C>                       <C>                 <C>
[Drawings of         At hospital or            1. [Photos of       Draw blood. Place a
Traditional      1   commercial lab,           Cartridge and Blood few drops of whole
Blood Testing        caregiver or              Test]               blood into the
Procedures]          phlebotomist draws blood                      cartridge sample well.
                     sample.
                     Technicians properly
                 2   package and store blood
                     sample for transport.
                     Hospitals hand-carry      2. [Photos of       Using the touch-screen
                     multiple samples to the   CareSide Analyzer   or keyboard, input
                 3   clinical lab. Commercial  and Test Menu]      demographic
                     laboratories receive                          information and select
                     samples via ground                            tests to be performed.
                     and/or air courier.                           Insert appropriate
                                                                   cartridges and press
                                                                   start.
                 4   Lab technicians receive
                     and log the samples.
                 5   Samples are then          3. [Photos of Test  10 to 15 minutes
                     separated for different   Results and Test    later, CareSide
                     testing stations.         Analysis]           Analyzer provides test
                                                                   results via print
                                                                   card, screen and/or
                                                                   electronic data
                                                                   transfer. Caregiver
                                                                   can immediately review
                                                                   data with patient.
                     Technicians centrifuge
                 6   the samples to separate
                     whole blood into serum
                     and plasma.
                     Skilled technologists
                 7   prepare various large,
                     high-volume analyzers
                     for batch processing and
                     run the tests.
                     Skilled technologists     CareSide Analyzer: 10 to 15 Minutes
                 8   review results to assure
                     that they pass quality    Hospital lab: Typically 4 to 6 Hours
                     control checks.
                                               Commercial lab: Typically 24 Hours
                     Data is transferred to
                 9   laboratory information
                     systems and into QA/QC
                     records.
                 10  Data is disseminated to
                     the caregivers.
                 11  Caregiver reviews the
                     data and reconciles it
                     with patient charts.
                     Caregiver calls patient
                 12  to report results and to
                     order additional therapy
                     or schedule follow-up
                     visit if required.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any
information or represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must
not rely on any unauthorized information. This prospectus does not offer to
sell or buy any shares in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful. The
information in this prospectus is current as of        , 1999.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................................................   3
Risk Factors.............................................................   7
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements........................  13
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  14
Dividend Policy..........................................................  14
Capitalization...........................................................  15
Dilution.................................................................  16
Selected Financial Data..................................................  17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  18
Business.................................................................  22
Management...............................................................  42
Principal Stockholders...................................................  51
Certain Transactions.....................................................  52
Description of Capital Stock.............................................  55
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  60
Underwriting.............................................................  62
Legal Matters............................................................  65
Experts..................................................................  65
Where You Can Get More Information.......................................  65
Index to Financial Statements............................................ F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
  Until     , 1999 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers
that buy, sell or trade these securities, whether or not participating in this
offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the
dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and
with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              [LOGO OF CARESIDE]
 
 
 
                               2,800,000 Shares
 
                                 Common Stock
 
                               ----------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                               ----------------
 
                             Fahnestock & Co. Inc.
                           Wedbush Morgan Securities
                       Southeast Research Partners, Inc.
 
                                       , 1999
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
 
  The following table sets forth an itemization of all estimated expenses, all
of which we will pay, in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities being registered:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Nature of Expense                                                   Amount
   -----------------                                                 ----------
   <S>                                                               <C>
   SEC Registration Fee............................................. $    9,174
   Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee...............................     72,875
   NASD Fee.........................................................      3,720
   Printing and engraving fees......................................    150,000
   Registrant's counsel fees and expenses...........................    320,000
   Accounting fees and expenses.....................................    125,000
   Spencer Trask Fee................................................    100,000
   Underwriters' Expenses...........................................    250,000
   Blue Sky expenses and counsel fees...............................     25,000
   Transfer agent and registrar fees................................      8,000
   Miscellaneous....................................................     36,231
                                                                     ----------
     TOTAL.......................................................... $1,100,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
 
  Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter")
provides that we shall indemnify and advance expenses to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), as
amended from time to time, to each person who is or was one of our directors or
officers and the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Any
expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by a person who is or was one of
our directors or officers, and the heirs, executors and administrators of such
a person in connection with defending any such proceeding in advance of its
final disposition shall be paid by us; provided, however, that if the DGCL
requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his capacity
as a director or officer, and not in any other capacity in which service was or
is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an
employee benefit plan, shall be made only upon delivery to us of an undertaking
by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced, if it
shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be
indemnified for such expenses. Notwithstanding the aforementioned
indemnification provisions, we may, at the discretion of our Chief Executive
Officer, enter into indemnification agreements with directors or officers.
 
  Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation has the power to
indemnify any director or officer, or former director or officer, who was or is
a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative
or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation,
by reason of the fact that such director or officer or former director or
officer is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation,
against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding, if such person shall have acted in good faith and
in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
provided that such person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct
was unlawful, except that, if such action shall be in the right of the
corporation, no such indemnification shall be provided as to any claim, issue
or matter as to which such person shall have been judged to have been liable to
the corporation unless and to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware, or any court in which such suit or action was brought, shall
determine upon application that, in view of all of the circumstances of the
case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses as such court shall deem proper.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
  The Charter, which will be filed prior to the completion of our initial
public offering of securities, contains a provision to limit the personal
liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7)
of the DGCL, as amended. In addition, the Amended and Restated By-Laws, which
will become effective prior to the completion of the offering of securities,
provide that we shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
other than an action by us or in our right, by reason of the fact that he is or
was one of our directors, officers, employees or agents, or is or was serving
at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful. See Exhibit 3.1c, "Form of Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Careside, Inc."
 
  As permitted by the DGCL, the Charter, which will be filed prior to the
completion of the offering, provides that, subject to certain limited
exceptions, none of our directors shall be liable to us or our stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our
stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) for the unlawful
payment of dividends on or redemption or repurchase of our capital stock or (4)
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The effect of this provision is to limit our ability and our
stockholders' ability through stockholder derivative suits on our behalf, to
recover monetary damages against a director for the breach of certain fiduciary
duties as a director, including breaches resulting from grossly negligent
conduct. In addition, the Charter and Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that
we shall, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, indemnify all of our
directors and officers and that we may, to the extent permitted by the DGCL,
indemnify our employees and agents.
 
  We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including civil liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
 
  Since our formation in July 1996, we have issued the following securities,
giving retroactive effect to a 1-for-5.2 reverse stock split to be effected in
connection with the offering described in the prospectus, without registration
under the Securities Act:
     
  1. In July 1996 and October 1996, we issued an aggregate of 659,344 shares
     of common stock to our founder group for no consideration.     
 
  2. In November 1996, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, SmithKline
     Beecham Diagnostics Systems Co. and SmithKline Beecham Clinical
     Laboratories, Inc. sold us certain fixed and intangible assets used in
     connection with our point-of-care development program. As consideration
     for the purchase of the assets, we issued to SBDS 34,702 shares of
     common stock, representing 5% of our total common stock outstanding at
     that time.
     
  3. In December 1996, in connection with the establishment of a $1.0 million
     working capital facility, we issued Exigent Partners, L.P. 557,601
     shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $98,995. In
     the same month, we issued (1) 30,935 shares of common stock to
     SmithKline Beecham Corporation pursuant to certain anti-dilution
     protections granted to SmithKline Beecham Corporation in connection with
     a credit facility and asset transfer and (2) 30,173 shares of common
     stock to Philip B. Smith for the investment banking services he provided
     in connection with our equity financing.     
 
  4. In January 1997, our credit facility from SmithKline Beecham
     Corporation, pursuant to its terms, was converted into 129,555 shares of
     common stock, representing 2% of our total common stock outstanding at
     that time.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
     
  5. In March 1997, we completed a private placement of securities through
     Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated which resulted in our issuance of
     1,923,090 shares of common stock at $5.20 per share to 203 investors who
     were deemed to be accredited investors under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D
     of the Securities Act of 1933 based upon representations made to us by
     such investors. In connection with the private placement in February
     1997, we issued warrants to Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated to
     purchase 384,615 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.20
     per share as partial consideration for its services in the private
     placement. These warrants expire three (3) years after closing of the
     offering. Of the proceeds of this private placement, which totalled in
     the aggregate approximately $10 million, we received approximately $9
     million with the remainder paid as a commission to Spencer Trask for its
     services in the private placement.     
     
  6. In February 1997, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
     256,368 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-
     Qualified Stock Option Plan and 1996 Key Executive Stock Option Plan
     (collectively, the "1996 Stock Option Plans") to ten employees and
     directors. The weighted average per share exercise price of these stock
     options is $5.29.     
 
  7. In May 1997, we granted stock options to purchase 192 shares of common
     stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan to
     one employee. The per share exercise price of these stock options is
     $5.20.
     
  8. In June 1997, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
     31,731 shares of common stock under our 1996 Stock Option Plans to an
     individual who was both one of our employees. The per share exercise
     price of these stock options is $6.76.     
 
  9. In August 1997, we granted Cedar Capital Investors, options to purchase
     1,154 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.052 per share.
     These options remain exercisable until August 8, 2007. These options
     were granted to Cedar Capital Investors in consideration for providing
     certain financial consulting services to us in connection with a private
     placement of securities in 1998.
     
  10. In December 1997, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      27,718 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-
      Qualified Stock Option Plan to 20 employees. The weighted average per
      share exercise price of these stock options is $6.09.     
 
  11. In January 1998, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      1,923 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified
      Stock Option Plan to one employee. The per share exercise price of
      these stock options is $6.76.
     
  12. In February 1998, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      13,700 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-
      Qualified Stock Option Plan to one employee and five non-employee
      directors. The per share exercise price of these stock options is
      $6.76.     
     
  13. In May 1998, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      17,715 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-
      Qualified Stock Option Plan to 18 employees which were immediately
      exercised. The per share exercise price of these stock options was
      $6.76 per share.     
     
  14. In June 1998, we completed a second private placement of securities
      through Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated which resulted in our
      issuance of 1,701,225 shares of common stock at $6.76 per share to 311
      investors, of whom 101 invested in the 1997 private placement of
      securities, who were deemed to be accredited investors under Rule
      501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 based upon certain
      representations made to us by such investors. In connection with the
      private placement in 1998, we issued warrants to Spencer Trask
      Securities Incorporated to purchase 340,237 shares of common stock at
      an exercise price of $6.76 per share as partial consideration for our
      services in these private placements. These warrants expire three years
      from the date of closing of the offering. Of the proceeds of this
      private placement, which totalled in the aggregate approximately $11.5
      million, we received approximately $10 million with the remainder paid
      as a commission to Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated for its
      services in the private placement.     
     
  15. In July 1998, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      67,074 shares of common stock under our 1996 Stock Option Plans to 29
      employees two of whom are directors. The per share exercise price of
      these stock options is $6.76.     
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
     
  16. In November 1998, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      11,538 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-
      Qualified Stock Option Plan to six employees two of whom are directors.
      The per share exercise price of these stock options is $7.28.     
 
  17. In December 1998, we entered into a bridge loan agreement with S.R.
      One, Limited for a $3.0 million loan. Draw down of $1.5 million on this
      loan occured on December 28, 1998 with the remaining $1.5 million drawn
      down in January 1999. The bridge loan matures on the date of completion
      of the offering or January 31, 2000, whichever occurs sooner. The
      bridge loan carries an interest rate of 8% per annum. We issued a
      warrant to S.R. One, Limited which will be based upon the price of the
      offering, less a 15% discount as partial consideration for providing
      the bridge loan. Such warrant will not be exercisable until at least
      twelve months after completion of the offering.
 
  18. In January 1999, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of
      1,202 shares of common stock under our 1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified
      Stock Option Plan to one employee. The per share exercise price of
      these stock options is $8.00.
 
  We believe that the transactions described in paragraphs 1 through 18 above
were exempt from registration under Section 3(b) or 4(2) of the Securities Act
because the subject securities were either (1) issued pursuant to a
compensatory benefit plan pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act or (2)
issued to a limited group of persons, each of whom was believed to have been a
sophisticated investor or to have had a preexisting business or personal
relationship with us or our management and to have been purchasing for
investment without a view to further distribution. In addition, the recipients
of securities in each such transaction represented their intentions to acquire
the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed
to the share certificates issued in such transactions. All recipients had
adequate access, through their relationships with us, to information about us.
 
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
 
(a) Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No.                                              Description
- -----------                                              -----------
<S>          <C>
1.1*         Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1a*        Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Careside, Inc.
3.1b*        Form of Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Careside, Inc. (to be filed
             immediately prior to completion of the offering)
3.1c*        Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Careside, Inc. (effective upon
             the completion of the offering)
3.2a*        Amended and Restated Bylaws of Careside, Inc.
3.2b*        Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Careside, Inc. (effective upon completion of the offering)
4.1*         Specimen Stock Certificate
4.2*         Placement Agent Warrant Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 by and between
             Careside, Inc. and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated (including Form of Warrant)
4.3*         Placement Agent Warrant Agreement dated as of March 6, 1998 by and between Careside,
             Inc. and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated (including Form of Warrant)
4.4*         Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of December 17, 1998 by and between S.R. One,
             Limited and Careside, Inc. (including Form of Note)
             (as amended)
4.5*         Warrant Issued to S.R. One, Limited on December 17, 1998
4.6*         Form of Warrant Agreement to be dated as of the closing date of the offering, by and among Careside,
             Inc., Fahnestock & Co. Inc., Wedbush Morgan Securities, Inc. and Southeast Research Partners, Inc.
             (including Form of Warrant)
5.1*         Opinion of Pepper Hamilton LLP
10.1*        Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 7, 1996 by and among SmithKline
             Beecham Diagnostic Systems Co., SmithKline Beecham Corporation and Careside, Inc.
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit No.                             Description
 -----------                             -----------
 <C>         <S>
 10.2*       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 4, 1996 by and
             among Careside, Inc.,
             Exigent Partners, L.P., W. Vickery Stoughton, Thomas H. Grove,
             Kenneth B. Asarch,
             William S. Knight, Donald S. Wong, Ashok K. Sawhney and Philip B.
             Smith
 10.3*       Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of
             January 31, 1997 by and among
             Careside, Inc. Exigent Partners, L.P., W. Vickery Stoughton,
             Thomas H. Grove,
             Kenneth B. Asarch, William S. Knight, Donald S. Wong, Ashok K.
             Sawhney and Philip B. Smith
 10.4*       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 4, 1996 by and
             between Careside, Inc.
             and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
 10.5*       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 by and
             among Careside, Inc.
             and the Investors signatory thereto
 10.6*       Stockholders Agreement dated as of December 4, 1996 by and among
             the Careside, Inc.,
             SmithKline Beecham Corporation, SmithKline Beecham Diagnostic
             Systems Co., Spencer Trask
             Securities Incorporated, Exigent Partners, L.P., W. Vickery
             Stoughton, Thomas H. Grove,
             Kenneth B. Asarch, William S. Knight, Donald S. Wong, Ashok K.
             Sawhney, Philip B. Smith
             and each Investor signatory thereto
 10.7*       Consulting Agreement by and between Careside, Inc. and Cedar
             Capital Investors dated August 8, 1997
 10.8*       Employment Agreement dated as of March 3, 1997 between Careside,
             Inc. and W. Vickery Stoughton
 10.9*       Employment Agreement dated as of March 3, 1997 between Careside,
             Inc. and Thomas H. Grove
 10.10*      Employment Agreement dated as of July 30, 1998 between Careside,
             Inc. and James R. Koch
 10.11*      1996 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended and
             restated
 10.12*      1996 Key Executive Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated
 10.13*      1998 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
 10.14*      1998 Director Stock Option Plan
 10.15*      Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease-NET dated as of
             October 14, 1996,
             by and between Fox Hills Business Park, a California Limited
             Partnership and Careside, Inc.
 10.16*      Agreement dated as of August 23, 1996, by and between Fuji Photo
             Film Co., Ltd. and Careside, Inc.+
 10.17*      Agreement dated as of December 12, 1995, by and between United
             Medical Manufacturing
             Company and SmithKline Beecham Corporation and assignment
 10.18*      Product Development and Supply Agreement dated as of July 18,
             1997, by and between
             Careside, Inc. and UMM Electronics, Inc.
 10.19*      Agreement executed December 7, 1995 and February 28, 1996, by and
             between SmithKline
             Beecham Corporation and Hauser, Inc. and assignment
 10.20*      Agreement Number CP032284 Cost Type executed December 5 and 17,
             1996 by and between
             Battelle Memorial Institute and Careside, Inc.
 10.21*      Joint Research and Development Agreement dated as of October 28,
             1996 by and between
             Careside, Inc. and International Technidyne Corporation
 10.22       [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
 10.23*      Distribution and Supply Agreement dated as of November 7, 1996, by
             and between SmithKline
             Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc. and Careside, Inc, as amended
             on February 12, 1999.+
 10.24*      Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 7, 1996, by and
             among SmithKline Beecham
             Clinical Laboratories, Inc., SmithKline Beecham Diagnostic Systems
             Co. and Careside, Inc.
 10.25*      Loan and Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 1996, by and
             between Careside, Inc. and
             SmithKline Beecham Corporation
 10.26*      Placement Agency Agreement dated as of December 10, 1996, by and
             between Careside, Inc.
             and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
 10.27*      Placement Agency Agreement dated as of January 29, 1998, by and
             between Spencer Trask
             Securities Incorporated and Careside, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit No.                             Description
 -----------                             -----------
 <C>         <S>
 10.28*      Investment Banking Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997, by and
             between Careside, Inc.
             and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
 10.29*      Agreement of Limited Partnership of Exigent Partners, L.P. dated
             as of October 1996,
             by and between Kevin Kimberlin and those persons listed on
             Schedule A attached thereto
 10.30*      The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company Standardized 401(k)
             Salary Reduction Plan
             and Trust Prototype Plan Adoption Agreement Plan #008, effective
             January 1, 1997, by and
             between Careside, Inc. W. Vickery Stoughton and Thomas Grove
 10.31*      Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 10.32*      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 6, 1998 by and
             among Careside, Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto
 10.33*      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 6, 1998 by and
             between Careside, Inc. and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
 10.34*      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 17, 1998 by and
             between Careside, Inc. and S.R. One, Limited
 10.35*      Waiver Letter Agreement dated as of December 8, 1998 by and
             between Careside, Inc. and Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated
 23.1        Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
 23.2*       Consent of Pepper Hamilton LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
 23.3*       Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
 24.1*       Power of Attorney (included on Signature Pages)
 27.1*       Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
*  Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
+  Portions of these documents have been omitted pursuant to a request for
   confidential treatment. The material has been filed separately with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
(b) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
  Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because the information is included
in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
 
Item 17. Undertakings.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
      information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
      registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
      form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
      or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
      this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
  (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
      each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
      be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
      offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
      be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
  In addition, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements,
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by
the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 6 to
the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in Culver City, California, on the 19th day of
March, 1999.     
 
                                          CARESIDE, INC.
 
                                                  /s/ W. Vickery Stoughton
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    W. Vickery Stoughton
                                                  Chairman of the Board of
                                                         Directors
                                                and Chief Executive Officer
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 6 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
              Signature                          Title                   Date
              ---------                          -----                   ----
 
<S>                                    <C>                        <C>
       /s/ W. Vickery Stoughton        Chairman of the Board of     March 19, 1999
______________________________________  Directors, Chief
         W. Vickery Stoughton           Executive Officer and
                                        Director (principal
                                        executive officer)
 
         /s/ Thomas H. Grove           Executive Vice President--   March 19, 1999
______________________________________  Research and Development
           Thomas H. Grove              and Director
 
          /s/ James R. Koch            Chief Financial Officer,     March 19, 1999
______________________________________  Treasurer, Executive Vice
            James R. Koch               President and Director
                                        (principal financial and
                                        accounting officer)
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
          Anthony P. Brenner
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
          William F. Flatley
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
          Kenneth N. Kermes
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
          C. Alan MacDonald
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
             Diana Mackie
 
                  *                             Director            March 19, 1999
______________________________________
           Philip B. Smith
</TABLE>    
 
 
       /s/ W. Vickery Stoughton
*By: ________________________________
   W. Vickery Stoughton Attorney-in-
                 Fact
 
                                      II-8

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this 
S-1 Registration Statement.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pa.,
March 18, 1999


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