INTERNATIONAL REMOTE IMAGING SYSTEMS INC /DE/
S-3/A, 1998-08-18
LABORATORY ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
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<PAGE>   1
   
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 1998
                                                              File No. 333-48097
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                               ------------------
   
                               AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
    
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ------------------

                   INTERNATIONAL REMOTE IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                  DELAWARE                                 94-2579751
      (State or other jurisdiction of                   I.R.S. Employer
       incorporation or organization)                Identification Number)

                                9162 ETON AVENUE
                          CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA 91311
                                 (818) 709-1244
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
                               ------------------

        DR. FRED H. DEINDOERFER               Copies of communications sent to:
 PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER           DANIEL G. CHRISTOPHER, ESQ.
           9162 ETON AVENUE                    GUTH ROTHMAN & CHRISTOPHER LLP
      CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA 91311          10866 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 1250
            (818) 709-1244                     LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024
(Name and address of agent for service)               (310) 474-8809

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From
time to time after the effective date of the Registration Statement, as
determined by market conditions and the potential selling securityholders.

        If the only securities being registered on this form are to be offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

        If the only securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

        If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please 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 delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [ ]

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE               AMOUNT        OFFERING PRICE       AGGREGATE           AMOUNT OF
REGISTERED                        TO BE REGISTERED(1)  PER SHARE(2)    OFFERING PRICE(2)  REGISTRATION FEE(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                <C>               <C>                  <C>      
Common Stock, par value $.01
per share                             1,034,983          $4.1875           $4,333,991           $1,279   
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

(1)     Pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
        "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement also covers such
        additional securities as may become issuable to prevent dilution
        resulting from stock splits, stock dividends and similar events.
(2)     Pursuant to Rule 457(c), estimated solely for the purpose of calculating
        the registration fee on the basis of the average of the high ($4.250)
        and low ($4.125) per share sale prices of the Registrant's Common
        Stock on the American Stock Exchange on March 11, 1998.
   
(3)     Previously paid.
    

        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 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>   2

                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                                      ----------

   

                   INTERNATIONAL REMOTE IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC.

                        1,032,983 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK


        The potential selling stockholders listed in the Table of Selling
Stockholders beginning on page 11 (the "Selling Stockholders") may use this
Prospectus to periodically offer for resale up to 1,032,983 shares of Common
Stock of International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc. (the "Company"). The Selling
Stockholders may elect to sell none, some or all of the shares set forth next to
their name in the table. The shares of Common Stock covered by this Prospectus
consist of 208,450 shares previously issued upon the exercise of various
warrants and up to 824,533 additional shares which may be issued in the future
upon further exercises of warrants. See "Selling Stockholders." While the
Company is not offering any shares of Common Stock to the public and will not
directly receive any proceeds from the sale of shares under this Prospectus, the
Company may indirectly receive proceeds of up to approximately $4,506,000 to the
extent that Selling Stockholders exercise more warrants to purchase shares of
Common Stock. The Company has previously received gross proceeds of
approximately $783,000 through the exercise of such warrants. The Company is
paying the cost of registering the shares and various related expenses, but the
Selling Stockholders are responsible for all selling commissions, transfer taxes
and other costs related to the offer and sale of their shares. See "Plan of
Distribution." The Company's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "IRI." On August 13, 1998, the closing sale price of
the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange was $1 7/8 per share.
    


                               -----------------

          THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
                         SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 5.

                               -----------------


        The Selling Stockholders may sell shares from time to time on the
American Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or in private
transactions, and they may sell shares at prices related to the prevailing price
of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange at the time of the sale, at
prices related to such prevailing price or at negotiated prices. The Selling
Stockholders may effect such transactions by selling to or through one or more
broker-dealers, and such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of
underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling
Stockholders. The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers that participate
in the distribution may, under certain circumstances, be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. Any commissions
received by such broker-dealers and any profits realized on the resale of shares
by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act of 1933. To the extent required, the specified shares to be sold,
the public offering price, the names of any such broker-dealers, and any
applicable commission or discount with respect to any particular offer will be
set forth in a prospectus supplement. See "Plan of Distribution."


  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
            PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
            ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

   
                The date of this Prospectus is August 18, 1998.
    



<PAGE>   3

                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Certain information contained in this Prospectus, or incorporated into
it by reference, includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is subject to the safe
harbor created by that Act. These forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, the Company's views with respect to future financial results,
capital requirements, market growth, new product introductions and the like, and
are generally identified by phrases such as "anticipates," "believes,"
"estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans" and words of similar import. There
are several important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The Company
has identified some of those factors in the discussions under "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 5 and elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the documents
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.


                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional office at
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90036. Copies of the
reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company are also available for
inspection at the offices of the American Stock Exchange at 86 Trinity Place,
New York, NY 10006-1881. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy statements and other information
regarding registrants, including the Company, that file electronically with the
Commission.

   
        The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 under the Securities Act, as amended (the "Securities Act") with
respect to the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules filed as a part thereof. For further information about
the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith.
Statements contained in this Prospectus concerning the provisions of any
contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and where such contract
or other document is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each
such statement is qualified in all respects by the provisions of such exhibit,
to which reference is hereby made for a full statement of the provisions
thereof. The Registration Statement, including the exhibits and schedules filed
as part thereof, may be inspected at the Commission's public reference
facilities described in the preceding paragraph. Copies of these documents may
be obtained from the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon
payment of the charges prescribed by the Commission.
    


                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

   
        The following documents previously filed with the Commission by the
Company under the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: (1) the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997; (2) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998; and (3) the description of the Company's Common
Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed June
22, 1993.
    



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4

        All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the shares of Common Stock made hereby shall be
deemed to be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement incorporated
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

        Upon written or oral request of any person to whom a copy of this
Prospectus has been delivered, the Company will provide, without charge, a copy
of any and all of the information that has been or may be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, other than exhibits thereto. Requests for such
copies should be directed to the Corporate Secretary of International Remote
Imaging Systems, Inc. by mail at 9162 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, California 91311
or by telephone at (818) 709-1244.




















                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5

                                   THE COMPANY

   
        The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets in vitro
diagnostic ("IVD") imaging systems based on patented and proprietary automated
intelligent microscopy ("AIM") technology for automating microscopic procedures
performed in clinical laboratories. AIM combines the Company's capabilities in
automated specimen presentation, including its patented slideless microscope,
and proprietary high-speed digital processing hardware and software to classify
and present images of microscopic particles in easy-to-view displays. The
Company's IVD imaging systems are designed to provide customers with better and
more rapid results and labor cost-savings over manual methods of performing
microscopy. The Company's products are sold directly and through distributors
primarily to hospital and reference clinical laboratories, as well as
veterinary, physician office and research laboratories.
    

   
        The Company pioneered its first IVD imaging system application in 1983
with its introduction of The Yellow IRIS family of workstations for urinalysis.
The Company believes that it is still the only supplier of laboratory systems
which fully automate a complete urinalysis, and it introduced its fourth
generation models in 1996 which incorporate significant advancements in speed,
utility and ease of use. In 1996, the Company also received Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA") clearance and began to market the Model 900UDx urine
pathology system designed especially for the high-volume testing requirements of
larger laboratories. The Company also provides ongoing sales of supplies and
service necessary for operation of The Yellow IRIS workstations. Most supplies
are purchased under standing orders and, following the initial one-year warranty
period, the majority of customers purchase annual service contracts. In
December 1997, the Company began distributing the UF-100 urine cell analyzer in
the United States under an existing agreement with its manufacturer, TOA
Medical Electronics, Inc.
    

   
        The Company has had a major program over a number of years to develop
The White IRIS leukocyte differential analyzer. The White IRIS program began
under the sponsorship of the National Institutes of Health and was continued
under a joint development program with LDA Systems, Inc., a Company-sponsored
research and development entity. The Company acquired LDA Systems and all of its
rights to The White IRIS in 1995. The FDA cleared The White IRIS in May 1996,
but its commercial release was delayed by other priorities such as the
introduction of the Model 900 urine pathology system and the UF-100 urine
sediment analyzer. The Company is now in discussions with several medical
institutions from which it will select two to serve as testimonial sites for The
White IRIS. The Company's immediate goal is to install the first commercial
systems at these two institutions and develop the customer references which are
a key step toward commercial success of any new major laboratory instrument.
Expanded commercial release of The White IRIS may also depend upon the
availability of sufficient funds and may be subject to additional delays if such
funds are unavailable.
    

        In July 1996, the Company entered the field of genetics with the
acquisition (the "PSI Acquisition") of the digital imaging business of
Perceptive Scientific Instruments, Inc. ("PSI"). PSI's principal product is the
PowerGene genetic analyzer -- an IVD imaging system for karyotyping, DNA probe
analysis and comparative genomic hybridization. The Company also acquired
international operations from PSI.

   
        In February 1996, the Company acquired StatSpin, Inc. ("StatSpin"), in
a pooling-of-interests transaction. Through StatSpin, the Company manufactures
and markets a variety of benchtop centrifuges, small instruments and supplies
for the laboratory market. These products are used primarily for manual
specimen preparation and dedicated applications in cytology, hematology and
urinalysis. They appeal to laboratories performing too few tests to justify the
cost of an automated IVD imaging system.
    

        The Company was incorporated in 1979 under the laws of California and in
1987 reincorporated under the laws of Delaware. The Company's executive offices
are located at 9162 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, California 91311 and the telephone
number is (818) 709-1244.








                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6

                                  RISK FACTORS

   
        Prospective investors should carefully consider the specific factors set
forth below, as well as all of the other information contained in this
Prospectus, before deciding to invest in the Common Stock of the Company. This
Prospectus contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's
actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not
limited to, those discussed below as well as those discussed elsewhere in this
Prospectus and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997.
    

   
POTENTIAL FOR CONTINUING LOSSES
    

   
        The Company incurred net losses of approximately $7.4 million and
$503,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively,
and net income of approximately $4,000 for the three months ended March 31,
1998. While the majority of the loss for 1996 is attributable to write-offs,
acquisition expenses, and other unusual charges, the Company attributes a
significant portion of the loss to substantial increases during 1996 in
expenditures for research and development, sales and marketing and general
administration. In response, the Company implemented a restructuring during the
fourth quarter of 1996 which significantly reduced operating expenses. However,
there can be no assurance that the Company can restore annual profitability.
    

   
POTENTIAL DILUTION AND FINANCIAL IMPACT FROM ARBITRATION PROCEEDING

        In July 1996, the Company acquired PSI from Digital Imaging
Technologies, Inc. ("DITI"). As part of the purchase price, the Company issued
to DITI a five-year warrant to purchase 875,000 shares of Common Stock at $8.00
per share. In August 1997, the Company filed a demand for arbitration against
DITI with the American Arbitration Association. The Company's demand for
arbitration alleges material breaches of the representations, warranties and
covenants in the purchase agreement governing the PSI acquisition. DITI
subsequently filed a counterclaim in the arbitration proceeding alleging that
the Company misrepresented or omitted to disclose material facts in connection
with the PSI acquisition. DITI had previously requested a reduction in the
exercise price of the warrant but elected to seek unspecified monetary damages
in the counterclaim. The parties are currently engaged in discovery proceedings.
Although the Company does not presently anticipate any material adverse effect
as a result of this arbitration proceeding, there can be no assurance that it
will not have such an effect on the Company or result in additional dilution to
holders of the Common Stock.
    

DEPENDENCE ON INSTRUMENT SALES

   
        The Company derives most of its revenues from the sale of two
families of high-priced instruments -- The Yellow IRIS urinalysis workstations
and PowerGene genetic analyzers. These instruments have list prices ranging from
$20,000 to $195,000 depending on model and configuration, and relatively modest
declines in unit sales or gross margins for either product line could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's revenues and profits.
    



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7


COMPETITION

   
        There are numerous companies engaged in active research and development
programs within and outside of the clinical laboratory imaging systems field
that have considerable experience in areas of interest to the Company. The
Company cannot determine if other firms are currently engaged in potentially
competitive research, and these firms could develop and introduce products
comparable or superior to the products sold by the Company. One or more of these
firms could develop and introduce new products comparable or superior to models
of The Yellow IRIS, the PowerGene or any other product ultimately developed by
the Company. The introduction of a new product comparable or superior to any
model of The Yellow IRIS or the PowerGene could have a material adverse effect
on unit sales or gross margins for these instruments. See "--Dependence on
Instrument Sales."
    

RELIANCE ON SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLIERS

   
        Certain key components of the Company's instruments are manufactured
according to the Company's specifications or are available only from single
suppliers. From time to time, single source suppliers have discontinued
production of key components. Although, in the past, the Company has
successfully transitioned to new components to replace discontinued components,
there can be no assurance that the Company can always successfully transition to
satisfactory replacement components and that the Company will always have access
to adequate supplies of discontinued components on satisfactory terms during the
transition period. The Company is currently transitioning to a new microscope
following Nikon's decision to discontinue production of the microscope used in
The Yellow IRIS. The Company's inability to transition successfully to a new
microscope or to secure adequate supplies of the discontinued microscope on
satisfactory terms during the transition could have a material adverse effect on
instrument sales. See "--Dependence on Instrument Sales."
    

   
POTENTIAL DILUTION AND FINANCIAL IMPACT FROM OPTION TO ACQUIRE POLY U/A SYSTEMS,
INC.
    
   
        In September 1995, the Company entered into a research and development
contract with Poly U/A Systems, Inc. ("Poly"), a Company-sponsored research and
development entity, for development of several new products to enhance automated
urinalysis (the "Poly Products"). The Company has an option until November 29,
1998 to acquire all of the common stock of Poly for an aggregate price of $5.1
million payable, at the Company's discretion, in cash or shares of the Company's
Common Stock.
    

   
        If the Company elects to exercise its option, the portion of the net
cost of the acquisition allocated to completed products would be capitalized and
its subsequent amortization would impact future earnings. For the portion of the
net cost of the acquisition allocated to in-process research and development, if
any, the Company would record a nonrecurring, non-cash (if purchased with Common
Stock) charge against then current earnings. In June 1995, the Company exercised
a similar option to acquire LDA Systems, Inc. ("LDA"), another Company-sponsored
research and development entity, in exchange for Common Stock. At that time, it
incurred a non-cash charge of $2.9 million against earnings in 1995 for the
acquisition of in-process research and development related to The White IRIS
leukocyte differential analyzer.
    

        The Company has not reached a decision to exercise its option to acquire
Poly and is under no obligation to do so. However, the Company will periodically
review the merits of acquiring Poly and may elect to exercise the option in the
future based on factors that are subject to change. These factors include (i)
the progress of research and development of the Poly Products, (ii) the
Company's assessment of the commercial feasibility of the Poly Products, (iii)
the cost to acquire Poly, and (iv) the market price of the Common Stock at the
time the Company considers exercising the option.




                                      -6-

<PAGE>   8
   
RISK OF LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL
    
   
        The Company's success depends in significant part upon the continued
service of certain key personnel, and its continuing ability to attract,
assimilate and retain such personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense
and there can be no assurance that the Company can retain its key personnel or
that it can attract, assimilate or retain other highly qualified personnel in
the future. While the Company generally enters into agreements with its
employees regarding patents, confidentiality and related matters, the Company
does not have employment agreements with most of its key employees. The Company
does not maintain life insurance polices on such employees. The loss of key
personnel, especially without advance notice, or the inability to hire or retain
qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
instrument sales and its ability to maintain its technological edge. See
"-Dependence on Instrument Sales" and "-Potential Impact of Technological Change
on Instrument Sales."
    
   
DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITH INTRODUCTION OF THE WHITE IRIS AND OTHER FUTURE
PRODUCTS

        The commercial success of the Company's future products and systems
depends upon their acceptance by the medical community. Capital-intensive
laboratory instruments such as The White IRIS and the Company's other future
products can significantly reduce labor costs, improve precision and offer other
distinctive benefits. However, often there is resistance to products which
require significant capital expenditures or which eliminate jobs through
automation.
    

   
        The FDA cleared The White IRIS leukocyte differential analyzer in May
1996, but its commercial release was delayed by other priorities such as the
introduction of the Model 900 urine pathology system and the UF-100 urine
sediment analyzer. The Company is now in discussions with several
medical institutions from which it will select two to serve as testimonial sites
for independent verification of the performance advantages of The White IRIS.
The Company's immediate goal is to install the first commercial systems at these
two institutions and develop the customer references which are a key step toward
commercial success of any new major laboratory instrument. Expanded commercial
release of The White IRIS may also require external funding. The failure to
develop influential customer references or secure any required external funding
could have a material adverse effect on the commercial release of The White IRIS
which, in turn, would affect the Company's long-term business strategy and
growth prospects.
    

        There can be no assurance that the Company's new products and systems
will achieve significant market acceptance in the future or that sales of such
future products and systems will grow at the rates expected by management.
Furthermore, new product introductions or product enhancements by the Company's
competitors or the use of other technologies could cause a decline in sales or
gross margins on sales or loss of market acceptance of the Company's systems.

   
ABILITY TO PROTECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
    

   
        The Company's commercial success depends in part on its ability to
protect and maintain its AIM and other proprietary technology. The Company has
received patents with respect to certain of its technologies. Receipt of such
patents may not insulate the Company from damaging competition. The validity and
breadth of claims in clinical laboratory instrumentation patents involve complex
legal and factual questions and, therefore, are highly uncertain. There can be
no assurance that the claims allowed under patents held by the Company or under
patents based on pending or future patent applications by the Company will be
sufficiently broad to protect what the Company believes to be its proprietary
rights, that issued patents will not be circumvented by competitors, or that the
rights granted under such patents will provide competitive advantages to the
Company. There also can be no assurance that other parties will not take, or
threaten to take, legal action against the Company, alleging infringement of
such parties' patents by current and proposed products of the Company or that
any of the Company's patents, or patents in which it has licensed rights, will
be held valid and enforceable if subsequently challenged.
    



                                      -7-

<PAGE>   9

        The Company also has trade secrets and unpatented technology and
proprietary knowledge related to the sale, promotion, operation, development and
manufacturing of its products. While the Company generally enters into
confidentiality agreements with its employees and consultants, there can be no
assurance that the Company's trade secrets or proprietary technology will not
become known or be independently developed by competitors in such a manner that
the Company has no practical recourse. Nor can there be any assurance that
others will not develop or acquire equivalent expertise or develop products that
render the Company's current or future products noncompetitive or obsolete.

        The Company also claims copyrights in its software and the ways in which
it assembles and displays images and certain trademark rights in the United
States and other foreign countries. There can be no assurance that copyright and
trademark protection can be obtained, or if obtained, can or will be enforced or
will provide significant commercial advantage to the Company.

   
        Litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights,
whether with or without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive and could
divert the Company's technical and management personnel. For example, the
Company incurred legal expenses of approximately $175,000 during 1995, 1996 and
1997 to successfully assert and defend the validity of two of its patents
against a potential competitor in the hematology field. There can be no
assurance that the Company's litigation expenses will not increase in the
future. Any change in the Company's ability to protect and maintain its
proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    

   
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE ON INSTRUMENT SALES

        The market for the Company's systems is characterized by rapid
technological advances, changes in customer requirements, and frequent new
product introductions and enhancements. The Company's future success depends
upon its ability to enhance its two main product lines (The Yellow IRIS
urinalysis workstations and PowerGene genetic analyzers), to introduce new
products that keep pace with technological developments and to respond to
evolving customer requirements. Any failure by the Company to anticipate or
respond adequately to technological developments or to changes in customer
requirements, or significant delays in product enhancements or introductions,
could have a material adverse effect on instrument sales. See "-- Dependence on
Instrument Sales." There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful
in developing and marketing new products or product enhancements on a timely or
cost-effective basis.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION

        Most of the Company's products are subject to stringent government
regulation in the United States and other countries. In the United States, the
Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") regulates medical devices under the Food,
Drug and Cosmetic Act. The Company is also required to comply with FDA
regulations governing the manufacture of medical devices. The FDA's regulatory
process for the introduction of new medical devices can be lengthy, expensive
and uncertain, and securing clearances or approvals may require the submission
of extensive official data and other supporting information. Failure to comply
with applicable requirements for the introduction or manufacture of medical
devices can result in fines, recall or seizure of products, total or partial
suspension of production, withdrawal of existing product approvals or
clearances, refusal to approve or clear new applications or notices, or criminal
prosecution, any of which could have a material adverse effect on instrument
sales and revenues. Furthermore, changes in existing federal, state or foreign
laws or regulations, or in the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the
discussion or promulgation of any additional laws or regulations could have
similar adverse effects on the Company.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS AND EXPANSION

        As part of the Company's strategy to enhance and maintain its
competitive position, the Company may from time to time consider potential
acquisitions of complementary products, technologies and other businesses. The
Company has completed a number of acquisitions in the past three years. The
evaluation, negotiation and integration of acquisitions may consume significant
time and resources of the Company. There can be no assurance that acquisitions
will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's earnings due to,
among other things, the failure of the acquired business to meet management's
expectations, operational disruptions, integration 

    



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

issues, unexpected expenses and accounting charges associated with such
acquisitions.

   
POTENTIAL IMPACT ON SALES FROM HEALTHCARE REFORM POLICIES
    

        In recent years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been
introduced or proposed in Congress and in some state legislatures that would
effect major changes in the healthcare system, nationally, at the state level or
both. Future legislation, regulation or payment policies of Medicare, Medicaid,
private health insurance plans, health maintenance organizations and other
third-party payors could adversely affect the demand for the Company's current
or future products and its ability to sell its products on a profitable basis.
Moreover, healthcare legislation is an area of extensive and dynamic change, and
the Company cannot predict future legislative changes in the healthcare field or
their impact on its business.

   
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
    

        Certain provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the
Company and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") could, together or
separately, discourage potential acquisition proposals, delay or prevent a
change in control of the Company and limit the price that certain investors
might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Common Stock. These
provisions provide, among other things, for a classified Board of Directors, for
the issuance, without further stockholder approval, of preferred stock with
rights and privileges which could be senior to the Common Stock, and for
limitations on the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of
stockholders and to take action without a meeting. The Company also is subject
to Section 203 of the DGCL which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a
Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business
combinations with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years
following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder.

   
RISKS FROM PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS
    

   
        The Company's products are used to gather information for medical
decisions and diagnosis. Accordingly, the manufacture and sale of the Company's
products entails an inherent risk of product liability arising from an
inaccurate, or allegedly inaccurate, test result. The Company has product
liability insurance coverage of $1.0 million per incident and $2.0 million in
the aggregate per year, and an umbrella policy of $5.0 million. There can be no
assurance that the Company's product liability insurance will be sufficient to
protect the Company in the event of a product liability claim. There has not
been any indication that the Company's insurance carrier will not renew the
Company's product liability insurance at or near current premiums; however,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to renew product
liability insurance in the future at acceptable premiums. In addition, any
failure to comply with the FDA's regulations governing manufacturing practices
could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to defend
against product liability lawsuits.
    

   
FINANCIAL IMPACT OF CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
    

   
        The Company acquired a foreign subsidiary in the PSI Acquisition that
conducts business in various foreign currencies. Consequently, fluctuations in
exchange rates will affect the Company's consolidated operating results and such
fluctuations could have an adverse effect on earnings. The impact of future
fluctuations in exchange rates cannot be predicted with any measure of accuracy
and will depend on the percentage of sales generated internationally. The
Company currently does not hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in
exchange rates, and continues to be subject to such risks. In the future, the
Company may undertake such transactions. If any hedging techniques are
implemented by the Company, there can be no assurance that such techniques can
be successful in eliminating or reducing the effects of currency fluctuations.
    



                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

   
        While the Company is not offering any shares of Common Stock to the
public and will not directly receive any proceeds from the sale of shares under
this Prospectus, the Company may indirectly receive proceeds of up to
approximately $4,506,000 to the extent that Selling Stockholders exercise
warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Company has previously received
gross proceeds of approximately $783,000 through the exercise of such warrants.
The actual amount of any proceeds will equal the number of shares purchased
multiplied by the exercise price of the specific warrants exercised. As of the
date hereof, the Selling Stockholders hold warrants to purchase from the Company
an aggregate of 824,533 shares of Common Stock. These warrants have exercise
prices ranging from $3.875 to $7.80 per share and expiration dates ranging from
September 29, 1998 to May 15, 2002. The weighted average exercise price is $5.46
per share. See "Selling Stockholders." The Company will use any proceeds from
the exercise of warrants for debt repayment and general corporate purposes.
    

                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

   
        The purpose of this Prospectus is to permit the parties listed below in
the Table of Selling Stockholders to publicly trade, if desired, the 208,450
shares of Common Stock previously issued upon the exercise of various warrants
and up to 824,533 additional shares which may be issued in the future upon
further exercises of warrants. These warrants are described in the following
paragraphs of this section of the Prospectus. The Table of Selling Stockholders
lists in tabular form (1) the name of each person entitled to sell Common Stock
using this Prospectus (collectively, the "Selling Stockholders"), (2) the number
of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each person as of July 20, 1998
and (3) the maximum number of shares each person may offer and sell using this
Prospectus. The Selling Stockholders may offer shares under this Prospectus from
time to time and may elect to sell none, some or all of the shares set forth
next to their name in the table. As a result, the Company cannot estimate the
number of shares of Common Stock that the Selling Stockholders will beneficially
own after termination of sales under this Prospectus.
    

   
        In September 1995, the Company was engaged by Poly/UA to develop several
new products to further enhance automation in the urinalysis field. See "Risk
Factors -- Option to Acquire Poly/UA Systems, Inc." In order to fund its share
of the project, Poly/UA sold units consisting of 2,000 shares of Poly/UA common
stock and a Series D Warrant to purchase 4,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, exercisable until September 29, 1998 at an exercise price of $6.50 per
share. In the aggregate, investors acquired Series D warrants to purchase
512,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company also issued Series E Warrants to the
placement agent and finder to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, exercisable until September 29, 2000 at a price of $7.80
per share.

        In November 1997, the Company offered to reduce the exercise price of
the Series D Warrants from $6.50 to $4.00 per share for holders exercising their
warrants during a one-week period. The holders that accepted the offer and
exercised their Series D Warrants during that period also received a new Series
F Warrant exercisable until March 29, 2000 at an exercise price of $4.00 per
share of Common Stock. The Company received gross proceeds of approximately
$783,000 through the exercise of Series D Warrants and issued Series F Warrants
to purchase 196,633 shares of Common Stock. The Company also (i) sold to two
holders additional Series F Warrants covering an aggregate of 75,000 shares of
Common Stock and (ii) exchanged a Series F Warrant for 27,000 shares for a
Series E Warrant for an equal number of shares to settle litigation with the
holder.
    


        In connection with the renegotiation of the loan agreements with its
lender, the Company issued to the lender warrants to purchase (1) 50,000 shares
until January 15, 2000 at $3.875 per share, (2) 25,000 shares until June 1,
2000 at $4.375 per share and (3) 25,000 shares until July 1, 2000 at $4.0625
per share.

   
        The Company also has an agreement to issue a warrant to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock until May 15, 2002 at $4.3125 per share to an investment
banker for financial advisory services.
    



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12

   
                          Table of Selling Stockholders
                          -----------------------------

        The following table lists (1) the name of each person entitled to sell
Common Stock using this Prospectus (the "Selling Stockholders"), (2) the number
of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each person as of July 20, 1998
and (3) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock each person may offer and
sell using this Prospectus. The Selling Stockholders may offer shares under this
Prospectus from time to time and may elect to sell none, some or all of the
shares set forth next to their name. As a result, the Company cannot estimate
the number of shares of Common Stock that the Selling Stockholders will
beneficially own after termination of sales under this Prospectus. In addition,
the Selling Stockholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all
or a portion of their shares of Common Stock since the date on which they
provided information for this table. The Company has made no independent
inquiries as to the foregoing, and the Company is relying upon written
commitments from the Selling Stockholders to promptly notify the Company of any
changes in their beneficial ownership subsequent to the date on which they
originally provided such information. See "Plan of Distribution".

- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NUMBER OF SHARES            MAXIMUM
                                                BENEFICIALLY   NUMBER OF SHARES
SELLING STOCKHOLDER (1)                        OWNED (2) (3)        OFFERED (4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>  
M. Bernard Aidinoff                                    4,000              4,000
Albert M. Ames and Patricia A. Clemens                 2,000              2,000
Michael A. Arcuri                                      4,000              4,000
Leonard Becker                                         9,000              8,000
Herbert R. Behrens                                     4,000              4,000
Belwool Corp. Retirement Trust                         2,000              2,000
E. Eduardo Benmaor                                     1,000              1,000
Larry Berk and Don Berk                                4,000              4,000
Lawrence Berk                                         60,000             60,000
Achille M. Bigliardi                                 101,994              4,000
O. Donald Billing IRA                                  4,000              2,000
Bruce Brewster                                         8,000              8,000
Brill Securities, Inc.                                60,000             60,000
David Brodsky                                          4,000              4,000
J. Richard Budd III and Susan Nutkis Budd              4,000              4,000
Gordon Busdicker                                       2,000              2,000
City National Bank                                   100,000            100,000
Pradip and Rekha Choksi Trust                         20,000             20,000
COHAMCO                                                8,000              8,000
Susan B. Cohen                                         2,000              2,000
Alvin H. Cohen                                         4,000              4,000
Raymond D. Cohn                                        2,000              2,000
Aaron Daniels                                          2,000              2,000
Philip Dennis Dapeer                                   9,000              9,000
Paul W. Davis and Priscilla M. Teleky                  4,000              4,000
Fred H. Deindoerfer (5)                              452,981              8,000
Veronica C. and Thomas P. Devitt                         900                600
Mark A. Eberle                                         4,000              4,000
Ralph W. Engh                                         53,500             41,500
Barrett M. Fisher IRA                                  4,000              4,000
Howard J. Frank IRA                                    8,000              8,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
</TABLE>


                                      -11-
    



<PAGE>   13
   

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
                                            NUMBER OF SHARES            MAXIMUM
                                                BENEFICIALLY   NUMBER OF SHARES
SELLING STOCKHOLDER (1)                        OWNED (2) (3)        OFFERED (4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>  
Richard J. Galvin                                      5,000              4,000
Ramone and Constance Getzov                            2,000              2,000
Rhoda L. Glasser                                       2,000              2,000
William A.B. and Jane E. Hanchett                     15,000              8,000
Scott A. Hartman                                       2,000              2,000
I. Douglas Harris                                      4,000              4,000
Pao Liu Jui Hsia                                      12,000             12,000
Donald and Anna R. Husmann                             5,025              2,778
Raymond Jallow                                        51,500             41,500
Mark B. and Donna Johnson                              2,000              2,000
Ronald Kadonaga                                        3,980              2,000
Michael W. Kane                                       10,000             10,000
Michael Kaptzan                                        2,000              2,000
Harvey L. Kasdan                                      64,836              4,000
Michael and Patricia Keeney                           24,192              4,000
Millie Keung                                          10,000             10,000
Celia R. Klein                                         4,000              4,000
Mitchell H. Klein                                      4,000              4,000
Mark Kriendler-Nelson                                  2,000              2,000
Jimmie R. Kyle                                        42,016              1,000
Sanford A. and Evelyn Lakoff                           5,000              4,000
Saul Lamda                                             2,000              2,000
Simon Lazowsky                                         4,000              4,000
Ira Leviton                                            2,000              2,000
Gary Levitt                                           18,034              1,000
George C. and Ann C. Limbach Living Trust              2,000              2,000
John K. Lingo                                          4,300              4,000
Long Chain International                              42,965             15,200
Peter Marx                                             2,000              2,000
Martin Melzer IRA                                      4,000              4,000
Claus Metulsky                                         4,000              4,000
Elon Mileikowsky                                       2,000              2,000
Edward B. Miller                                       2,000              2,000
Richard H. Miller                                      2,000              2,000
Byron A. Myhre                                        11,476              2,500
Tobi K. Nadel                                          4,000              4,000
Ronald S. Neff                                        53,085              2,000
Franz and Gretchen J. Neuwirth                        23,100              8,000
Beverly J. Newhouse                                    7,505              7,505
Nancy B. Newman                                        2,000              2,000
Martin and Pearl Nutkis                                4,000              4,000
John A. O'Malley                                      44,653              8,000
Jeshing Patel                                         10,500              1,000
Harry H. Perse                                         4,000              4,000
Roy D. and Joann Piazza                               93,000             40,000
Poly U/A 1000, LLC                                   189,000            189,000
Ralano Family Partners Limited                         4,000              4,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
</TABLE>

                                      -12-
    

<PAGE>   14
   

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
                                            NUMBER OF SHARES            MAXIMUM
                                                BENEFICIALLY   NUMBER OF SHARES
SELLING STOCKHOLDER (1)                        OWNED (2) (3)        OFFERED (4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>  
Real Time Electronics Inc.                             2,000              2,000
Morton and Zelda Reinhart                              9,400              8,000
Neil S. Roth                                           4,000              4,000
Ernest F. Salomone                                     8,000              8,000
Jack Salomone                                          8,000              8,000
Daniel P. Santoro                                     17,812              1,200
Warren Schwerin                                        4,000              4,000
Bonnie Seidler                                         2,000              2,000
Peter C. Siegfried                                     4,000              4,000
Murray Siegel                                          4,000              4,000
Jesse G. Silverman, Jr. IRA                            4,000              4,000
Carl Simone                                            2,000              2,000
SJH Money Purchase Plan                                2,000              2,000
Alan Stone                                            18,192             18,000
Robert Strougo                                         3,000              2,000
Kevin Sundquist IRA                                   12,000              2,000
Thomas E. Thornbury, Trustee of the
   Thomas E. Thornbury Intervivos Trust               20,000             20,000
Robert J. Topchik                                      2,000              2,000
Terry Turchi                                           4,000              4,000
Richard H. Turner                                      4,000              4,000
Steven Vallespir                                       4,000              4,000
Robert M. Warner, Sr.                                  8,000              8,000
J. William and Susan Wigert                              200                200
Samuel A. and Shirley F. Wolfson                       6,000              4,000
Francis J. Wunderlich                                  6,000              4,000
Edwin S. and Anna W. Yee                               8,000              4,000
Ronald L. Yin                                          3,372              2,000
Michael Zachariash                                    15,270              1,000
All Other Holders (6)                                 61,000             61,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------
          TOTAL                                    2,008,788          1,032,983
============================================================   ================
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------------- 

1.  The following persons currently hold, or have held within the past three
    years, the following positions or relationships with the Company: E. Eduardo
    Benmaor -- formerly Secretary and Controller; Achille M. Bigliardi --
    Corporate Vice President and General Manager, IRIS Chatsworth Division;
    Brill Securities, Inc. -- placement agent for a private unit offering
    involving Poly U/A Systems, Inc.; City National Bank -- the Company's
    principal bank and lender; Fred H. Deindoerfer -- Chairman of the Board,
    President and Chief Executive Officer; Ronald Kadanoga -- consultant;
    Michael W. Kane -- investment banking and financial advisor; Harvey L.
    Kasdan -- Vice President, Research and Development, IRIS Chatsworth
    Division; Michael Keeney -- Regional Sales Manager, IRIS Chatsworth
    Division; Jimmie R. Kyle -- Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, IRIS
    Chatsworth Division; Gary Levitt -- Manager of Software Development, IRIS
    Chatsworth Division; Long Chain International -- Taiwanese Regional
    distributor; Byron A. Myrhe -- Director of Poly U/A Systems, Inc.; Ronald S.
    Neff -- formerly National Service Manager, IRIS Chatsworth  Division; John
    A. O'Malley -- Director of the Company and Director of Poly U/A Systems,
    Inc.; Real Time Electronics, Inc. -- engineering consulting firm; Daniel
    Santoro -- TeleSales Manager, IRIS Chatsworth  Division; Alan Stone -
    financial consultant; Richard H. Turner -- Director of Poly U/A Systems,
    Inc.; Michael Zachariash -- Director of Project Management, IRIS Chatsworth
    Division.

                                      -13-
    
<PAGE>   15
   
2.  Each Selling Stockholder beneficially owns less than 1% of the outstanding
    Common Stock, except as follows: Achille M. Bigliardi (1.6%); City National
    Bank (1.6%); Fred H. Deindoerfer (7.1%); Harvey Kasdan (1.0%); Roy and Joann
    Piazza (1.5%); and Poly U/A 1000, LLC (2.9%). Beneficial ownership is
    determined in accordance and with the rules of the Commission and generally
    includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of
    Common Stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable, or
    exercisable within 60 days of July 20, 1998, are deemed outstanding for
    computing the percentage of the person holding such options or warrants but
    are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage held by any other
    person.

3.  Includes 1,091,057 shares issuable pursuant to warrants and employee stock
    options which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of
    July 20, 1998.

4.  Includes 824,533 shares issuable pursuant to warrants.

5.  Includes 57,840 shares owned by family members or trusts to which Dr.
    Deindoerfer disclaims beneficial ownership.

6.  Assumes that any other holders to be covered by this Prospectus do not
    beneficially own any Common Stock other than the shares offered for sale.
    Information concerning such other holders will be set forth in Prospectus
    Supplements from time to time if so required.


                                      -14-
    
<PAGE>   16

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   
        This Prospectus is for the public resale of shares of Common Stock
previously issued, or issuable in the future, upon exercise of the warrants
described in the preceding section. This Prospectus does not cover the initial
issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of those warrants. The Selling
Stockholders may offer shares under this Prospectus from time to time and may
elect to sell none, some or all of the shares set forth opposite their name in
the Table of Selling Stockholders in the preceding section of this Prospectus.
    

        The Selling Stockholders may sell shares from time to time on the
American Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or in private
transactions, and they may sell shares at prices related to the prevailing
price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange at the time of the
sale, at prices related to such prevailing price or at negotiated prices. The 
Selling Stockholders may effect such transactions by selling to or through one
or more broker-dealers, and such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the
form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling
Stockholders. For example, they may sell shares by one or more of the following
methods: (a) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt
to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block
as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a broker or dealer
as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its account pursuant to
this Prospectus; (c) ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which
the broker solicits purchasers; and (d) face to face transactions between
sellers and purchasers without a broker-dealer. In effecting sales, brokers or
dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for other brokers or
dealers to participate in the resales.

        The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers that participate in the
distribution may under certain circumstances be deemed to be "underwriters"
within the meaning of the Securities Act. Any commissions received by such
broker-dealers and any profits realized on the resale of shares by them may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. To
the extent required under the Securities Act, a supplemental prospectus will be
filed disclosing (a) the name of any such broker-dealers, (b) the number of
shares involved, (c) the price at which such shares are to be sold, (d) the
commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such broker-dealers,
where applicable, (e) that such broker-dealers did not conduct any investigation
to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, as supplemented, and (f) other facts material to the transaction.

        The Company and the Selling Stockholders may agree to indemnify such
broker-dealers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify some of the
Selling Stockholders against certain liabilities, including, without limitation,
certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or, if such indemnity is
unavailable, to contribute toward amounts required to be paid in respect of such
liabilities.

        The Company has agreed to pay certain costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the registration of the shares of Common Stock covered by this
Prospectus, but the Selling Stockholders are responsible for all selling
commissions, transfer taxes and related charges in connection with the offer and
sale of their shares of Common Stock.

        The Company filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act covering the shares of Common Stock offered by
this Prospectus and cannot predict whether or to what extent any particular
Selling Stockholder will sell shares. The Company filed the Registration
Statement pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer made in November 1997 to
the holders of the Series D Warrants and has voluntarily included certain other
warrant holders. See "Selling Stockholders." The Company has not made any
commitment to keep the Registration Statement effective and may at any time
temporarily suspend or permanently terminate the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement and the use of this Prospectus. See "Available
Information."

        Each Selling Stockholder is required to provide the Company and its
transfer agent with a 



   
                                      -15-
    
<PAGE>   17

Notice of Transfer, in the form attached hereto as Appendix B, each time the
Selling Stockholder sells shares using this Prospectus. Delivery of the Notice
of Transfer is a prerequisite to the transfer of shares sold pursuant to this
Prospectus.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the securities offered hereby has been passed upon for
the Company by the law firm of Guth Rothman & Christopher LLP, Los Angeles,
California.

                                     EXPERTS

   
        The consolidated financial statements of the Company, included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of the Company for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 referred to above in "Documents Incorporated by Reference," have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, as set forth in
their report dated March 20, 1998 (except for Note 8 as to which the date is
March 30, 1998) accompanying such financial statements, and are incorporated by
reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, which report is given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    

        Any financial statements incorporated by reference in the registration
statement of which this Prospectus is a part that have been audited and are the
subject of a report by independent accountants will be so incorporated by
reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority of such firms as
experts in accounting and auditing to the extent covered by consents filed with
the Commission.





   

                                      -16-
    
<PAGE>   18

                                   APPENDIX A


   
              Notice of Transfer Pursuant to Registration Statement
              -----------------------------------------------------
    

[DATE]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
2 Broadway
New York, New York 10004
Attention: Compliance Department

        Re: International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc. (the "Company")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   
Please be advised that ___________________ [INSERT NAME OF SELLING STOCKHOLDER
AS IT APPEARS IN THE TABLE OF SELLING STOCKHOLDERS] has sold _____________
shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (File No. 333-48097). We hereby certify that (1) the above-named
beneficial owner of the transferred shares is named as a "Selling Stockholder"
in the related Prospectus dated August 17, 1998, (2) the transferred shares are
included in the such Prospectus opposite such owner's name and (3) the
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have
been satisfied.
    

                                        Sincerely,


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                                        (Name)


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                   (Authorized Signature)

                                        Name:
                                              ----------------------------------

                                        Title: 
                                               ---------------------------------


cc:   International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc. 
      9162 Eton Avenue 
      Chatsworth, California 91311 
      Attn: Controller




<PAGE>   19
   

<TABLE>
=====================================    =======================================
<S>                                      <C>

     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS
PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE SELLING               1,032,983 SHARES            
STOCKHOLDERS OR ANY UNDERWRITER.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE CREATE                INTERNATIONAL REMOTE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY               IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN                   COMMON STOCK
WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO
OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH SOLICITATION.
                                                       ----------
         ------------------                            PROSPECTUS
                                                       ----------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                 Page
                                 ----
<S>                              <C>                <C> 
Forward-Looking Statements          2               AUGUST 17, 1998
Available Information               2
Documents Incorporated
    by Reference                    2
The Company                         4
Risk Factors                        5
Use of Proceeds                    10
Selling Stockholders               10
Plan of Distribution               14
Legal Matters                      15
Experts                            15
Sample Notice of 
  Transfer                 Appendix A


======================================    ======================================
</TABLE>
    



<PAGE>   20

                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

        The expenses to be paid by the Company in connection with the
distribution of securities being registered, are estimated as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>    
        Securities and Exchange Registration Fee........................$ 1,279
        Accounting Fees and Expenses....................................  5,000
        Legal Fees and Expenses......................................... 35,000
        Miscellaneous Expense...........................................  2,000
                                                                         ------
        Total ..........................................................$43,279
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>

        The Selling Stockholders will be responsible for all selling
commissions, transfer taxes and related charges in connection with the offer and
sale of their shares.

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        Article SEVENTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation contains
certain provisions permitted under the DGCL relating to the liability of
directors. The provisions eliminate a director's liability for monetary damages
for a breach of fiduciary duty, except in certain circumstances involving
wrongful acts, such as the breach of a director's duty of loyalty or acts or
omissions that involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law. The
Company's Certificate of Incorporation also contains provisions requiring the
Company to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted
by the DGCL.

        Section 145 of the DGCL provides, in part, that a corporation shall have
the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any suit or proceedings because such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or was serving at the
request of the corporation, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, against all costs actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with such suit or proceedings if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation. Similar indemnity is permitted to be provided to such persons
in connection with an action or suit by or in the right of the corporation,
provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and provided further
(unless a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise determines) that such person
shall not have been adjudged liable to the corporation.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER     DESCRIPTION
- ------     -----------
<S>        <C>                                                    
4.1        Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to 
           the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed March 27, 1996
           (No. 333-02001)

5.1        Legal Opinion of Guth Rothman & Christopher LLP*

23.1       Consent of Guth Rothman & Christopher LLP (included in legal opinion 
           filed as Exhibit 5.1)

23.2       Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

24.1       Power of Attorney to sign and file amendments hereto*
</TABLE>
- ----------
*      Previously filed.
    



                                      II-1
<PAGE>   21

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

(a) Rule 415 Offering. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

    (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
         post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

         (i)   To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
               the Securities Act of 1933;

         (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
               after the effective date of the registration statement (or
               the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
               individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
               change in the information set forth in the registration
               statement;

         (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
               of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
               statement or any material change to such information in the
               registration statement;

     provided, however, that paragraphs 1(i) and 1(ii) do not apply if the
     information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
     paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant
     pursuant to Section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
          Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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.

     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
          of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
          termination of the offering.

(b)  Filings Incorporating Subsequent Exchange Act Documents by Reference. The
     undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
     any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
     registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of
     the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of
     an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
     Securities Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
     registration statement 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.

(c)  Request for Acceleration of Effective Date. 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 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.



                                      II-2
<PAGE>   22

                                   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-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California, on
August 18, 1998.
    

                                      INTERNATIONAL REMOTE IMAGING SYSTEMS, INC.


                                      By: /s/ Fred H. Deindoerfer
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Dr. Fred H. Deindoerfer
                                          Chairman of the Board of Directors,
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer


        Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each
of Fred H. Deindoerfer and Martin S. McDermut as his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments and post-effective amendments to the
Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and
authority to take any action in connection therewith as fully as he might or
could do in person, thereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute may lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue thereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
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/ Fred H. Deindoerfer      Chairman of the Board of Directors,                    August 18, 1998
- --------------------------   President, and Chief Executive Officer
Fred H. Deindoerfer


/s/ Martin S. McDermut       Vice President, Finance and                            August 18, 1998
- --------------------------   Administration, Chief Financial Officer
Martin S. McDermut           and Secretary


            *                Controller and Chief Accounting Officer                August 18, 1998
- --------------------------   
Donald E. Horacek


            *                Director                                               August 18, 1998
- --------------------------
John A. O'Malley


            *                Director                                               August 18, 1998
- --------------------------
Steven M. Besbeck


            *                Director                                               August 18, 1998
- --------------------------                               
Thomas F. Kelley

* /s/ Martin S. McDermut
- --------------------------
      Martin S. McDermut
      Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    



                                      II-3
<PAGE>   23

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER     DESCRIPTION
- ------     -----------
<S>        <C>                                                    
4.1        Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to 
           the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed March 27, 1996
           (No. 333-02001)

5.1        Legal Opinion of Guth Rothman & Christopher LLP*

23.1       Consent of Guth Rothman & Christopher LLP (included in legal opinion 
           filed as Exhibit 5.1)

23.2       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

24.1       Power of Attorney to sign and file amendments hereto*    
</TABLE>
- ----------
*      Previously filed.
    






<PAGE>   1
   

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 2 to 
Registration Statement of International Remote Imaging Systems, Inc. ("IRIS") on
Form S-3 of our report dated March 20, 1998 (except for Note 8 as to which the
date is March 30, 1998) on our audits of the consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedule of IRIS as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which report appears in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 1997.

        We further consent to the reference to our firm under "Experts" in this
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 of IRIS.


PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Los Angeles, California
August 14, 1998

    


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