Non-Invasive Alternative to Cervical Scrape May Provide Viable Sample for Cervical Cancer Screening

SEATTLE (April 27) BUSINESS WIRE -April 27, 1999--

Pilot Study Results of A-Fem Medical's PadKit Presented at

        University of Washington Research Seminar 

A-Fem Medical Corporation (OTC BB:AFEM) today announced the results of a pilot study for the PadKit(tm) Sample Collection System (PadKit). The PadKit is designed as a non-invasive alternative to the cervical scrape for cervical cancer screening. Pilot study results support the use of the PadKit's self-collected sample as a potential clinical alternative to the conventional cervical scrape for cervical cancer screening. Based on these results, A-Fem is preparing to enter clinical trials in preparation for FDA submission.

The study results will be presented by Dr. David Shoultz of STATPROBE, the contract research organization responsible for study administration, at a research seminar in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington. Preliminary findings from over 900 samples from 75 women include:

-- Slide quality is comparable between physician collected

monolayer prepared cervical scrape and self-collected

PadKit Sample.

-- The PadKit collects atypical cells including ASCUS, LSIL and

HSIL.

-- Cell morphology is well preserved.

-- Study subjects indicated that the PadKit was easy to use and

that they would prefer the PadKit to a conventional

Pap test.

The PadKit integrates A-Fem's feminine protection technology (the miniform) with its diagnostic expertise to create a unique sample collection system. In March 1998, A-Fem was issued a patent that covers methods of collection and diagnosis of vaginal fluid, including menses, which form the technological basis for the PadKit. The PadKit is designed to provide an alternative to the cervical scrape for collecting samples for cervical cancer screening and provide a collection method to test for other cancers and diseases. The PadKit contains a miniform to be used as a collection device during the normal menstrual cycle. The miniform will collect blood, along with numerous cells, vaginal mucous and discharge flushed out by the menstrual flow.

"The results of the pilot study support our belief that the PadKit could serve as a non-invasive alternative for cervical cancer screening, " stated Steven T. Frankel, President and CEO of A-Fem Medical. "We believe that this new alternative may provide significant benefits to both the patient and the health care practitioner. For the patient, it offers a self-collection method that is convenient and less invasive than the conventional cervical scrape. Test results would be available prior to her annual exam, allowing the patient to discuss the screening findings with her doctor during her visit. For the health care practitioner, it would enable better practice management by eliminating the time required to collect the cervical scrape sample or having to schedule a second visit for necessary procedures, such as colposcopy, biopsy, or other procedures. On the basis of encouraging results from the pilot study, we are undertaking a clinical trial to seek approval from the FDA to market the PadKit as an alternative to the cervical scrape for cervical cancer screening."

A-Fem Medical Corporation is a medical technology company targeting unmet women's health needs. In addition to the PadKit Sample Collection System, A-Fem has developed two other proprietary technology platforms: the Miniform and RapidoSense(tm). A-Fem currently markets the inSync(R) miniform as an alternative to tampons, pads and liners for light flow protection. The Company is developing point-of-care diagnostic products that provide quantitative results using its proprietary RapidoSense technology. For more information, visit A-Fem's website at www.afem.com.

The discussion in this press release regarding A-Fem Medical Corporation ("Company") contains forward looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of a number of factors.

-0- KS/se*

CONTACT: A-Fem Medical Corp.

         Hilary Reinmuth or Steven Frankel, 503/968-8800 

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