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                                                                      EXHIBIT 99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   CONTACT: Steven C. Burke
                                                              Quidel Corporation
                                                                  (619) 552-7960


                                QUIDEL ANNOUNCES
                              MANAGEMENT TRANSITION

        San Diego, California, March 2, 1998-- QUIDEL Corp. (Nasdaq:QDEL)
announced today that Steven T. Frankel has resigned as President and Chief
Executive Officer and as a director of the Company. QUIDEL also announced the
commencement of an immediate search to evaluate potential candidates to fill
these positions. During the interim period, a four-person Executive Committee
has been authorized by the full Board of Directors to manage and direct the
operational aspects of QUIDEL's business.

        Mr. Frankel originally joined QUIDEL in June 1992 with over 25 years of
broad operating experience within the healthcare industry. He assumed the role
of Chief Executive Officer in May 1994.

        Richard C.E. Morgan, Chairman of QUIDEL, noted: "We are deeply
appreciative of Steven's leadership and successes over the past six years and
wish him every success in the future. Steven was instrumental during this period
in QUIDEL's achievement of profitability and significant revenue growth. QUIDEL
looks forward to building further upon the foundation which has now been
established."

        QUIDEL Corporation discovers, develops, manufacturers and markets rapid
immunodiagnostic products for point-of-care detection of human medical
conditions and illnesses. These products provide simple, accurate and
cost-effective diagnoses for acute and chronic conditions in the areas of
reproductive and women's health, infectious diseases, allergies and autoimmune
disorders. QUIDEL's products are sold to professionals in the physician's office
and clinical laboratory, and to consumers through retail drug stores.
QUIDEL is based in San Diego, California.

        This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding QUIDEL
and its future activities. Actual results could differ materially from those
described or implied in this press release as a result of a number of factors.
For more information about QUIDEL, go to http://www.quidel.com.