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                                                                   Exhibit 99.1

COMPANY
CONTACT: CHRISTINA TAMBURRO
         (860) 871-8601

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               BIO-PLEXUS TO BE LISTED ON NASDAQ SMALL CAP MARKET

TOLLAND, CT FEBRUARY 18, 1997 -- Bio-Plexus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPLX), designer,
developer, manufacturer, and marketer of safety medical products under the
Punctur-Guard(R) name, announced today that, the company's requirements for
continued listing on the NASDAQ National Market have been reviewed by a NASDAQ
Listings Qualifications Panel. The Panel determined that Bio-Plexus' diligent
efforts to conform with the $4 million minimum net tangible asset requirements
for continued listing on the NASDAQ National Market may not yield suitable
results within an acceptable time frame. It further noted that the funds raised
in the $5 million convertible debenture offering will not be immediately
credited to equity. Finally, the Panel was of the opinion that the company is
currently in compliance with the initial inclusion requirements for the NASDAQ
SmallCap Market, and that it is likely the Company will be able to remain in
compliance with the lower maintenance requirements of that market over the long
term. Accordingly, the Panel determined to move the Company's securities to the
NASDAQ SmallCap Market effective February 20, 1997.

Ron Haverl, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "While we no
longer meet the requirements for the NASDAQ National Market, we are still
pleased to be a part of the NASDAQ system in the Small Cap Market."