For Immediate Release - October 20, 2003

Explorer customizes Hologic's exclusive OnePass fan-beam technology for the cost-conscious practitioner. Fan-beam bone densitometry technology, pioneered by Hologic, utilizes a design similar to sophisticated computed tomography systems. Through the use of a multi-detector array, a two-dimensional x-ray image is acquired with only a single pass of the detector along the length of the patient. In contrast, older "rectilinear scanning" technology requires multiple passes back and forth across the patient, and is inherently slower. Hologic's industry leading DiscoveryT series of bone densitometry systems utilize high-resolution fan-beam technology to acquire near radiographic quality images, allowing evaluation of spinal fractures in addition to conventional bone densitometry testing. Spinal fractures are often the first consequence of osteoporosis, and are utilized in conjunction with bone density results for diagnosis and follow-up. For price-sensitive markets, where conventional bone density testing is preferred over high-end imaging, Explorer offers the speed and precision of fan-beam scanning at a price comparable to older rectilinear scanning systems.

Commenting on the introduction of Explorer, Eric von Stetten, Ph.D. Vice President and General Manager of the Osteoporosis Assessment Division stated, "Explorer puts the speed, precision, and efficiency of Hologic's OnePass technology within the reach of even the most cost-conscious practitioner. Now physicians can have the advantages of fan-beam scanning and paperless electronic reporting, at prices competitive with older generation rectilinear scanning systems. Explorer joins our Discovery series, introduced in December 2002, to complete the transformation of our bone densitometry product line from rectilinear scanning systems to fan-beam scanning systems. Explorer replaces the QDR-4000, our last rectilinear scanning system. We are very excited about this important introduction, as we believe that Explorer addresses a growing demand for low cost, high performance bone densitometry testing."

Explorer offers conventional spine, hip, and whole body bone density measurements, international language support, and productivity tools, which are designed to maximize patient throughput. Explorer's Express ExamT feature fully automates scan and analysis workflow and can be combined with Hologic's IRIST Connectivity Suite, providing paperless electronic reporting and integration with Hospital Information Systems.

This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about Hologic's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated performance, efficiency, cost and acceptance of Hologic's Explorer bone densitometer system. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include, without limitation; uncertainties inherent in the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products, including technical and regulatory risks, such as the ability to obtain FDA approval to market products developed, cost overruns and delays; the risk that newly introduced products may contain undetected errors or defects or otherwise not perform as anticipated; the early stage of market development for digital x-ray products; Hologic's ability to predict accurately the demand for its products and to develop strategies to address its markets successfully; risks relating to Hologic's reliance on a single source of supply for some key components of its products; the need to comply with especially high standards in the manufacture of digital x-ray products; Hologic's ongoing ability to satisfy financial and other covenants in its credit and lease agreements; technical innovations that could render products marketed or under development by Hologic obsolete; competition; and reimbursement policies for the use of Hologic's products. Other factors that could adversely affect Hologic's business and prospects are described in Hologic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Hologic's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.