Bio-Rad Laboratories history

1957 Bio-Rad is incorporated.

1964 Bio-Gel® P gel chromatography media are introduced for separating proteins by molecular weight.

1966 Bio-Rad holds its Initial Public Offering and sells 40,000 shares at $3.50 a share.

1967 Bio-Rad enters the clinical diagnostics market with the introduction of the T4 (thyroxine) thyroid function test, the first commercially available test to accurately measure the thyroid hormone T4.

1972 Electrophoresis grade chemicals are introduced to support reproducible protein separation and analysis.

1974 Bio-Rad introduces Aminex® HPX-87C high-pressure liquid chromatography columns.

1975 Bio-Rad acquires Environmental Chemical Specialties, adding quality controls to its product portfolio.

In 1976, Bio-Rad acquired Environmental Chemical Specialties (ECS), a producer of human control serum.

1980 Bio-Rad is listed on the American Stock Exchange.

1981 Bio-Rad introduces Macro-Prep® ion exchange resin for large-scale protein purification and also debuts a new logo, the same one that is used today.

Also in 1982, the company acquires Elfiplast, an Italian manufacturer of plastic products.

1984 The DIAMAT™ analyzer system is introduced to automate HbA1c determinations.

1986 Bio-Rad opens its first offices in Hercules, California.

1987 The Gene Pulser® system becomes the first commercially available apparatus used for transferring genes into cells.

1989 Bio-Rad acquires Belgium-based Research Separations Laboratories, manufacturers of chromatographic materials.

Also in 1990, the Immunoblot HIV test, the first western blot confirmatory test for the AIDS antibody, is introduced.

1991 Bio-Rad introduces precast gels, reducing the bench time and labor required to perform routine protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis.

1992 The VARIANT™ hemoglobin testing system, used to screen for common hemoglobin disorders such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, is introduced.

1993 Bio-Rad introduces CHT™ ceramic hydroxyapatite media, used to purify biopharmaceuticals to create therapies and vaccines for a variety of diseases.

1997 The Biotechnology Explorer™ program is launched to offer science education programs for high school and college students.

1998 Bio-Rad introduces the UNITY™ Quality Control data management software for clinical laboratories; the software allows multiple users to store, access, and share quality control data and documents within and between laboratory locations.

1999 Bio-Rad acquires Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics, based in Marnes-la-Coquette, France.

2000 Bio-Rad introduces a test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).

In 2003, Bio-Rad also launches the D-10™ hemoglobin testing system.

Also in 2004, Bio-Rad launches the Experion™ automated electrophoresis system.

2005 Bio-Rad launches the BioPlex® 2200 system, the first fully automated random access multiplex testing system to generate multiple results from a single patient sample.

2006 Bio-Rad launches the ProteOn™ XPR36 protein interaction array system, which detects and quantifies up to 36 simultaneous molecular interactions.

2007 Bio-Rad acquires DiaMed, a manufacturer of blood typing and screening reagents and instruments, introduces siLentMer™ targeted gene silencing technology, and launches the point-of-care in2it™ A1c analyzer, which delivers A1c results in minutes in a physician's office.

2009 Bio-Rad receives United States FDA clearance for ToRC IgG and HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG kits on the BioPlex® 2200 Multiplex System.

2010 Bio-Rad introduces its IH-1000, an automated blood screening system, to markets outside the United States Also that year, the company launches its TGX™ precast gels as well as the TC10™ automated cell counter.

In 2011, Bio-Rad acquired a new technology, droplet digital PCR. Droplet digital PCR allows scientists to distinguish rare sequences in tumors and precisely measure copy number variation.

2012 Bio-Rad co-founder, David Schwartz, 88, passes away in April.

2013 In January, Bio-Rad acquires AbD Serotec, a leading antibody manufacturer.

2014 In April, Bio-Rad Acquires GnuBIO, developer of droplet-based DNA sequencing technology.

2015 Bio-Rad announces the launch of the IH-500, a fully automated random access system for blood typing and screening, providing small and medium-size transfusion medicine laboratories fast and reliable results in a 24/7 environment.

2016 In the fall, Bio-Rad announces that it has received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its IH-1000 blood typing instrument along with approvals for a wide range of associated gel cards and reagents for the United States blood typing market.

In 2017, Bio-Rad acquired RainDance Technologies, a droplet-based PCR systems manufacturer.

2018 Bio-Rad awarded a contract for iQ-Check real-time PCR pathogen detection test kits and the iQ-Check Prep Automation System from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.