ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

Pacific Biometrics Inc.: The Irvine provider of diagnostics and laboratory services reported a net loss of $941,055, or 25 cents a share, for the second fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with a net loss of $306,435, or 10 cents a share, for the comparable period in fiscal 1997. Revenue increased by 34% to $871,290 from $648,437. The company attributed the greater net loss primarily to its investment in clinical trials, with research and development expenses increasing to $565,431 from $224,645.

For the first half, the company posted a net loss of $1.6 million, or 42 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $831,506, or 30 cents a share, for the like period of the prior fiscal year. Revenue was up 25% to $1.5 million from $1.2 million.