A fingerprint-based diagnostic technology company has signed a new deal with a UK medical device manufacturer to produce critical components for an innovative Drug Screening System.
Intelligent Fingerprinting has signed a three-year deal with medical device manufacturer Europlaz to produce critical components for the cartridge element of a fingerprinting Drug Screening System.
The system works by analysing fingerprint sweat on a single use collection cartridge.
Sample collection takes a few seconds and can then be used to screen for the four main drug groups – cocaine, opiates, cannabis and amphetamines – simultaneously.
The new fingerprint drug test – which has been fully trialled and is now available to order – has applications across a variety of screening scenarios, including drug rehabilitation programmes, workplace applications, criminal justice and for use by coroners.
The device’s performance is highly dependent on two specialised features, its anti-tamper sliding cover which protects the fingerprint from contamination after collection and the sealed reagent release mechanism.
Europlaz is a leading contract medical manufacturer specialising in the production of the highest quality plastic injection moulded components, sub-assemblies and finished medical devices.
The company has worked closely with Intelligent Fingerprinting on the manufacturing development of its small, ergonomically-designed and tamper-proof single use cartridge for drug screening.
Key elements addressed by Europlaz in the process include precision moulding to create a ‘living hinge’ that supports the cartridge’s buffer clip, as well as a number of high quality features for the cartridge’s secure sliding cover.
Dr Jerry Walker, Intelligent Fingerprinting’s CEO, said: “Our ground-breaking technology depends on the highest standards of quality and accuracy, and Europlaz has already proved to be an essential partner in the design and development of our innovative, tamper-proof fingerprint collection cartridge.”
“Europlaz brings proven injection moulding skills and impressive clean room facilities to our partnership, and we now look forward to extending our relationship as we scale up our manufacturing following the full validation and commercial introduction of our fingerprint-based drug screening system.”
Eddie O’Keefe, CEO at Europlaz, said: “With our extensive clean room facilities and over 40 years’ experience in the highest quality precision plastic moulding, Europlaz has proved to be an important partner in the development of the innovative Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System“.
“Now that the Intelligent Fingerprinting system is available commercially, we’re moving on to the next stage of the project as we collectively scale up cartridge manufacturing to ensure we meet the price points needed for what will quickly become a globalised product.”
