Intelligent Fingerprinting gets US patent for fingerprint drug tests

Intelligent Fingerprinting has been awarded its first US patent, which protects its technique for detecting substances within fingerprint sweat deposits in its fingerprint analysis device.

“The award of this US patent is a very important step for us. It protects our invention, which we see as truly disruptive technology, and secures access to the significant US market for drug testing,” Jerry Walker, Intelligent Fingerprint’s CEO said. “It also creates licensing opportunities which could be highly profitable for the company as well.”

The device, which is also capable of biometric fingerprint identification, analyses small amounts of sweat contained in a fingerprint to detect specific chemicals known as drug metabolites, which, if present, indicate drug use.  Results are available in ten minutes after taking a sample.

The company says it’s currently working towards achieving ISO 13485 accreditation and pilot production of the handheld drug-screening device is set to begin at the end of the year.

According to the company, the United States accounts for more than 50% of the global drug testing market. The device will be sold through distribution partners Smart Start Inc. Intelligent Fingerprinting already has been granted patents for its technology in the EU and Australia. Patent applications are pending around the world.

Article Topics

drug test  |  fingerprint  |  identification  |  Intelligent Fingerprinting  |  patent  |  sobriety testing