Delray Beach, Florida USA (PRWEB) October 19, 2011
PositiveID Corporation (PositiveID or Company) (OTCBB: PSID), a developer of medical technologies for diabetes management, clinical diagnostics and bio-threat detection, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/U-S-Department-Homeland-pz-3857242034.html?x=0&.v=1 [announced __title__ Globe NewsWire Press Release] that it has launched a Ricin detection assay, which was developed under and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technologies (S&T) division to meet the specific needs that DHS has in securing the nation against biological threats. Ricin, a chemical warfare agent, is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant Ricinus communis and has become a tool of terrorist groups across the world due to its effortless production and high toxicity.
PositiveIDs MicroFluidic Systems subsidiary (MFS) developed the immunodetection assay, which is now available, for the rapid identification of Ricin toxin. In addition to the individual detection of Ricin toxin, MFS also offers a triplex assay for the simultaneous detection of three toxins: Ricin, Botulinum, and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). The white paper can be found on the Companys website.
Mr. Lyle Probst, Vice President of Programs at MFS, said, Our assay for the identification of Ricin toxin, which has the potential to be used as an agent of biological warfare, relies on proven and well understood technologies. In a recent evaluation of our immunodetection assay for Ricin compared to the current gold standard method of identification, the MFS Assay for the identification of Ricin is equivalent or better. As an additional advantage, with minimal effort, this assay can be reconfigured to fit other commercial platforms.
PositiveID Corporation (OTCBB: PSID) develops unique medical devices and molecular diagnostic systems focused primarily on diabetes management, rapid medical testing and airborne bio-threat detection. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, MicroFluidic Systems or MFS, is focused on the development of microfluidic systems for the automated preparation of and performance of biological assays. PositiveID Corporation was formed on November 10, 2009 through the merger of VeriChip Corporation and Steel Vault Corporation.
In May 2011, PositiveID acquired California-based Microfluidic Systems, founded in 2001, which specializes in the development and production of automated instruments for detecting and processing of biological samples. MFS’ core technology is used for airborne pathogen detection, rapid clinical diagnostics and sample preparation applications.
MFS’ microfluidic technology alleviates all existing problems by replacing robotics with integrated microfluidics, reducing cost and increasing reliability. The companys microfluidic technology also automates and increases the effectiveness of key sample processing steps used today on the laboratory bench-top, into a closed automated system. The embedded devices perform cell lysis (including difficult spores) in less than 1 minute at low power, nucleic acid purification along with inhibitor removal and pre-concentration of the nucleic acids up to factors of 1000X within minutes. These processes all occur autonomously within a fully contained disposable microfluidic cartridge.
PositiveID operates in two main divisions: HealthID and SecurityID. The HealthID segment develops unique medical devices, focused primarily on diabetes management, and rapid medical testing applications. Its SecurityID segment develops airborne bio-threat detection systems.
An integral part of the history of PositiveID is its radio-frequency identification (RFID) implantable microchip for patient identification, the VeriChip. The company’s RFID microchip traces back to the events of September 11, 2001, when New York firemen wrote their badge ID numbers on their chests in case they were found injured or unconscious. It was evident there was a serious need for personal information in emergency situations and the product, modeled after a similar microchip used in pets, evolved from there. The company received FDA clearance for the microchip in October 2004.
For more information or an interview with PositiveID Corporation (OTCBB: PSID) please email or call for scheduling:
Allison Tomek
Sr. VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
PositiveID Corporation (OTCBB: PSID.)
T: 561-805-8044
F: 561-805-8001
atomek(at)positiveidcorp(dot)com
PositiveID Corporation (OTCBB: PSID)
