The Technology Behind Fingerprint Sweat Analysis
When substances are ingested, the body metabolises them into specific byproducts, or metabolites, which are detectable in blood, urine, saliva, and sweat. Our scientists have developed highly sensitive assays to detect these trace substances in sweat produced by the fingertips.
Our drug screening cartridges use lateral flow assay technology and fluorescence-labelled antibodies to selectively detect specific drugs or their metabolites in sweat collected from the fingertips. The portable reader is a highly sensitive, robust, and effective fluorescence measurement instrument used to read the cartridge, providing a negative or non-negative result for each drug in the screening test within minutes.
Preliminary non-negative screening results are validated via a laboratory analysis kit and procedure that uses liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a highly sensitive analytical technique, to confirm the results and drug(s) present.
This versatile platform technology has the capability to meet a comprehensive range of drug testing needs in response to emerging trends.
Beyond Drug Testing: Future Applications
The potential of sweat-based diagnostics extends well beyond drug detection. The system’s unique approach to sweat analysis opens up possibilities in areas such as health and well-being and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Interested in partnering with us? We welcome enquiries about innovative joint projects.
Research & Development Team
Our team’s continued research and development builds on the foundations of the pioneering research initially conducted by David Russell, Professor at the University of East Anglia. The team continues to work on a number of key related developments, including broadening the panel of proprietary drug screening assays and high-sensitivity immunoassay technologies. The team tests and validates all innovations before commercialization.
Manufacturing
The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Cartridge is manufactured in-house by our team in Cambridge, leveraging lean manufacturing technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Our manufacturing process integrates industry-standard diagnostics instruments with bespoke solutions, accelerating the transition toward automation. Through investment in high-throughput reel-to-reel production and other advanced automated systems, we streamline the printing, laminating, and packaging of sample collection cartridges. These technologies support lean principles, ensuring precision, consistency, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.