World’s first portable fingerprint drug test now available in Spain

01.24.2019

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Press Release

World’s first portable fingerprint drug test now available in Spain

  • MTB Distribuciones appointed as first Spanish partner to handle sales of Intelligent Fingerprinting’s non-invasive and flexible drug test solution
  • “Fingerprint drug testing is quick, easy and non-invasive,” Ignasi Balsells, MTB Distribuciones

The world’s first portable fingerprint-based drug test, which works by analysing sweat from a fingerprint to determine if someone has recently used cocaine, opiates, amphetamines or cannabis, is now available in Spain. Established drug testing specialist MTB Distribuciones has been appointed as the first Spanish distributor for the revolutionary fingerprint drug test, adding to the Intelligent Fingerprinting partner community covering the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the US.

Fingerprint testing is non-invasive, fast and cost-effective, making it an ideal solution to support drug testing programmes within the workplace – on construction sites or within logistics organisations, for example. The solution is also being used by coroners to assist with toxicology tests and in the drug rehabilitation sector.

Ignasi Balsells who heads up MTB Distribuciones said: “I was impressed with the Intelligent Fingerprinting technology after first seeing it at an exhibition last year, and I’m delighted that our company is the first to bring the solution to Spain. In comparison with current saliva and urine-based approaches, the advantages of fingerprint testing are significant. It is clear that the fingerprint method is easy, quick and inexpensive to use, and we believe many organisations across Spain will find it a valuable and complementary approach when testing for drug use.”

“We are currently working across a range of markets including workplace testing, drug rehabilitation operations and prisons to investigate opportunities. We also feel that the Intelligent Fingerprinting method could bring huge benefits in other markets. In hospital Accident & Emergency departments, for example, the test could be used to quickly establish if patients showing signs of altered mental status, such as confusion or hallucinations, might have taken drugs. Fingerprint testing is non-invasive, test samples can be collected in seconds, and results are available in minutes. All of these benefits combine to make a great solution for scenarios where volume drug testing is required,” continued Ignasi Balsells.

Paul Yates, Intelligent Fingerprinting’s Business Development Director added: “the network of international distributors selling our innovative solution is growing quickly, and we’ve now got coverage across the US, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. We’re also looking forward to announcing further distribution agreements during 2019. MTB Distribuciones has a deep understanding of today’s evolving drug testing needs, proven expertise across our target market sectors, and the vision to see how fingerprint-based drug testing can add value for the organisations it works with. We look forward to a successful partnership.”

Fingerprint-based drug testing – how it works

Intelligent Fingerprinting’s end-to-end drug testing solution features a small, tamper-evident drug screening cartridge which takes just five seconds to collect a fingerprint sweat sample. The Intelligent Fingerprinting portable analysis unit then reads the cartridge and provides a positive or negative result on-screen for cocaine, opiates, cannabis and amphetamines in ten minutes.

Following a positive drug screening result, the Fingerprint Collection Kit for Laboratory Analysis enables the tester to collect additional fingerprint samples for laboratory confirmation. These cartridges are then sent for analysis at an accredited laboratory using the tamper-evident security bag and pre-paid returns envelope provided.

An introductory video demonstrating fingerprint-based drug testing in action is available here

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For media information contact Cheryl Billson at Comma
Email: cheryl.billson@commacomms.com  Tel: +44 (0)7791 720460

About MTB Distribuciones

MTB Distribuciones is based in Lleida in the North East of Spain near Barcelona. The company has been established for some 35 years, and offers both in-depth experience and innovative drug testing solutions to support organisations across the workplace, drug rehabilitation and other sectors across Spain. For further information, contact info@mtbdistribuciones.com or call +34 973 22 10 20.

About Intelligent Fingerprinting

Launched in 2017, Intelligent Fingerprinting’s portable Drug Screening System works by analysing the sweat from a fingerprint sample. It is non-invasive, fast and cost-effective – screening for multiple drug groups simultaneously (currently amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine and opiates) with sample collection taking 5 seconds and results in minutes. A laboratory confirmation service is also available.

The system is currently being marketed to the criminal justice arena, drug rehabilitation services, offender management, workplace and occupational health services. The technique has potential for many other uses including healthcare diagnostics and homeland security applications.

Founded in 2007, Intelligent Fingerprinting is a spin-out company from the University of East Anglia (UEA).  The company is based in Cambridge, England and employs around 30 people.

www.intelligentfingerprinting.com Twitter @iFingerprinting

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