FOR RELEASE 3/29/05 AT 8:00 AM ET
Contact: Buck Somes GenPrime, Inc. Phone: (509) 624-9855 Email: bsomes@genprime.com
GenPrime's Prime Alert(R) broad spectrum screening kits set for nationwide deployment
Spokane, WA - March 29, 2005 - GenPrime, Inc., the leading developer of rapid, broad spectrum screening systems for use in bio-warfare defense, today announced the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has selected its Prime Alert (R). Biodetection System for its biological detection needs. USPIS is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. and is responsible for investigating and coordinating a response to a mail-related crime, including the undocumented transport of toxic agents. The USPIS will use Prime Alert nationwide to analyze suspicious substances on "white powder" calls, where speed and accuracy are critical in determining whether or not a foreign substance is harmful in nature.
Others in the first responder community will be able to see live demonstrations of Prime Alert at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference in Indianapolis, IN (Booth #3105) from April 14-16, 2005.
"The array of biological agents that could be used within the U.S. in a terrorist attack is of real concern and is driving the demand for broad spectrum biodetection testing tools that provide accurate and timely results," noted Barath Shankar, an analyst with industry research firm Frost & Sullivan. "When an unknown substance is discovered, one could argue that knowing whether or not it is toxic - as opposed toentifying it - is of more immediate importance in the field. Prime Alert is meeting this market need."
Prime Alert is the first field-proven screening test for all bacterial agents of concernentified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Independently evaluated by the Battelle Memorial Institute, Prime Alert uses a patented fluorescent detection technology to rapidly determine the presence of harmful microbes in foreign substances. Portability, ease-of-use and the ability to determine whether or not an unknown substance is harmful in less than 10 minutes are features that enable the kit to be deployed in any situation.
"Ever since the anthrax incidents in 2001, the U.S. Postal Service has been at the forefront of suspicious 'white powder calls,'" said GenPrime CEO Johnny Humphreys. "When employees have been exposed to a foreign substance, waiting days or weeks to determine its toxicity is unacceptable. The faster results can be ascertained, the sooner employees can be informed and a plan of action determined. The USPIS has been aggressively seeking the best solution available to this problem and has done a good job of designing an effective protocol for handling these situations. They are setting the standards in this area."
The USPIS joins a growing number of state and global government organizations deploying Prime Alert to protect first responders, employees and the general public from the threat of bioterrorism. Current customers range from municipal fire departments and state-led security consortiums to international defense departments in Ireland and Singapore.
About GenPrime GenPrime, Inc. specializes in the development of rapid microbial screening tests designed to detect biological substances in the field. The company is committed to becoming the leading provider of advanced testing technologies for a secure and healthy world. Company headquarters are in Spokane, Washington. For more information, call 866-624-9855 or visit www.genprime.com.