SAUGUS, Mass., Feb. 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IonSense, Inc. today introduced the PIMISA Search Software for rapid, confident identification of drugs of abuse by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). The software operates together with the DART-equipped Waters ACQUITY® QDa detector. Using multiple ion fragmentation conditions for each analyte, the software matches a set of spectra against the drug spectral library developed in collaboration with Cayman Chemical, a leading supplier of standard reference materials for forensic laboratories. The user interface features a simple red/green readout to confirm identity of the drugs.
The industry-standard swab sampling allows for surfaces, powders or liquids to be analyzed. The swab is inserted into the instrument, desorbed with a pulse of heat, and analyzed in seconds by DART-MS. The spectra are then automatically interrogated for match against the spectral database. The simplicity of the method as well as the straightforward user interface decreases the need for extensive training, allowing the platform to be utilized in a wide range of laboratory environments.
“Through valuable input provided by the US FDA Forensics Chemistry Center, we have been able to optimize this system for confident detection of a range of current challenges such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine and other opioid analogs,” said Brian Musselman, President and CEO, IonSense, Inc. “This system should be very helpful to laboratories that are struggling with large sample backlogs or for labs that need to develop new methods for emerging drug threats.”
About IonSense Corporation
IonSense Inc., established in 2005, is the leading provider of Open Air/Ambient Ionization sources, systems and integrated solutions for the $4B Mass Spectrometry marketplace. Headquartered in Saugus, MA the company manufactures, sells and markets the DART® (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization source, the first open air ionization product to be patented and sold commercially.
Waters, QDa, and ACQUITY are trademarks of Waters Corporation. DART is a trademark of JEOL USA.