SALT LAKE CITY–Idaho Technology, Inc. has received the support of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) for use of the Platinum Path™ Extraction Kit (PPEK) with the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS).

“The PPEK kit is designed to handle dozens of different sample types, replacing the need for multiple specialized kits. In addition, it offers vast improvements and efficiencies over previous sample preparation methods. Our kit results in a clean sample ready for analysis in less than 30 minutes, two to three times as fast as some other methods,” said Deepika de Silva, vice president of biochemistry for Idaho Technology.

Developed under the direction and cooperation of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense – Chemical Biological Medical Systems (CBMS) Joint Project Management Office, the PPEK will provide a significant cost savings across all service branches through the elimination of redundant sample preparation kits. The Platinum Path Extraction Kit reduces the annual extraction kit costs by 42% and represents an 80% reduction in the logistics footprint. Additionally, the Platinum Path kit reduces the training requirement by as much as 20%, while delivering increased operational effectiveness and suitability when compared to the currently fielded five extraction kits.

“The entire JBAIDS Program’s mission is about making our war fighters safe against biological weapons and pandemic viral threats. The addition of the PPEK makes that mission easier and reduces logistics which saves money and more importantly will save lives. Idaho Technology is proud of this program and the difference it is making for the Department of Defense and our country,” said Todd Ritter, chief development officer for Idaho Technology.

About Idaho Technology

Idaho Technology, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Through funds from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense, the company has created many commercial instruments and reagents for use in research and applied fields. Several of these products, including the LightCycler® Instrument, have been sublicensed to Roche Diagnostics. Researchers, medical technicians, law enforcement officers, and soldiers in the field use the company’s devices to detect or study disease-causing organisms. For further information, please visit https://www.idahotech.com.