ANDalyze offers a new EPA tested technology for detecting and measuring lead levels in paint. The combined sensor/fluorimeter platform solution requires no special knowledge of chemistry, and produces no hazardous chemical waste and shows test results in less than ten minutes, greatly reducing operational testing time and cost.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.–ANDalyze has developed an innovative lead (Pb) sensor technology for on-site detection of lead levels in dried paint surfaces. The technology can measure lead levels to parts per billion, greatly increasing the accuracy of lead in paint measurement and reducing the complexity of previous chemical testing methods. Lead in household paint and dust is a serious health hazard as low-level lead exposure can result in a number of adverse health effects, especially in children. The technology replaces more complex and time consuming chemical testing methods and also gives more accurate readings than hand held XRF analyzers, particularly when there are multiple layers of paint on the walls.

The company’s product, the AND1000 Fluorimeter and Lead100 Sensor, meets US EPA requirements for accuracy and specificity of lead-in-paint testing. This solution is ideal for testing agencies, home inspectors, lead removal specialists and environmental services firms looking to reduce lead paint testing efforts while maintaining accuracy of inspections. No special skill or knowledge of chemistry is required to operate the device and no hazardous chemicals are used.

Detecting lead using DNA

The ANDalyze Lead100, catalytic DNA sensor uses a DNAzyme reaction that fluoresces in the presence of lead. The amount of lead is determined by the level of fluorescence that is measured with a portable fluorimeter after a processed lead paint sample is passed through the sensor. It is a simple, accurate, selective, and quantitative test that makes on-site, real-time lead detection easier.

EPA Award Winning Technology

In order to achieve better and faster environmental results detecting lead in paint, the EPA’s Lead Paint Action Team decided that innovative technology could help reduce lead exposure and lower the cost of abatements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a contract to ANDalyze (formerly DzymeTech) to evaluate the application of its DNAzyme technology. The project work has determined that the technology works as intended and is ready for commercialization. Continued work with the EPA under its ETV program will initiate large-scale testing and further development of the product and technology. The outcome is a reliable, low-cost, user-friendly spot test kit that can be used to detect and analyze lead levels in paint easier, faster and cheaper than previously used methods. The product for testing lead in paint will be available soon and will be sold as a kit including 50 – 100 sensors and a hand-held fluorimeter.

About ANDalyze Inc.

ANDalyze offers products for testing water contamination using catalytic DNA technologies. The company has developed a methodology for detecting and quantifying chemical levels based on the recent discovery of the catalytic properties of DNA. This technology and product is a universal platform that offers simple, fast, inexpensive and reliable detection of trace metals and other target chemicals. Company contact and product information can be found at www.andalyze.com.