WILMINGTON, Mass.,— Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the latest software update for the Thermo Scientific TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi instruments for field-based chemical identification. These handheld FTIR instruments enable hazmat teams, law enforcement, bomb squads and military personnel to quickly and accurately identify unknown chemicals and explosives. TruDefender® FT/FTi version 1.5 includes significant enhancements to the chemical identification capabilities and includes additions to the substance library.

Thermo Scientific handheld chemical identification instruments use sophisticated algorithms to match the fingerprint of an unknown chemical to items in the extensive on-board chemical library. TruDefender FT/FTi v1.5 is the first software release to incorporate the company’s new patent-pending chemical matching algorithms, which enable faster and more robust mixture analysis while maintaining the accuracy and simplicity users have come to expect from Thermo Scientific products.

The TruDefender FT and TruDefender FTi instruments have always conducted automatic mixture analysis with every scan, unlike instruments that require spectroscopy knowledge and manual subtraction of spectra. The new algorithms provide improved identification capability when faced with mixed or contaminated chemicals, clearly displaying results with no subjective user interpretation.

Designed to complement the FirstDefender line of Raman spectrometers, the TruDefender products and other Thermo Scientific chemical identification tools are in active use around the world. The TruDefender FT/FTi 1.5 update is currently available in English and German.

“Our software, and the way in which we identify unknown chemicals, has always provided end users with tremendous tactical advantages in the field,” said Maura Fitzpatrick, senior director, safety and security of Thermo Fisher’s portable analytical instruments business. “This update takes this advantage even further, ensuring fast, reliable results for complex mixtures. Given the harsh environments in which our customers execute their missions, this is critical.”

For more information about the TruDefender FT/FTi v1.5 software update, contact customer support: support@chemid.thermofisher.com; 800-374-1992 (domestic toll-free) or +1-978-642-1100 (international) or visit www.thermoscientific.com/chemID-support.

To learn more about the full suite of Thermo Scientific portable optical analyzers, including complementary Raman devices, Thermo Scientific FirstDefender RM and FirstDefender RMX, please visit www.thermoscientific.com/safety-chemID.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of $12 billion, we have approximately 39,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through three premier brands, Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific and Unity™ Lab Services, which offer a unique combination of innovative technologies, convenient purchasing options and a single solution for laboratory operations management. Our products and services help our customers solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Visit https://www.thermofisher.com.