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PSID News--
PositiveID Successfully Detects the Zika Virus on its Firefly Dx Prototype System
PositiveID uses assay partner GenArraytion’s Zika test, the first commercially available multi-plexed PCR-based molecular test to identify dual lineages of the Zika virus
PositiveID Corporation
5 minutes ago
GlobeNewswire

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., May 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PositiveID Corporation (“PositiveID” or “Company”) (PSID), a life sciences company focused on detection and diagnostics, announced today that it has successfully detected the Zika virus on its Firefly Dx polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) breadboard prototype pathogen detection system (“prototype system”). Zika is a fever-causing virus transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that can cause microcephaly, a serious congenital condition in which babies are born with head and brain abnormalities, and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis.

PositiveID used assay partner GenArraytion, Inc.’s Aedes Aegypti MultiFLEX™ Bioassay test, which targets four genetic regions of the Zika virus, on PositiveID’s Firefly Dx prototype system. The Zika virus test works with an existing GenArraytion MultiFLEX™ Bioassay panel that targets viruses that cause dengue fever, yellow fever and Chikungunya, which are also carried by the same mosquito and are known to cause febrile disease in humans. This test both identifies and discriminates between the Zika African and Brazilian lineages.

PositiveID is developing the Firefly Dx prototype system to be a handheld, fully automated, lab quality, real-time device able to detect bio-threats at the point of need. Currently, PCR tests are run on large lab equipment and take a minimum of four hours to deliver results. A design advantage of Firefly Dx is that it does not require additional equipment or separate steps for sample preparation and purification, unlike current lab-based equipment, thus reducing time to results as well as cost per test. In addition, there is significantly less chance of sample contamination compared to existing testing methods.

“Rapid identification of Zika at the source could drastically help containment measures and therefore control transmission of the virus,” stated William J. Caragol, Chairman and CEO of PositiveID. “With grave concerns about the effects of Zika on pregnant women, having the ability to quickly and accurately identify Zika and other bio-threats at the point of need without having to take samples back to a lab, which is the fundamental value proposition of Firefly Dx, could help protect the lives of unborn children.”

The Firefly Dx prototype system has also successfully detected a number of other pathogenic organisms including E.coli, influenza, MRSA, MSSA, C. diff and others.

About PositiveID Corporation
PositiveID Corporation is a life sciences tools and diagnostics company with an extensive patent portfolio. PositiveID develops biological detection and diagnostics systems, specializing in the development of microfluidic systems for the automated preparation of and performance of biological assays. PositiveID is also a leader in the mobile technology vehicle market, with a focus on the laboratory market and homeland security. For more information on PositiveID, please visit http://www.psidcorp.com, or connect with PositiveID on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.