| [April 23, 2012] |
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Smart Start, Inc. Expands Beyond Alcohol Interlocks & Monitoring into Drug Testing with Revolutionary Portable Fingerprint Testing Device
DALLAS --(Business Wire)--
Smart
Start, Inc., the nation's leading ignition interlock provider,
announced today that it has obtained the exclusive rights to distribute
Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd.'s drugs of abuse detection products in
North America. Intelligent Fingerprinting, a technology company based in
Norwich, United Kingdom, has introduced the world's first prototype of a
handheld fingerprint drug detection device. The unique process detects
drug metabolites and other substances contained in fingerprints and
enables mobile testing with instant results. Smart Start expects to
begin offering the new product in early 2013, pending regulatory
approval.
"We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Intelligent
Fingerprinting. Their unique, non-invasive drug-detection technology
will revolutionize testing for drugs of abuse," said Smart Start CEO
Lamar Ball. "The potential roadside, criminal justice and workplace
applications have natural synergies with our existing ignition interlock
and alcohol monitoring business and we are eager to explore the
opportunity."
The new hand-held device will enable testing of fingerprints for illegal
drugs and other substances using disposable cartridges. The samples are
quick and easy to collect and do not require special handling or
biohazard precautions. "The imaging of the fingerprint provides a
chain-of-evidence continuity that is almost impossible to cheat," Mr.
Ball noted. "The potential uses for the device are wide ranging and
cover testing in the workplace as well as screening drivers at roadside
for drug-driving impairment."
Smart Start has formed a new subsidiary, Smart Sales, Inc., to
concentrate on marketing the products in North America. Tom Anthony was
appointed president of the new company and will direct the company's
development. "The unique ability to combine fingerprint identification
and substance abuse detection has many applications in the criminal
justice and workplace arenas. The testing is non-invasive, quick and
accurate. We are excited to be able to bring the products to the
market," Mr. Anthony stated.
Intelligent Fingerprinting's Business Development Manager Dr. Paul Yates
added, "There has already been considerable worldwide interest in the
use of the technology for testing within a wide range of applications,
including criminal justice, forensic science, homeland security, as well
as institutional testing at prisons and workplaces. But the ability of a
hand-held device to carry out testing in-situ brings a whole new range
ofbenefits and opportunities."
Well known since 1993 for its breath alcohol ignition interlock devices (BAIIDs),
Smart Start also provides home alcohol monitoring with its IN-HOM®
alcohol monitoring system. All Smart Start products are designed,
engineered and manufactured in the United States. Smart Start is an
industry leader in alcohol monitoring technology in the U.S. and also
serves clients in Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and Australia.
Monitoring
authorities, private probation, rehabilitation offices, attorneys
and individuals convicted of DWI can call 1-800-880-3394 for information
and/or enrollment, or download the Smart Start smartphone mobile app at
the iTunes
Store or the Android
Marketplace.
About Smart Start, Inc. (www.SmartStartInc.com)
SETTING THE STANDARD IN ALCOHOL MONITORING TECHNOLOGY (SM)
Privately held Smart Start, Inc. is a leader in alcohol monitoring
through its ignition interlock and IN-HOM® alcohol testing devices. It
provides fully integrated services encompassing design, manufacturing,
installation, customer service, monitoring and administrative support. A
leading global supplier of alcohol monitoring devices since its creation
in 1993, Smart Start is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and offers its
services and products through more than
1,000 company-owned and franchised locations in the United States in
Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and Australia.
800.880.3394 Smart Start® saves lives by Separating
Drinking From Driving®
About Intelligent Fingerprinting, Ltd. (www.Intelligentfingerprinting.com)
Intelligent Fingerprinting Ltd is a spin-out from the University of East
Anglia, Norwich, UK, and has developed unique technology to determine
whether an individual is using drugs from analyzing minute traces of
sweat deposited in their fingerprints. The fingerprint itself provides
positive identification of the individual and the sweat analysis shows
the presence of drugs in the body. The technology detects the products
of the body's metabolism of the drug (so-called 'metabolites') and not
the drug itself, and therefore provides direct evidence that the person
has actually taken the drugs, and not simply touched a surface that
might have been contaminated. In addition to the detection of drugs of
abuse, the Intelligent Fingerprinting technology can be used for a wide
range of other applications.
www.intelligentfingerprinting.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Product and executive photos available upon
request. Smart Start®, Separating Drinking From Driving™, SMART
START IN-HOM®, and SETTING THE STANDARD IN ALCOHOL MONITORING
TECHNOLOGY SM are registered Trademarks of Smart Start, Inc.

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