Epistem teams up with the US Air Force

DIAGNOSTICS firm Epistem is to work with the US Air Force on the potential use of its Genedrive technology in combat situations.

Genedrive is a handheld device which uses molecular diagnostics to quickly test for a range of conditions.

The research, which also involves John Hopkins University in Baltimore, will start immediately and is worth £400,000 during the first six-month phase.

If successful there will be ongoing investment for the development and potential roll out of the  unit for the US Department of Defence.

Manchester-based Epistem added that it was continuing to work on Genedrive’s ability to test for tuberculosis.