908 Devices Inc, a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces the latest in international adoption of the MX908 for trace detection and identification of priority drugs and chemical threats. DrugDetect EU and NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have both entered into new contracts to deploy the MX908, a handheld high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS) device. The MX908 will be used in a variety of settings, from military applications to correctional facilities.
The DrugDetect EU project aims to quickly and effectively detect a large range of drugs in correctional institutions and prisons in several European countries to prevent drugs from entering and circulating in facilities. A contract was awarded to 908 Devices and the first two units shipped in recent months to Belgium and Greece, with more units expected to be procured. Operational validation demonstrated the effectiveness of the MX908 in detecting and identifying trace amounts of drug samples, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and others. 908 Devices is also conducting target development work for an additional 15 targets identified by the DrugDetect EU project.
“The MX908 is an incredibly flexible device that quickly and effectively identifies drugs and enables us to analyze results quickly across our 34 prisons,” said Paul Van Tigchelt, Minister of Justice, Belgium. “We’re committed to combatting drug use in our prisons, and simultaneously protecting our staff, and the MX908 empowers our decision-making with peace of mind.”
In addition to the DrugDetect EU project, the NSPA contract is significant as it streamlines the procurement process of the MX908 device for all 32 NATO member states and four additional countries. Specifically, the agreement is valid for up to five years and includes the ability to purchase up to approximately 80 units, of which orders have already been fulfilled and more expected. NATO countries and their allies can use the MX908 at the point of need in a variety of environmental conditions and analyze trace level samples in any state, including solid, liquid, gas/vapor and aerosol. The device is frequently used for military CBRNE applications.
“We’re honored to partner with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency and DrugDetect EU project as they work to advance detection and identification of chemical threats across Europe,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and co-founder of 908 Devices. “The versatility of our technology empowers users with life-saving insights and our customers are utilizing the MX908 on the frontlines to stem the flow of drugs and other illicit substances to mitigate damage throughout the region.”
The MX908 is a multi-mission handheld mass spectrometer utilized by elite responders conducting chemical, explosive, priority drug and HazMat operations around the world. Powered by HPMS and featuring an evolving target list, the MX908 identifies compounds at trace levels with a high level of sensitivity and unparalleled selectivity to deliver quick, actionable insights to its users.
SOURCE: 908 Devices