PositiveID Is Back with Breath Glucose Check Device

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — PositiveID Corp. announced July 20 that it has completed the
design of its prototype EasyCheck Breath Glucose Detection
Device.

The handheld device “utilizes a single-use capsule containing a
proprietary reagent that triggers a chemical reaction that can be
immediately measured and correlated to blood glucose levels. The
company believes this device could eliminate a patient’s need to
prick his or her finger multiple times per day in order to get a
blood sugar reading,” a release stated.

The company could begin testing the device this year, said
PositiveID Chairman and CEO Scott Silverman, and will conduct
side-by-side comparisons of the device versus the standard finger
stick.

The battery-operated device includes a laser optical sensor, a
microprocessor and chemical sensors that can detect glucose levels
and transmit a reading to a scanner. By loading in the reagent
capsule and exhaling into the device, the company hopes the
EasyCheck can “test blood sugar levels without the drop of blood
presently required by existing glucose measuring devices.”

Florida Trend reported earlier this month that
Minnesota-based Receptors has received two patents for technologies
that will serve as the basis for the EasyCheck. While PositiveID’s
glucose sensor is years away from commercialization, Silverman told
the magazine, he added: “In theory, way down the road, that same
chip could contain a device to release insulin as well.”

The same report said PositiveID (formerly VeriChip) is no longer
marketing its implantable microchip, which the company had
envisioned as carrying important health records and
information.