An independent evaluation of RedXDefense's XCAT noted that the data from this evaluation demonstrated that the hand-held detector is a very effective tool for the presumptive identification of illicit drugs, according to the company.

The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) evaluated the XCAT's performance to detect the presence of commonly encountered illicit drugs. The test included a wide range of substances including bath salts, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.

"Samples in trace sensitivity and conformity, solid sample sensitivity, environmental challenge, and real world cases were 100% correct and reproducible," according to the report.

The report also noted several other key factors about the detector. It noted that the device is uncomplicated and provides a rapid response. No color charts are required for interpretation. Exposure to temperatures ranging from 2° to 40° Celsius did not impact the performance of the XCAT cards, the report noted.

Other benefits include that operator competency is quickly attained. Safety concerns are negligible with the XCAT, which can be used on bulk and trace samples.

In the evaluation, the internal Lithium Ion battery lasted a minimum of eight hours with consistent and intermittent use.

The XCAT system is currently in use by law enforcement and private security organizations. The XCAT uses detection cards with specially formulated detection inks and software to identify characteristics unique to each individual or group of chemically-related substances and returns a simple red or green light signal to the user.

The company will display its detector at the IACP Conference in Philadelphia from Oct. 20-22 at Booth #2950.