GenPrime gets patent for key parts – Approval paves way for sales of rapid microbe-testing kits

GenPrime Inc. of Spokane has received a U.S. patent for the key components of its rapid microbe-testing kits.

GenPrime, started in 1997, designs and sells several products that embody the core technology covered by this patent, including the Prime Alert Biodetection Threat Verification System, which tests suspicious powders for the presence of potentially toxic substances.

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“This represents a significant achievement for our company,” said Jim Fleming, GenPrime president and co-author on the patent along with Vice President Buck Somes.

Prime Alert is the company’s major product. The bio-detection kit sells for about $8,000 retail. It’s been sold to several federal and state first-response agencies, including the state of Washington.

Prime Alert has also been sold to the government of Ireland and to the U.S. Navy.

Fleming said he expects other patents to be issued in the near future, which will cover additional technologies being added to Prime Alert as well as its other key product, a yeast test kit called Easy Count.

Prime Alert can quickly determine whether any bacteria, including anthrax, is present with one five-minute test. The kit is also equipped to uncover the presence of the toxins ricin and botulinum.

GenPrime manufactures and assembles the kits at its Spokane headquarters in the Holley Mason building.