PerkinElmer Enhances Hand Sanitizer Analyzer to Detect Methanol in 30 Seconds or Less

Instrument also tests ethanol and isopropanol concentrations to confirm product efficacy

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader committed to innovating for a healthier world, today announced that its Hand Sanitizer Analyzer instrument can be used to test for the presence of methanol in alcohol-based hand sanitizer products with pass/fail results delivered in 30 seconds or less. Recent warnings and recalls from the FDA indicate that methanol can be toxic to consumers if absorbed through the skin and life threatening if ingested.

The instrument, brought to market in April 2020, also tests hand sanitizers for concentration levels of desired alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol, to help assure product efficacy per WHO, USP or FDA guidelines.

The compact and portable analyzer is based on the Company’s Spectrum Two™ FT-IR spectrometer solution. The underlying technology allows for rapid detection of methanol contamination down to 0.03% (or 300 parts per million) which is more sensitive than the FDA mandated detection limits.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing and the flu season on its way, it is critical that consumers can trust the safety and efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products,” said Suneet Chadha, VP/GM, Applied Markets, PerkinElmer. “Our PerkinElmer Hand Sanitizer Analyzer puts fast and reliable results into the hands of the producers and suppliers of these high-demand products, protecting consumers and avoiding counterfeit ingredient use and recalls.”

The Hand Sanitizer Analyzer is part of PerkinElmer’s comprehensive solutions helping lab professionals and scientists around the world fight COVID-19. From detection and drug and vaccine discovery, through protective product testing, the Company’s innovations include kits, instruments, informatics, automation and workflow solutions and services. PerkinElmer is also committed to donating instruments and testing kits around the world to help screen and diagnose the disease in hot spot locations.

To learn more please visit: https://www.perkinelmer.com/Product/hand-sanitizer-app-pack-l1608031 and www.perkinelmer.com.

About PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. Our dedicated team of about 13,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the wellbeing and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2.9 billion in 2019, serves customers in 190 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.