PI-ID is a handheld quantitative drug testing platform that delivers lab-quality accuracy in detecting trace amounts of drugs quickly and efficiently.

Traditional oral fluid testing devices for roadside drug and alcohol screening have been plagued by a range of issues: they are slow, expensive, bulky, and often inaccurate. Moreover, these devices have struggled to detect the necessary levels of THC required for effective roadside screening.

Eye3, recognizing the need for a more effective solution, developed a fast, cost-efficient device capable of simultaneously testing for alcohol and THC with lab-quality accuracy. To bring this vision to life, they turned to Cortex Design. Our mission was to design an optimal product solution and workflow that would meet the rigorous demands of law enforcement. Our industrial design and engineering teams focused on understanding the specific needs of officers, the challenges of the roadside environment, and the technical constraints inherent in a handheld device.

Our journey began with extensive user research and remote ethnographic studies (during the COVID-19 pandemic) involving law enforcement stakeholders. These studies revealed the critical need for a device that could be operated with one hand, allowing officers to stay alert and responsive to dynamic roadside situations. This insight was fundamental in shaping the PD-ID’s form factor, ensuring that the saliva collection cartridge could be effortlessly inserted and securely latched into the handheld reader. Understanding the challenges of roadside environments, especially in harsh Canadian winters, we focused on developing a simplified physical interface. This design ensured the device could be operated efficiently even with gloves, which is crucial for officers working in extreme conditions.

Cortex Design played a pivotal role in developing proof-of-concept microfluidic cartridge designs for the PD-ID device. Working closely with Eye3’s research team, we translated their chemistry and functional requirements into practical, testable prototypes. These cartridges were then evaluated in a university lab setting to ensure they could effectively detect THC. Once the proof of concept was validated, Cortex handed off the design to specialized service providers for further microfluidics and chemistry development.

Cortex’s deep expertise in design engineering and electronics integration allowed us to carefully consider the reader’s mechanical layout and packaging, integrating essential components such as the PCB, display, battery, RFID, and barcode/QR scanner into a compact, ruggedized design. This allowed the device to withstand the rigours of roadside use while maintaining a handheld form factor.

One of the most innovative aspects of the PD-ID is the cartridge pocket interface which we engineered with a unique latching + ejection system, integrated motorized plunger, electrical connector interfaction, and custom low-cost heater. This solution ensures reliable microfluidic cartridge function and maintains the integrity of screening even in freezing temperatures.

Bringing the device from computer to reality,  Cortex created high-fidelity prototypes that were critical for validating the design and functionality of the PD-ID device. We managed the procurement, assembly, and testing of these prototypes, ensuring they function as intended for real-world application. By presenting these prototypes to key opinion leaders and police departments, Eye3 was able to gather valuable feedback and demonstrate the potential of their solution.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the PD-ID sets a new standard in roadside drug and alcohol detection. It seamlessly integrates the latest advancements in oral fluid testing to deliver unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and reliability—all within a compact, handheld form factor tailored for law enforcement use.

The Cortex team played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the ideal device workflow and product form factor through thorough design exploration, ethnographic research, and iterative design engineering. Our high-fidelity prototypes were crucial in refining the device’s operation, obtaining key opinion leader feedback from police departments, and showcasing the value of Eye3’s solution to support additional fundraising efforts.