Royal Philips Electronics this week announced its new Magnotech biosensor technology which uses magnetic nanoparticles to measure target molecules in blood or saliva, with the aim of bringing complex in-vitro diagnostic tests out of the laboratory and into the field.

philips is working with UK-based Concateno plc to use Magnotech in a new handheld solution for police to use in testing for drug abuse.

According to a joint statement, "[The] Concateno-Philips pioneering system will make testing for drugs such as cocaine and heroin quicker, simpler and easier enabling immediate point-of-care drug test results, similar to current alcohol tests. Concateno and Philips will deliver the new solution to selected customers in the second half of 2009."

More here from AZoNano ... more here from Nanowerk ... more here from the AP ... more here from DutchNews ... Concateno's press release is here ... and Philips' press release is here.