In Memory
Jerry W. Denney, 85, went to his Heavenly home on August 15, 2024, following a brief illness. While attending college on an MD/PhD program, Jerry founded American Monitor Corporation (AMC) and began developing state of the art clinical chemistry reagents and instruments. AMC invented the first computerized blood chemistry analyzer and competed with other giants in the field. He is well known for his brilliant mind and holds multiple patents to his name. His lifelong goal was to improve diagnostic testing for the physician and patient.
In 2015, Jerry, Robbie Suggs and Kevin Morton established a partnership to improve drug testing and make a difference in people’s lives. From that partnership, Vision Diagnostics, Inc. dba Validity Diagnostics (VDx) was formed in Branford, Florida.
Jerry continued to launch innovative products throughout his career and was still working at the time of his death as Chief Scientific Officer of Vision Diagnostics, Inc. One of his latest ventures was the patent for the Specimen Validity Test (SVT) Panel which he completed in 2018. Jerry was led to pursue industry’s challenge for the development of technology to defeat substance use disorder. Diagnostics needed to be improved. The rate of detection of drug usage had steadily declined for decades, but the rate of overdose increased dramatically during the period. Rehabilitation results were poor. Jerry developed the VDx GEN2 SVT Panel to detect urines that had been adulterated to subvert drug detection. This 5-panel test has shown that 15 to 20 percent of the adulterated urine drug tests that are being done are missed when using the current method of screening urines prior to drug testing.
Jerry still has an additional patent pending for a new test which is currently being evaluated for 510k approval by the FDA.
Jerry recognized that he had special God given talents, and it was his goal to use those talents to honor God’s gift. Diagnostic Chemistry Testing has been greatly improved by his numerous contributions to science.
The Vision Behind Validity Diagnostics
In 2015, Robbie, Jerry Denney and Kevin Morton had a bold, life-changing vision. It was something new, something the world hadn’t seen before, yet something desperately needed locally, statewide, and across the country.
Through his close work with hospitals and clinics, Robbie witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the opioid crisis. He saw communities breaking down, families torn apart, and lives lost. And he recognized a critical flaw: traditional drug testing methods were no longer reliable. They could be easily manipulated with synthetic agents, making it nearly impossible to hold the individuals accountable or help them truly recover.
Robbie’s vision was clear: to develop a sample validity test that couldn’t be masked or altered. A test so advanced and precise that it would detect even the most subtle foreign agents, ensuring accuracy and integrity in every result.
Together with Jerry and Kevin, Robbie set out to bring his vision to life. Their goal wasn’t just to improve testing, but to make a difference in people’s lives. They understood that many struggling with addiction were slipping through the cracks because traditional drug tests failed to identify the problem. Without accurate testing, treatment and recovery couldn’t truly begin.
They knew that if they could create a test that couldn’t be fooled, it could change everything. Not just for the workforce, but for families – for fathers, husbands, mothers, wives, sons, and daughters. It could give people a real chance at healing and redemption.
That vision is now a reality.
The invention was patented, and by the company born from this mission is now known as Validity Diagnostics (VDx). Because of Robbie’s dedication, and the unwavering support of the team, this innovation is already making a difference.
In February 2023, Robbie was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Despite the challenges, he fought with incredible strength, courage, and resilience, just as he had throughout his life. Sadly, Robbie passed away in October 2023. His loss is deeply felt, but his vision and determination remain an enduring part of who we are.
Robbie’s legacy lives on through his wife Donna, their children and grandchildren, as well as the entire Validity family. With the same passion and determination, they are committed to carrying the vision forward – restoring hope, healing lives, and building a better future for generations to come.