A FLEXIBLE DEFENSE

Biodetection

Long before the 2001 anthrax attacks, scientists at Los Alamos were already developing a system to rapidly detect the criminal use of biological agents. The results of the work, by researchers at Los Alamos and Livermore national laboratories even formed part of the security network at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

A Basis for Success

The system, called the Biological Aerosol Sentry and Information System, or BASIS, was developed under the Chemical and Biological National Security Program of the National Nuclear Security Administration by Los Alamos and Livermore scientists.

Early Warning

BASIS consists of a network of sampling units, similar to those used by the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor air quality, to collect and check aerosols. Filters capture aerosols and are then collected several times a day for analysis. At the heart of BASIS is a transportable field laboratory where collected samples are analyzed using the most reliable and sensitive identification techniques available. The samples are analyzed using DNA-based techniques that have been validated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fast Reporting

BASIS reduces the time for detecting a bioagent release from days or weeks to less than a day, allowing public health officials to have much more rapid warning: the early notice could mean the difference between life and death for people in any contaminated area.

NEW APPROACHES

This detection system will accommodate direct analysis of clinical and environmental samples and is aimed towards use by first responders and medical personnel.

The primary objective is early screening of possible victims of a biological attack, but this sensor system could also be adapted to environmental detection of toxins and selected pathogens as well as assessment of decontamination.