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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.
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