Bio-Detector

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Features & Benefits

  • Highly automated and easy to use
  • Simultaneous detection of up to eight different biological agents (bacterial and viral pathogens and toxins)
  • Test results in 15 minutes or less
  • Low detection limits: >95% detection probability & <0.1% false alarm rate
  • Rapidly incorporates tests for new threats
  • Barcode design quickly introduces new reagents
  • Operable and maintainable by soldiers in MOPP4

      For field missions where durability and portability are essential components of biological agent detection, the Bio Detector is the detector of choice for the U.S. Army.

      Jointly developed and field-tested by Smiths Detection – Edgewood, Inc. and the U.S. Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command, the Bio Detector is an automated biological agent detector that simultaneously detects up to eight different agents using Immuno-ligand Assay chemistries. Additional tests can be easily incorporated to detect new and emerging biological threats.

      The Bio Detector is an on-demand, portable system that identifies specific biological agents and their concentration levels. It includes sample input, fluidics system, sensor module and reagent consumables in a single, ruggedized housing, that is both portable and durable.

      The Bio Detector is currently in production and is a key component of P3I Integrated Biological Detection System (IBDS).

      Principles of Operation
      The Bio Detector uses the principles of Immuno-ligand Assay chemistries with a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), licensed to Smiths Detection – Edgewood, Inc. by Molecular Devices Corporation to specifically identify biological agents.

      The biological agents are identified in three stages:

      • Reaction
      • Separation
      • Detection

      The Reaction Stage
      The Bio Detector draws a one-milliliter liquid sample, which is segmented and specifically analyzed for eight biological agents. During the reaction stage, each of the eight test samples is mixed with biotin and fluorescein-labeled antibody solutions, as well as streptavidin. The labeled antibodies attach themselves to the biological particles and act as indicators during the separation and detection stages.

      The Separation Stage
      During the separation stage, the biotin-coated biotape captures the filtered immunocomplexes at eight different locations. A solution of anti-fluorescein antibody, conjugated to the enzyme urease, filters through each spot on the tape, and tags the bound biological agent.

      The Detection Stage
      During the detection stage, the tape is positioned at the LAPS, where it is bathed in a solution of the substrate urea. If the tape traps the tagged biological agent, the urease chemically reacts with the urea solution and causes a paid change in pH. The rate of change is directly proportional to the amount of biological agent. The LAPS measures the pH change and transmits an electrical signal to the signal processor. A pattern-recognition algorithm in the signal processor determines the presence of biological agents.



      Specifications
      Mission Length: 14 hours continuous operation, 40 detection requests
      Size: 55.9 cm (height) x 60.7 cm (width) x 45.7 cm (depth)
      Power: 110 VAC (50-60 Hz) or 28 VDC
      Confidence Test: Operator option to conduct up to 2 tests per mission
      Self Test: Built-in test utilizes over 170 failure conditions
      Ready State: Approximately 32 minutes

      Associated products