POINT SOURCE BIOLOGICAL AGENT DETECTION SYSTEM

摘要

This invention is directed to a method and apparatus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologyfor collecting air samples and identifying biologic al agents in the air sample. The apparatus is capable ofdetecting transient events such as bacillus anthracis in a piece of mail being processed on high - speedmail processing equipment. The system includes apparatus for implementi ng the following features: particlecollection and pre-separation using a collection hood and dry cyclone passive filtration system; continuousparticl e collection into a liquid sample; automated fluid transfer to a PCR analysis cartridge; and PCR biological identifier apparatus for detecting a bio-agent in a piece of mail following manual transport of the cartridge tothe identifier apparatus; retesting of the liquid sample upon various error conditions; confirmation testing upon preliminary positive results; fluid transfer to archive containers at the completion of analysis; and, notification/reporting system to alert designated personnel/organizations up on the occurrence of selectedevents such as the presence of bacillus anthracis.