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File: 123096_sep96_decls1_0093.txt
Subject: DETECTION OF MEDICAL DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Unit: OTSG
Parent Organization: HSC
Box ID: BX003203
Folder Title: DETECTION OF MEDICAL DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Document Number: 1
Folder Seq #: 21
the sample stream with the sensor. For example, if the sensor will
function only in an aqueous environment, the sample interface must
provide for the transfer of aerosol particles from che air into a
liquid stream. The Other major function of the sample interface is to
concentrate the material of incerest so that the sample volume to be
processed by the sensor is minimized.
c. Sample Movement - A necessary component of automatic point
detectors is the movement of concentrated sample from the sample
interface co the agent sensor and to subsequently exhaust the processed
sample. For liquid sample streams, this must be accomplished with
minimum fluid volumes using techniques such as flow injection analysis
to provide for the mixing of other reagents with the sample. The
displacement volume associated with sample movement should be minimized
to reduce the overall response Lime of the detector. Sample movement
is best accomplished using positive displacement pumps or pneumatic
systems.
705. In addition to sampling for direct deteclion,there are occasions when
sample collection for future analysis is required. There are problems here
related to the rapid transition from the aerosol state to suspension in a
fluid environment or to attachment to some solid, more or less dry surface.
These factors constitute an accumulative "stress" affecting, Lo a varying
icroorganisms. The objective of any aerosol sampling
technique is clearly to secure a specimen which reflects as closely as
possible the State of the original material to aid in the identification of
biological warfare agents. Sampling can take place by two mechanisms: an
automatic device thac would sample upon detection of an attack, or trained
individuals using manual sampling equipment. The sampling capabilities
incorporated in detection systems will automatically start collecting when the
system detects the agent. manual sampling will be accomplished by specially
trained teams such as special medical teams and NBC reconnaissance
personnel. Uniformity in sample collection techniques is a vital requisite
for assayable samples co be used for positive identification and verification
of biological warfare. Due to policical and stracegic implications,
custodial verification is mandatory. Sampling should not be done
indiscriminately. It should only be performed after indications of an attack
or when intelligence indicates that new agents may have been employed that are
not detectable by alarms.
GENERAL TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES - PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
706. Some examples of commercial samplers in practical laboratory and field
use will be given but, since technological development is rapid, they do not
necessarily represent the final Solution.
a. Liquid Impingers - These include high velocity samplers in which
the air stream approaches sonic velocity with the air inlet tube ending
to the liquid surface, and low velocity samplers
which utilize the air washing principle. The high velocity liquid
impingers are efficient collectors of particles in the size range of
greatest biological interest, that is less than 5 Po in diameter, they
do however cause so@ destruction of the vegetative cells. The low
velocity impingers, on the other hand, are less destructive to the
30
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Document 109 f:/Week-36/BX003203/DETECTION OF MEDICAL DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS/detection of medical defense against biological :1217960927452
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003203
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = DETECTION OF MEDICAL DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Folder Seq # = 21
Subject = DETECTION OF MEDICAL DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 17-DEC-1996