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U.S. Develops New Anthrax Detection Standards
The U.S. Homeland Security Department announced yesterday that new accuracy standards have been developed for anthrax detection tests, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Oct. 18). “There [are] still uncertainties on the part of emergency responders as to whether or not the equipment that’s been marketed meets any consensus standards,” said Bert Coursey, an executive in the Homeland Security Department, which contracted with AOAC International, the organization of scientists responsible for developing the standards. “The emergency responders have to rely on the marketers’ claims,” Coursey said. “There’s no way to see how good or bad they are against real agents.” The scientists said yesterday that one anthrax test, intended strictly for laboratory use, has met the new standards, according to AP. Another test, a handheld device, functioned in the laboratory but has yet to be tested in the field. Four other tests failed to meet AOAC standards, AP reported. AOAC International tested a first round of anthrax detectors using the newly developed standards under its 18-month contract with Homeland Security. The company is next expected to develop standards to detect another biological, chemical or radiological agent — possibly smallpox, botulinum toxin or ricin, according to AP (Laura Meckler, Associated Press/Yahoo!News, Nov. 10).
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