Detection with an Edge DNA analysis for pathogenentification was once limited to well equipped laboratories and experienced technicians. Now, the RAZOR Instrument byaho Technology Inc. has simplified the procedure so that users with minimal knowledge of laboratory techniques can do it directly in the field. Hand-portable and battery operated, the RAZOR Instrument uses DNA analysis to test samples from powder, air and liquids for known biological threats such as Anthrax, Plague, Tularemia, Brucellosis and Botulism. In addition,aho Technology has announced the recent availability of a Smallpox detection kit and plans to release additional assays in the near future. These new agents will be included in the already popular BioThreat screening kits used to test a suspicious substance for multiple agents simultaneously. “We’ve been getting great feedback from the First Responder community on their needs” said Jason Wells, RAZOR Product Manager. “We believe the addition of these two assays will greatly enhance the screening capabilities of the RAZOR when a unit responds to a powder call”. The detection kits are arranged so that a Responder can test for the most likely agents first such as Anthrax and Smallpox. If nothing is detected in the first screen test, a second screen can be done to look at other potential bio-weapons such as Botulism and Plague. Both screen tests can be finished in about an hour. It’s your call! Incident Commanders and Emergency Services Directors across the Nation continuously deal with the ongoing threat of a biological release. The difficult task is knowing when to escalate the response to another level. Paul Carr, RAZOR Field Sales Representative, has spoken with First Responders put in this dilemma. “I recently spoke with an EMA Director who had to close the local post office for a day due to a credible, suspicious powder call. He said the worst part of the whole experience was a call he received from the Inspector General of the United States questioning his judgment”, says Carr. “Cost effective, reliable technology in the field is needed to give responders answers they can stand behind”.Many First Responders aren’t aware that the RAZOR instrument is available commercially, as it was sold only to the military until late spring of 2005. The product is now being rolled out to First Responders on a nationwide basis. For more information, contact Paul Carr ataho Technology at 1-800-735-6544, ext 428.
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