EAST GREENBUSH, NY – Thermo Electron Corporation, a global leader in ambient air particle sampling and monitoring instrumentation, today introduced the Airborne Sample Analysis Platform (ASAP System) Biological Aerosol Sampler. The new environmental monitor is the most advanced biological sampler on the market today. It provides the most effective means for collecting particles in outdoor or indoor environments to determine their biological composition in a laboratory.
Active particles have become an important topic, both domestically and internationally, with the advent and persistence of communicable infections and diseases transmitted through air such as SARS and bird flu as well as the threat of biological aerosols that pose a major concern for Homeland Security authorities. The sampling technique used in the ASAP System operates at a high flow rate of 200 l/min while consuming only about as much power as a dim 40-watt light bulb. Also, the ASAP System’s small size
(about 1 cubic foot) and low noise output on par with that of a computer projector make it suitable for deployment in a wide variety of outdoor or indoor applications. The sampler can be powered by AC or DC power, such as a vehicle power port or a battery, and it contains an internal uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to cover power outages of up to one hour. An industry first, the sample cartridge used in the system incorporates radio frequencyentification (RFID) technology that automatically records chain of custody information such as the sampler location and serial number, time stamps, and theentity codes of the individuals who installed and retrieved the cartridge. An Ethernet port provides the ability to retrieve data and control the system remotely and in real time through a hardwired or wireless network. “The ASAP System is an important addition to Thermo Electron’s broad suite of air quality monitoring and homeland security products,” noted Erich Rupprecht, business development manager for Thermo Electron. “Thermo offers the widest range of detection capabilities available that are easy to use and have the most current and sophisticated technology on the market today. The ASAP System adds an important element to our arsenal of threat detection products.” The sampler collects airborne particles onto substrates contained in exchangeable Integrated Biological Aerosol Smart Sample (iBASS) cartridges. These contain an integrated sample collected over an entire sampling period and up to eight-time resolved samples for detailed laboratory analyses. Particles between one and 10 microns in diameter are collected from the ambient environment on a material that is compatible with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conventional culturing and analysis techniques. Optional ports and sensors provide enhanced capabilities. With the addition of a wind sensor feature, the ASAP System can measure and transmit wind speed and direction data in addition to the sample temperature monitored by all units. A global positioning system (GPS) option allows the unit to report its location when used in mobile applications. Sampler operations can be controlled using a local trigger or control device through an optional input connection. Thermo Electron continued to develop technologies for biological aerosol sampling following the use of its products at the Salt Lake City Olympics, leading to the introduction of the ASAP System. In collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health, Thermo adapted a particle collection method for use in the ASAP System that avoids many of the limitations inherent in conventional particle collection approaches. The ASAP System offers a comprehensive set of features that make it an effective tool for implementing biological aerosol monitoring strategies. Reports on its particle collection efficiency, the methodology for extracting particles from collection substrates, and its performance under challenging environmental conditions are available from Thermo Electron. For additional specific information about the device, please visit www.thermo.com/asap. About Thermo Electron Corporation Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo's Life and Laboratory Sciences segment provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Thermo's Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications, including those associated with safety and homeland security. For more information, visit http://www.thermo.com.Media Contact:Erich RupprechtPhone: (518) 452-0065Email: erich.rupprecht@thermo.comStefan SpazekPhone: (617) 275-6547Email: sspazek@greenoughcom.com
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