Rapid Tests for Biowarfare Agents

New tests can rapidly detect low levels of ricin and botulinum toxin, two biologic agents that could be used as possible biowarfare agents.

The tests are for use on the Ramp system of Response Biomedical Corp. (Vancouver, Canada). Developed as a diagnostic testing platform for use in clinical point-of-care settings, the Ramp system combines the use of fluorescence with a proprietary internal control that overcomes the inherent test-to-test variability of traditional immunoassays, and provides a high level of sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. Earlier, the company announced the availability of its Ramp anthrax test, which it says is 100% reliable in detecting B anthracis at or above 4,000 spores, with greater than 99% specificity.

"Emergency responders and biowarfare experts agree that anthrax, ricin and botulinum toxin are the big three biowarfare agents-of-choice due to their relative ease of production, delivery, potency, and lethality,” states Bill Radvak, president and CEO of Response Biomedical. "With a market-ready complement of reliable Ramp tests for the three high priority biowarfare agents, the Ramp system is the only independently validated technology solution that enables emergency responders to quickly and confidently dismiss a hoax or take immediate action to protect public health and safety in the event of an actual biowarfare attack.”

The battery-operated RAMP Reader weighs less than five pounds and is easy to operate with single-use disposable cartridges. Data can be stored on the device and uploaded to a printer or computer.




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