Påvisning av biologiske trusselstoffer - teknologiinnspill til FS 07

This report describes various methods for detection and identification of biological (B) threat agents and different technical devices that may be used for military purposes. Various approaches may be used for B-detection and identification, and some commercially available technical devices are presented here. Division Analysis, FFI, has outlined a cost analysis for operating field- and reference laboratories, including a vehicle for B-detection. This report contributes to a series of technological insights to the CHOD Norway's Defence Study 2007 and is outlined from the Norwegian Defence and Research Establishment. The methods for B-detection and identification and the corresponding technical devices are dependent on the type of sample and the type of B-agent to be analysed. The development of “detect-to-warn” equipment is limited compared to “detect-to-treat” devices. Several methods are needed for verification studies of B threat agents, in which PCR is a promising molecular approach for B-identification. However, the methods may be limited in their sensitivity and specificity. Future approaches seem to include biosensors using microarrays, nanotechnology or mass spectrometry together with optical methods with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Also, micro-systems involving both automatic sample processing and B-identification will probably be commercially available in near future.