Detection strikes infection: Approved mobile biological detection

The highest priority from the public health point of view is the rapid detection and reliable identification of biohazards to allow timely deployment of response mechanisms, including medical countermeasures. For emerging infectious diseases like SARS or avian influenza as well as for bioterror attacks, detection and diagnosis time are the crucial factors when it comes to treating patients successfully and preventing global expansion. To gain time, biological detection has to take place on site . Meanwhile, approved mobile biological detection systems are available, i.e. a portable real-time PCR system suitable for use in the field and a fully equipped BSL (Biosafety Level)-3 mobile laboratory.