Biodefense

As a sensitive onsite technology, GeneSTAT has essential value since answers may be almost immediately obtained. The earlier detection of agents of bioterrorism or of pandemic pathogens sets the stage for rapid decontamination or more timely isolation and allows for the most effective therapeutic interventions, thus minimizing the prospect of disease transmission. With other technologies, samples must be sent to well accoutered, distant laboratories for processing. Consequently having to wait up to several days for results increases the prospect of clinical, public health and other disease-related decisions that are inappropriate or compromised. Meanwhile, an intentional biological attack on humans could prove devastating healthwise and economically. One on livestock could shut down markets worth many billions of dollars. Highly infectious and contagious pathogens pose the greatest threat, and include Anthrax, African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, Exotic Newcastle Disease, Classic Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Rinderpest, Rift Valley Fever and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis.

Pandemic Disease

The availability of a rapid, portable onsite test technology means that highly pathogenic avian influenza or other diseases with pandemic potential might be detected without delay, and containment or isolation tactics implemented almost immediately.

Click here to download an article on DxNA and biodefense in airline passenger safety.  ("Quick Check: Revolutionary Diagnostics Technology Can Reshape the Standard in Biosecurity and Pandemic Threat Identification."  Passenger Terminal World, November 2008.)