JBAIDS: a Step Forward for Bioweapon Detection
The Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS) from Idaho Technology, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT is designed to vastly increase the speed and accuracy of biological warfare agent detection and identification. Prior to JBAIDS, it took the military two to four days back in a lab to accurately identify the presence of a biological warfare agent, using a technology called RAPIDS. The new JBAIDS is a 40-pound device small enough to slip into a rucksack, and can reportedly do the job on the spot in 40 minutes with 85-90% accuracy.
The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense in Falls Church, VA, found the technology in 2002 while seeking a quicker way to detect biological warfare agents in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, and later anthrax scares…
The latest hurdle for the technology was a two-week operational test at Brooks City-Base, TX, which wrapped up March 18, 2005. The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, based at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, took lead on the exercise, while the Army Medical Department provided ongoing training and technical assistance. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps lab technicians and program developers traveled to San Antonio to make sure the device met DoD specifications.
After validation by a joint-service Data Authentication Group, the operational test results will be forwarded to the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense for a final green light. If approved, JBAIDS will enter full-rate production in September and the DoD will distribute 450 systems throughout the services over the next three years. More details can be found on the U.S. Military’s Transformation site.
In the meantime, Idaho Technology will seek Food and Drug Administration approval. They also plan to add toxin detection this summer, and down the road a handheld version is under consideration.
Additional Readings:
- US DoD DefenseLINK (May 24/07) – Biological team protects Balad Airmen from bioterrorism. Describes JBAIDS’ use in a deployed zone.
- US DoD DefenseLINK (May 19/05) Detection Device to Revolutionize Biological Warfare. Includes more details RE: the technology.
