Smiths Detection, a leading producer of threat detection and security screening equipment,
has opened a biolab at its centre of excellence in Hemel Hempstead,
England.
The lab will complement the research capabilities of
its Baltimore site in developing next generation biological
threat detection capabilities primarily for its BioFlash
Biological Identifier.
Smiths Detection’s BioFlash is a desktop biothreat
detection system that uses Canary technology (a cell-based
biosensor) in combination with proprietary aerosol-collection
techniques to rapidly identify biothreat agents from an air
sample.
Already the BioFlash is capable of detecting biothreats
such as anthrax, ricin, botulinum toxin, black plague, tularemia,
smallpox and SARS-CoV-2.
The
BioFlash received a CE marking in October opening the way for the
product to be sold in the EU.
Matt Clark, Smiths Detection’s Vice President of Technology, “The new Biolab in Hemel
Hempstead is a milestone for Smiths Detection and demonstrates our
commitment to responding quickly to new and emerging threats and
to supporting our customers in the region.”
Smiths Detection BioFlash was used at
the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to support test
high-security areas for the presence of SAR-CoV-2, with the UK biolab manufacturing and supplying the necessary BioDiscs
throughout the Games.
The Hemel Hempstead lab will work
alongside colleagues in the US to develop new detection
capabilities for known threats and be able to better respond to
emergence of yet known threats.
