BioThreat Alert (BTA) Test Strips
The BTA test strip employs agent-specific antibodies to identify the potential threat. After prep, five drops of the liquid mix are added to the sample port of the test strip. The sample interacts with the reagents and moves along the test material, inside the test strip's plastic case. Lateral-flow immunochromatography then provides the results. Two solid bands, one in the control area and one in the sample area, indicate a positive result. One solid band (in the control area) indicates negative results. Any other combination of bands indicates an invalid result.
Availability: Commercially Available
| Manufacturer |
| Tetracore, Inc. |
| Product Name |
| BioThreat Alert (BTA) Test Strips |
| Detection Category |
| Biological |
| Detection Principle |
| Immunological; |
| Detection Method |
| Lateral Flow Hand Held Immunoassay ; |
| Application |
| Emergency Response; Detection; |
| Equipment Type |
| Instrument |
| Product Synopsis |
| The BTA test strip employs agent-specific antibodies to identify the potential threat. After prep, five drops of the liquid mix are added to the sample port of the test strip. The sample interacts with the reagents and moves along the test material, inside the test strip's plastic case. Lateral-flow immunochromatography then provides the results. Two solid bands, one in the control area and one in the sample area, indicate a positive result. One solid band (in the control area) indicates negative results. Any other combination of bands indicates an invalid result. |
| Availability |
| Commercially Available |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL) |
| 9 |
| User Feedback Sources |
| Indifferent/No user feedback |
| Supporting Documentation |
| Docs: Tetracore - BioThreat.pdf; |
| Dimensions |
| 2.4 x 1.1 x 0.2 in (6.2 x 2.9 x 0.5 cm) |
| Weight |
| <1 Lb.; 0.2 oz (7.0 g) |
| Power Requirements |
| Lithium Battery |
| Noise Produced |
| None |
| Transportability |
| Pocket Size |
| Ruggedness |
| None |
| Operating Conditions |
| 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F) |
| Available Accessories |
| $5,500 reader |
| Data Analysis Support Equipment |
| Tablet |
| Expected Operational Life |
| Single use item |
| Shelf Life |
| <5 years; 2 years |
| Unit Cost |
| $605.00 per 25 pack, Reader (optional) $5,500. |
| Tested For Biological Agents |
| Analytes containing protein antigens including B. anthracis (Anthrax), Y. pestis (Plague), Botulinum toxin, Brucella spp., Ricin, Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), F. tularensis (Tularemia), Abrin., Smallpox |
| Adaptability |
| Yes; user can add new targets to detector with support |
| Sample Introduction |
| Liquid |
| Sensitivity/Detection Limits |
| ppb; cfu/mL; ppt; Anthrax 10,000 to 1 million CFU/mL; Ricin 2 ng/mL; SEB 5 ng/mL; Smallpox 40 million CFU/mL, Plague 10,000 to 1 million CFU/mL |
| Known Interferents/Inhibitors |
| Moderate resistance, tests may be susceptible to interferents. An independent laboratory evaluation of the ability to detect anthrax spores, Botulinum A toxin, and Ricin toxin determined that (1) a mixture of 1% powdered milk, 2.75% bentonite, and 1% fumed silica could reduce sensitivity and (2) sensitivity not affected by 1% bleach. |
| False Positive Rates |
| False positives were observed in the EPA study with the BioThreat Alert® test strips with all targets tested |
| Response Time (Sample Application To Output) |
| >15 minutes; 15 to 30 minutes |
| Alarm Capability |
| Visual |
| Software Control |
| On-board |
| Other Operational Parameters |
| The tests can be read visually, or with greater accuracy using the Rapid BioAlert Reader. Requires sample acquisition equipment such as spatula and pipettor for sample application. |
| Training Required |
| <1 day training |
| Manuals Available |
| Instructions |
| Warranties |
| 1 year, limited |
| ITAR/EAR Export Regulations |
| No; EAR99 and ship with the no license required designation. |
| U.S. EAR Compliant |
| Yes; EAR99 and ship with the no license required designation. |
