Biological weapon, detection systems

Thus there are two separate and distinct missions of any system designed to detect both chemical and biological weapons, namely Detect to Warn and Detect to Treat. The presence of a chemical agent must be detected immediately in order to warn troops to put on protective gear. Biological agents must be detected and identified promptly in order to minimize the number of exposed troops however, immediate death or incapacitation is not likely. Instead, early detection allows early treatment and lower mortality rates. 

Combat medicine poses special problems. Chemical science and technology can aid in the rapid detection and treatment of injuries from chemical and biological weapons and other new weapons such as lasers. We need to develop blood substitutes with a long shelf life, and improved biocompatible materials for dealing with wounds. For the Navy, there are special needs such as analytical systems that can sample the seawater to detect and identify other vessels. We need good ways to detect mines, both at sea and on land. Land mines present a continued threat to civilians after hostilities have ended, and chemical techniques are needed to detect these explosive devices. 

A. General. It is very difficult to detect a biological weapons attack before illnesses occur as there are few detection kits or systems which are capable of warning commanders prior to the actual attack. 

The primary technology mission and expertise of TSA s laboratories and personnel involve the detection of weapons and concealed explosives. The TSA does not have the resources or expertise to develop detection and identification systems for chemical/biological agents. However, TSA s... 

---