New detection devices from Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection shows three new devices for quicker and more reliable detection of biological and chemical agents; soldiers and first responders will also appreciate the light weight and the ability to operate the gear with only one hand
Detecting chemical and biological agent is an important business, so we note the release of three new products from one of the big hitters in the field, Smiths Detection:
LCD 3.3
The company has launched the newest model in its Lightweight Chemical Detector series, the LCD 3.3, a hazardous vapor warning device. The new detector offers real-time, nerve, blood, blister, and choking agent detection at dangerous concentration levels, or even immediately below such levels.
The LCD 3.3 should allow troops and emergency responders to mitigate chemical incidents in military and civilian attacks more quickly. The device also records and stores key data for post-mission analysis.
Mal Maginnis, president, Global Military and Emergency Response for Smiths Detection, said: “Our primary objective is to anticipate market demands and provide the best equipment for military and emergency responders. The LCD 3.3 is the most advanced chemical agent detector of its kind the world over, representing another milestone for Smiths Detection.”
Using IMS technology, the LCD 3.3 features a non-radioactive source to identify unknown substances. The system has been ruggedized for both military and emergency responder use.
Bio-Seeq PlUS
Bio-Seeq PLUS is a handheld biological testing unit designed for global military and emergency response applications. The system provides on-site detection and identification of trace amounts of biological warfare agents (BWAs) such as Anthrax (pX01 & pX02), Tularemia, Plague, and Pan Orthopox.
Maginnis said: “With suspicious powder incidents increasing over the past decade, we are committed to introducing new products that meet the varied needs of emergency responders around the globe. Bio-Seeq PLUS has the ability to provide lab-quality results in the field, which will enable appropriate, cost-effective on-site responses to potential biological agent attacks.”
The company says the units were designed to be used by emergency responders, including those with little to no biological testing experience. First responders often wear heavy protective gear — and with this in mind, the device’s designers allow for single-handed operations guided by software prompts.
The system uses patented LATE PCRTM (Linear After the Exponential Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology which expands the capabilities of field-portable bio-analytical instruments to produce more reliable results.
HazMat ID Ranger
The HazMatID Ranger is a handheld chemical identifier aims to extend the offering of the company’s HazMatID product line, a line popular in military and civil responders units. Maginnis said: “We continue to adapt proven technologies to be smaller, lighter, multi-purposed and integrated in order to meet the many challenges our customers face. The worldwide launch of the HazMatID Ranger underlines our position as a leading provider of specialized solutions to protect and defend against growing CBRNE threats.”
The system, designed for single-handed operation, can be used in tandem by two responders by detaching and operating its PDA computer and utilizing Bluetooth connectivity.
Results can be transmitted to an external laptop for integration with test results performed by other Smiths Detection equipment. “System integration allows users to combine diverse technologies, enabling them to further reduce risk, time and loss associated with any incident,” Maginnis added.
The company says the Ranger can identify more than 32,000 unknown solids or liquids including: white powders, WMDs, explosives, common and toxic industrial chemicals. “This is the most extensive library available throughout the global market, the company says.
