General Description
C-FLAPS is a non-specific bioaerosol detector which was specifically designed for use as a point detector, deployed either on mobile platforms (reconnaissance vehicles, naval ships) or networked in a fixed site (military critical infrastructure, sporting events, mass gatherings, etc.) to assist in surveillance for the presence of anomalous bioaerosols. Operating on the principle of fluorescence of specific enzymes present only in living organisms, the C-FLAPS provides increased confidence in determining live particles as opposed to other aerosolized particles, and when coupled with automated sampling systems, becomes a key tool in enhancing situational awareness for military, civilian security, and public health surveillance capability. C-FLAPS is usually deployed as part of a custom-designed turnkey monitoring, detection, sampling and identification capability within either bio-specific or CBRNE surveillance requirements. C-FLAPS has been extensively and widely deployed, beginning with its role as a major component of the referee system at the US Army West Desert Test Center and DRDC Suffield in Canada, through operational deployments with North American and European defense, security and public health clients. An extensive library of background bioaerosol environments has been compiled, and continues to expand, providing continuous refinement of alarming algorithms for reduction of false alarms.
Technical Description
Fluorescence excitation of NADH and Riboflavin, and measurement of their fluorescence emissions along two wavelengths, along with scattered light intensity readings, provides exceptional discrimination and rejection of interferents. Integrated alarming algorithms give the operator the ability to vary parameters based on background conditions, minimize false alarms and differentiate between non-living/harmless interferents and actual biological events.
Notes:
Generic non-specific bioaerosol detector fielded by the Canadian Military.
Evaluation Criteria
THROUGHPUT:
- 2 minutes or less for detection
- Multiple samples, multiple tests/sample per run
- System is continuous and provides real time analysis with no defined tests/samples
- The system or device is currently fully automated
- Device or system is intended for multiple detection assays
- 0-1 solutions, buffer, eluents, and/or reagents
- 10-20 minutes is required for set-up
- 3-5 steps are required for detection
LOGISTICS:
- A day of training and technical skills are required
- Approximately the size of a carry-on luggage suitcase
- Between 25 and 50 kg
- Satellite, wireless and wired connections are available
- System or device has 110V electrical requirement
OPERATIONS:
- Can be used from 4°C to 37°C
- Performance is not influenced by relative humidity
- 5-10 years expected life
- Results can be viewed in real-time
- The system or device is currently fully autonomous
- The system software is open but modification requires licensing
- The system hardware is open but modification requires licensing
DETECTION:
- Not possible for the system to achieve 510K clearance
- Not possible for the system to achieve FDA approval
- This system does not test liquids
- Excellent specificity. System has occasional false alarms under certain conditions (<2%)
- Spore lysis not necessary for detection by system