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Evaluation and Testing of Outdoor Surface Sample Collection and Analysis Methods
Citation:
Calfee, W., K. Hofacre, S. Nelson, R. James, AND P. Keyes. Evaluation and Testing of Outdoor Surface Sample Collection and Analysis Methods. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-21/212, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
Report documenting experimentation, development, and evaluation of surface sample collection and sample analysis methods. These methods are needed for preparedness for an outdoor large-scale anthrax incident. This effort was a collaboration between DHS, USEPA, and US Coast Guard, to build preparedness and resiliency to biological incidents.
Description:
Technical report documenting surface sample collection by traditional methods (sponge wipe, vacuum cassettes) on surfaces common to US Coast Guard assets, over a 6-month duration. Culture- and molecular-based analysis methods were evaluated for sensitivity from these samples. In addition, composite or integrated sample collection methods were developed and evaluated as an alternative to small-scale, discrete traditional approaches, in an effort to expedite sampling capabilities in a large-scale incident. All methods and results are presented in this report.