ROCKVILLE, Md., June 11 (UPI) -- A rapid assay method by Tetracore Inc. to detect ricin, a biotoxin, have been validated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The validation is a result of an extensive study by various institutions that was coordinated by Homeland Security of the Rockville, Md., biotechnology company's Ricin BioThreat Alert Lateral Flow Assay and BioThreat Alert LFA Reader.
Tetracore said its Ricin BioThreat Alert LFA is designed to deliver quick and accurate results in the field or laboratory.
"Tetracore respects our on-going collaboration with DHS and will continue to validate our BioThreat Alert LFA products rigorously, so that public health laboratories and first responders have confidence in screening for biological threats," said Tetracore Vice President Tom O'Brien.
The goal of this study coordinated by Homeland Security scientists was to provide a reliable, rapid field test for ricin to give public health officials and first responders to make better informed decisions, provide enhanced public safety and reduce the economic impact of false alarms.
Tetracore said the study consisted of seven phases to test each performance aspect of the LFA method.
