Ebook: Sampling for Biological Agents in the Environment

After September 11 and the anthrax attacks of 2001, the real danger of a large-scale biological terrorist attack was realized. This invaluable volume brings together the latest information on the environmental sampling element of the response to a biological attack. Resulting from a national conference of first responders, scientists, and industry representatives, this book presents best practices that will help standardize procedures and technology to properly sample for biological threat agents. The sampling issues, techniques, and equipment are explained for professionals involved in sampling and testing of hazardous materials. Additionally, this volume will help facilitate cooperation and effective communication between various federal, state, and local entities that often have different procedures and methodologies when responding to weapons of mass destruction incidents. By using real-world incidents, this volume thoroughly explains how to establish a containment area, structure a sampling operation, and acquire samples of the biological threat agent. The authors of individual chapters span the range of expertise across the biological sampling community.
Content:
Front Matter
• Important Notice
• Preface
• Table of Contents
1. Missteps and Mistakes: Lessons Learned from Real-World Incidents
2. Getting Started: Planning the Sampling Mission
3. Sampling Teams
4. The Role of Sampling in the Phases of a Biological Event: Fact and Fiction in an Airport Scenario
5. Surface Sampling
6. Indoor and Outdoor Air Sampling
7. Environmental Samples as Evidence: Labeling and Documentation at a Crime Scene
8. Sample Packaging and Transport: Biosafety from Cradle to Grave
9. Laboratory Resources
10. Environmental Sampling Today: Advances Since the 2001 Anthrax Attacks
• Background Information for Selected Biological Agents
• Glossary
Index