Development of a One-Handed, Environmental Surface-Sampling Device

Abstract : Effective large-area field sampling for biological threats requires a kit that is designed to acquire and safely transport biological specimens. Current environmental surface-sampling devices require both hands for optimal use and generate a significant amount of waste, which could be cumbersome while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. We have developed and tested a one-handed, environmental surface-sampling device that we have named the Mano Environmental Surface-Sampling Device. This device has been specifically designed to act as the sampler as well as the transport packaging. In this report, we compared the effectiveness of the Mano sampling device to the biological sampling kit (BiSKit) currently employed by the Department of the Army for large-area surface sampling. The initial results of this study indicate that the Mano sampling device is capable of collecting a Bacillus anthracis simulant in a laboratory setting with greater efficiency than the BiSKit device. Further studies should be performed with this device to create a reference method for surface sampling and to allow the Mano sampling device to be incorporated into regular field use.