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Environmental detectors designed for automated detection of bacteria and virus pathogens and/or toxins that may kill or seriously injure human beings (i.e., biological agents). The sample is usually taken from the atmosphere, but liquid and/or particle samples are sometimes used. These detectors may use one or several different technologies similar to those used in clinical laboratory analyzers (e.g., immunoassay, molecular assay). Some of these detectors are computerized and identify and warn of a hazardous condition when a biological agent has been detected. Biological agent environmental detectors are available mainly as portable or handheld units and less frequently as stand-alone or mobile devices. They are used by healthcare workers, rescuers, firefighters, and military personnel in accidentally and/or intentionally contaminated or potentially contaminated areas.
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