Base gets new defense against bio terror

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  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Medical Group recently received the newest defense against biological terror; a laboratory response team trailer, which will be operational in the future.

The trailer is equipped with the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System, or JBAIDS, which provides rapid analysis of biological agents, an essential capability during an emergency situation.

The base now has the ability to identify 14 different biological agents safely and quickly in a self-contained, climate-controlled laboratory with high-tech exhaust hood and "clean" and "dirty" sampling rooms.

The trailer provides two main advantages for base personnel, medical experts said.
First, is the ability of 319 Med Group specialists to rapidly analyze and identify unknown biological agents at the DNA level under safe conditions.

The second advantage is the ability to safely analyze suspect or dangerous environmental samples outside the clinic, thereby protecting a valuable resource from secondary contamination.

"Rapid identification of unknown substances enables commanders to understand what they are dealing with and how to quickly act to protect wing operations," said Lt. Col. David Nelson, 319th Aeromedical Dental Squadron commander. "The trailer allows us to identify biological agents of medical and operational importance from a variety of sample types. What we're doing is testing the specific DNA target for biological agents."

A lab specialist can provide a "presumptive identification" of an unknown contaminant to the commander in about 90 to 195 minutes with the capabilities housed in the new trailer.

"This rapid diagnostic capability is key to both successfully treating patients and guiding the base's response efforts," said Capt. Emily Kruczynski, 319th Medical Group Laboratory Officer.

Previously, samples would have to be sent to the state lab in Bismarck, N.D., before analysis began.

By keeping any potential hazards outside the clinic, responders won't risk critical staff, resources and facilities.

"We can never be complacent, no matter where we are in our nation's Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Byron Hepburn, Air Mobility Command's surgeon general. "This is a key readiness platform. We have to always be vigilant, and this is part of that vigilance."

The first bio trailer was delivered at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Feb. 6. In addition to McConnell and Grand Forks, laboratory response trailers, manufactured by Derby Trailer Technologies in Derby, Kan., are also being delivered to Wright-Patterson, MacDill, Eglin, Dover and McGuire Air Force bases.