Medical News

Phoenix, AZ

Aerotech Laboratories is strengthening America?s frontline against bioterrorism by screening nasal swabs for Bacillus anthracis, the microbial agent that causes anthrax. Following a successful audit in November 2002, Aerotech?s BTOX Laboratories division received a Certificate of Compliance from CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). The CLIA certification allows BTOX to perform exposure testing for asymptomatic patients who believe they have been exposed to B. anthracis. It also allows BTOX to apply for membership to the CDC?s Laboratory Response Network, a key group that detects and identifies bioterrorist attacks and bioterrorism agents.

Jean Flemming, a BTOX analyst, explained the significance of this certification. ?If there is another [bioterrorist event, we will analyze both environmental and clinical samples. Our clients will know not only whether or not they have B. anthracis in the environment, but also who might have been exposed.?

All laboratories that perform clinical testing must be certified through CLIA. According to the CLIA General Program Description, this certification is meant ?to ensure the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of patient test results?. The certification process differs slightly depending on the type of tests performed. Due to the complexity of clinical anthrax testing, BTOX was required to follow the more lengthy process of applying for certification as well as receiving a state inspection survey.

In addition to the clinical anthrax screens, BTOX analyzes environmental samples for a variety of biological warfare agents. Procedures are in place to screen clinical samples for other bioterrorist organisms if the need arises.

For more information visit www.btoxlabs.com.

About Aerotech Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Aerotech Laboratories is already the world?s largest commercial Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) laboratory. It provides multiple analytical services including IAQ, Industrial Hygiene (IH), Consumer Products, Food Safety, Biological Warfare and Environmental Testing. As one of the few A2LA, EMLAP and IHLAP accredited laboratories, Aerotech?s mission is to deliver quality, timely, and legally defensible data to clients around the world. With over 300 professionals, Aerotech offers fast turnaround times and advanced analyses as well as a full line of IAQ and IH equipment and supplies. Aerotech Laboratories also provides online services for tracking projects and ordering supplies and has an unparalleled project management program to ensure each client receives excellent customer service. To find out more about Aerotech Laboratories, visit www.aerotechlabs.com or call 800.651.4802.

Contact:
Jeffrey Pataky
Public Relations Director
jpataky@aerotechlabs.com
800.651.4802
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Phoenix, AZ

Aerotech Laboratories is strengthening America?s frontline against bioterrorism by screening nasal swabs for Bacillus anthracis, the microbial agent that causes anthrax. Following a successful audit in November 2002, Aerotech?s BTOX Laboratories division received a Certificate of Compliance from CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). The CLIA certification allows BTOX to perform exposure testing for asymptomatic patients who believe they have been exposed to B. anthracis. It also allows BTOX to apply for membership to the CDC?s Laboratory Response Network, a key group that detects and identifies bioterrorist attacks and bioterrorism agents.

Jean Flemming, a BTOX analyst, explained the significance of this certification. ?If there is another [bioterrorist event, we will analyze both environmental and clinical samples. Our clients will know not only whether or not they have B. anthracis in the environment, but also who might have been exposed.?

All laboratories that perform clinical testing must be certified through CLIA. According to the CLIA General Program Description, this certification is meant ?to ensure the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of patient test results?. The certification process differs slightly depending on the type of tests performed. Due to the complexity of clinical anthrax testing, BTOX was required to follow the more lengthy process of applying for certification as well as receiving a state inspection survey.

In addition to the clinical anthrax screens, BTOX analyzes environmental samples for a variety of biological warfare agents. Procedures are in place to screen clinical samples for other bioterrorist organisms if the need arises.

For more information visit www.btoxlabs.com.

About Aerotech Laboratories, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Aerotech Laboratories is already the world?s largest commercial Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) laboratory. It provides multiple analytical services including IAQ, Industrial Hygiene (IH), Consumer Products, Food Safety, Biological Warfare and Environmental Testing. As one of the few A2LA, EMLAP and IHLAP accredited laboratories, Aerotech?s mission is to deliver quality, timely, and legally defensible data to clients around the world. With over 300 professionals, Aerotech offers fast turnaround times and advanced analyses as well as a full line of IAQ and IH equipment and supplies. Aerotech Laboratories also provides online services for tracking projects and ordering supplies and has an unparalleled project management program to ensure each client receives excellent customer service. To find out more about Aerotech Laboratories, visit www.aerotechlabs.com or call 800.651.4802.

Contact:
Jeffrey Pataky
Public Relations Director
jpataky@aerotechlabs.com
800.651.4802