SMITHS-DETECTION
Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today reports that its BioFlash® Biological Identifier is capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in the air following tests conducted by the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).
The tests were performed using live SARS-CoV-2 virus in a Biosafety Level 3 containment area at Fort Detrick, Maryland. The SARS-CoV-2 CANARY biosensor used in the BioFlash device demonstrated that it can quickly detect and identify the presence of low levels of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2.
The BioFlash® Biological Identifier is powered by CANARY® technology (a cell-based biosensor) and is combined with proprietary aerosol-collection techniques to provide rapid, sensitive and specific identification of biological-threat agents including viruses, toxins and bacteria.
“We are working incredibly hard to provide a tool that will support the ongoing fight against the coronavirus,” said Roland Carter, President, Smiths Detection. “BioFlash is an effective and trusted environmental monitoring tool. These test results provide valuable data in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people in indoor environments such as hospitals, schools and commercial buildings.”
USAMRIID confirmed that Smiths Detection’s BioFlash can detect down to an estimated 6,000 airborne infectious particles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within a controlled environment. This compares to as many as one million particles emitted in a single sneeze by a person infected with SARS-CoV-2. The test results also indicate no cross-reactivity with influenza and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), an important consideration for environmental monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Further testing and research is underway at a number of US universities to collect more data on how the detection technology can help prevent outbreaks and guide both public and private organizations in COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
###
About BioFlash Biological Identifier
The BioFlash ® Biological Identifier is a bio-aerosol collection and identification system that provides rapid, sensitive and specific identification of various pathogens including viruses, toxins and bacteria. The BioFlash has been commercially available for over 10 years and is currently used by US government and commercial clients for a number of applications.
About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security markets. Our experience and history across more than 40 years at the frontline enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.
Our goal is simple – to provide security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends.
For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com/
About the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases:
For over 50 years, USAMRIID has provided leading-edge medical capabilities to deter and defend against current and emerging biological threat agents. The Institute is the only laboratory in the Department of Defense equipped to safely study highly hazardous viruses requiring maximum containment at Biosafety Level 4. Research conducted at USAMRIID leads to medical solutions – vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, information, and training programmes – that benefit both military personnel and civilians. Established in 1969, the Institute plays a key role as the lead military medical research laboratory for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. For more information, visit www.usamriid.army.mil
[The information contained in this press release does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be inferred.]
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210217005084/en/
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Zilch to Acquire Fjord Bank to Kickstart European Expansion8.1.2026 01:40:00 CET | Press release
Acquisition will provide Zilch, the UK and EMEA’s fastest-growing fintech unicorn, with a European banking licence as it eyes international rollout Zilch, the consumer payments platform powering the future of commerce, today announces it has signed an agreement to acquire AB Fjord Bank, a Lithuania-based bank with approx. $120M in total assets that is authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania and the European Central Bank. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107714872/en/ Zilch to Acquire Fjord Bank to Kickstart European Expansion The acquisition will represent a major strategic milestone for Zilch, providing a European banking licence that will enable the accelerated rollout of its offering across Europe. Zilch will purchase 100% of Fjord Bank and will establish Lithuania as its European headquarters as a consequence of the transaction, using Vilnius as its operational and regulatory platform for expan
Novotech Appoints Anand Tharmaratnam as New CEO8.1.2026 01:01:00 CET | Press release
Novotech, a globally recognized full-service biotech clinical research organization (CRO), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anand Tharmaratnam as its new Chief Executive Officer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260107098568/en/ Dr. Anand Tharmaratnam, Novotech CEO and Chairman Dr. Tharmaratnam brings nearly three decades of experience in the global CRO industry and has served as Novotech Chairman since 2021. He commenced as Chairman and CEO on 1 January 2026. Reflecting Novotech’s increasingly international profile, Dr. Tharmaratnam will be based at the company’s new global headquarters in Singapore. The appointment follows a thoughtful and considered process. In early September 2025, Novotech’s former CEO Dr. John Moller informed employees of his intention to step down from the position at the end of last year, after nine years in the CEO role. The decision followed the successful completion of t
Quectel Launches RG660QA and RG660QB 5G Modules With Advanced Performance Features7.1.2026 18:00:00 CET | Press release
Quectel Wireless Solutions, an end-to-end global IoT solutions provider, today announces the launch of the RG600QA and RG660QB 5G module, based on the Qualcomm® X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF Systems. The RG660QA is based on X85 while the RG660QB is based onX82. Engineering samples of two first SKUs in the RG660Qx series have been already made available to customers and pre-production samples will be available to the market in Q2 2026. Designed for versatility, this module series supports a broad array of next generation 5G use cases, from home and business wireless broadband to mobile video, camera applications, and high-performance mobile hotspots. In indoor 5G CPE, it unlocks premium performance by enabling Wi-Fi 7 across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, with integrated Bluetooth to support a full ecosystem of connected devices. With Ethernet speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps, the RG660Qx delivers the high-capacity backbone needed to power ultra-fast, reliable home and enterprise networks.
Sodali & Co Announces Executive Leadership Appointments7.1.2026 17:00:00 CET | Press release
Accelerates Firm Strategy to Deliver Global Integrated Stakeholder Solutions Sodali & Co (the ‘firm’ or ‘Sodali’), the leading global capital markets-centric stakeholder advisory firm, is pleased to announce four appointments to its Executive Leadership Team (ELT) under Chief Executive Officer Andrew Benett. These newly created senior roles will strengthen Sodali’s ability to respond to clients’ evolving needs with an integrated suite of shareholder, sustainability, and strategic communications advisory services delivered on a global scale. The appointments are as follows: Brett Clegg has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. Brett was previously Chairman of Sodali’s APAC region, based in the firm’s Sydney office. He specializes in advising clients on strategic communications, issues management, and capital markets transactions. Prior to Sodali, Brett spent over two decades in senior executive and editorial roles at some of Australia’s leading news brands, including The Australian
1NCE Continues Growth and Expands Its Software, AI and Services Offering7.1.2026 14:15:00 CET | Press release
In 2025 1NCE added another 10 million endpoints to its foundational IoT platform; now manages 40+ million intelligent products for 30,000 customers in 17 industries. Introduces new software, 1NCE Insights, the AI + IoT fusion of intelligence from its network that gives analytics and benchmark data on how customers can better setup, manage and optimize their device estates. 1NCE, a company offering a plug-and-play platform for creating and managing the world’s best IoT products, reports another strong growth year, adding another 10 million endpoints. The company now manages 40+ million intelligent products for 30,000+ customers across 17 industries. 1NCE’s software and connectivity platform has become a new industry standard, delivering hassle-free IoT in 170+ countries and regions. The company has a unique vantage point in the IoT ecosystem, with four billion data records per day collected through 250+ streams on the world’s largest IoT network in the cloud. The company launched a new
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom