SMITHS-DETECTION
13.4.2021 13:02:12 CEST | Business Wire | Press release
Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces that its BioFlash® Biological Identifier has been successfully used by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to identify airborne SARS-CoV-2 inside their campus in real-time at the point of testing.
As part of their mitigation strategy for COVID-19, UMBC’s Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) team have been using BioFlash across the campus. In one instance, the airborne detector was deployed to help the campus community safely re-enter a research facility after a person working there tested positive. After multiple tests performed on the BioFlash ruled-out the presence of airborne SARS-CoV-2, the ESH team deemed the facility contamination-free, allowing staff and students to safely return and research to continue without significant pause.
In a separate instance, in a collaborative effort with the UMBC Sports Medicine Department, a test conducted in a team locker room resulted in a positive environmental detection on the BioFlash. This detection ultimately led UMBC to test all people present for COVID-19, identifying three infected individuals. This helped prevent further spread of the virus.
“We are delighted to see what we believe is a world-first for our technology. BioFlash, with its real-time results capability, has been used by UMBC in a real-world setting to successfully confirm the presence or absence of COVID-19 in the air and inform health and safety protocols,” said Smiths Detection President Roland Carter. “We have been working incredibly hard to provide a tool that will support the ongoing fight against COVID-19, and these applications demonstrate the role BioFlash can play in virus mitigation strategies.”
“The BioFlash system has helped us to prevent the spread of the virus in our on-campus community. We are also pleased that this tool to protect the health and safety of people on our campus is easy to use and environmentally friendly,” said Lynne Schaefer, UMBC Vice President for Administration and Finance . “We will be using this solution as part of a larger mitigation strategy, alongside other important tools like sanitation, masks, regular testing, physical distancing, and symptom monitoring.”
BioFlash works by collecting and analysing air samples using sensitive, selective and rapid detection technology to identify the presence of dangerous pathogens onsite without the need to involve a laboratory. Following successful internal testing, Smiths Detection has been engaged in various external studies to further verify the SARS-CoV-2 detection capability, including working with the USAMRIID, which verified that BioFlash could identify SARS-CoV-2 in a laboratory setting.
The BioFlash Biological Identifier is available now.
ENDS
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.
For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com/
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210413005091/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
Khazna Awarded Uptime Tier III Certification of Design Documents for Ajman, UAE Facility, Largest in Company’s Portfolio24.2.2026 10:00:00 CET | Press release
Set to Achieve 1st Certified AI Data Center with Liquid Cooling in Middle East Uptime Institute, the Global Digital Infrastructure Authority, today announced that Khazna Data Centers, a global leader in hyperscale digital infrastructure, has achieved the Uptime Institute Tier III Certification of Design Documents (TCDD) award for its newest 100 MW AI-optimized data center, QAJ01 —set to be the first certified AI data center with liquid cooling in the Middle East and North Africa region. Representing the largest facility in Khazna’s portfolio, this state-of-the-art development features 20 data halls, each delivering 5 MW of IT capacity, purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The certification underscores Khazna’s commitment to designing world-class, resilient, and efficient data center infrastructure in alignment with the industry’s most rigorous global standards. Located in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, the new facility has been desi
Infobip and ESA Boost Asteroid Impact Alerts with Instant Voice Calls24.2.2026 10:00:00 CET | Press release
New partnership accelerates response times for critical planetary defense alerts Global cloud communications platform, Infobip, has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to improve the delivery of asteroid impact alerts via Infobip's Voice API solutions. Using Infobip’s platform, ESA personnelnow receive instant voice calls, enabling faster, 24/7 alerts for potential asteroid impacts. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224294384/en/ European Space Agency partners with Infobip for asteroid impact alerts. Understanding the trajectories of asteroids, particularly those approaching Earth, known as near-Earth objects (NEOs), is crucial and time sensitive. As single asteroid impact 65 million years ago wiped out most life on Earth, it is vital for the ESA to identify all hazardous asteroids to better understand their physical characteristics and the potential consequences of an impact. Previously, ESA perso
ElevenEs held 1st Closing of its Series B Investment Round Backed by Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc.24.2.2026 09:24:00 CET | Press release
Construction of its 1GWh LFP Battery Cell Mega Factory to Begin in February 2026. ElevenEs has completed the first closing of its Series B investment round, backed by Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) - the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Additionally, an affiliate of BST (HK) Ltd., a leading Hong Kong-based commodity trading house, participated in the round. This transaction represents a significant milestone in the future of European battery manufacturing as the proceeds will be used for the initial phases of infrastructure and equipment toward the planned 1GWh Mega-Factory, with construction starting in February 2026. The first battery cell deliveries are expected in 2027. This project positions ElevenEs at the forefront of the global energy transition and marks a significant step forward in
PUR Appoints Dr. Daniel Klier as Chief Executive Officer24.2.2026 09:00:00 CET | Press release
Seasoned sustainability and climate finance leader to guide PUR’s next phase of growth PUR (the “Company”), a pioneer in Nature-based Solutions, today announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Klier as Chief Executive Officer, subject to regulatory approval. Founded nearly two decades ago, PUR partners with farming communities globally to deliver agroforestry, reforestation, and landscape restoration projects. The Company generates verified carbon reductions and carbon credits that help corporates reduce supply chain emissions through high-integrity insetting and climate contributions within and beyond their own value chains, while improving soil health, water resources, and long-term farm productivity. PUR is a recognized leader in resilient coffee and cocoa value chains, reforestation, mangrove restoration, and ecosystem conservation, delivering measurable benefits for ecosystems, agriculture, and farming communities. Dr. Klier’s appointment marks the next phase of PUR’s development as
BearingPoint launches new services to help organizations gain full software transparency and meet EU Cyber Resilience Act requirements ahead of the 2027 deadline24.2.2026 09:00:00 CET | Press release
BearingPoint’s new SBOM Management and CRA Compliance Services strengthen software supply chain security. BearingPoint announces the launch of two new service offerings designed to address the growing complexity of software supply chains and the upcoming regulatory requirements under the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): SBOM Management Services and CRA Compliance Services. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224192962/en/ BearingPoint announces the launch of two new service offerings designed to address the growing complexity of software supply chains and the upcoming regulatory requirements under the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): SBOM Management Services and CRA Compliance Services. Modern software products often contain thousands of components, many of which are open source or sourced from third-party suppliers. As supply chain attacks become more frequent and regulations tighten, organizations need complete v
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