Crime scene investigation: can we detect anthrax?

Abstract

An act of bioterrorism refers to both the threat to conduct as well as an actual incident involving the use of a biological agent against the civilian population. The detection of potential biological pathogens and toxins can now be conducted at the scene of a biological threat or release of a suspicious substance. Improvements in science and technology have enabled manufacturers of traditional laboratory based equipment to produce smaller, more basic models, enabling microbial testing to be conducted in the field.