ASTM Releases Standard Protocol for Suspicious Powder Sampling - ASTM E 2458

May 2, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

ASTM International released ASTM E 2458 - Standard Practices for Bulk Sample Collection and Swab Sample Collection of Visible Powders Suspected of Being Biological Agents from Nonporous Surfaces.

The standard details a two-stage process that covers the bulk collection and packaging of a suspicious powder from a solid, non-porous surface and the collection of swab samples of residual powder from the surface for immediate on-site tests and biological screening.

Through a special arrangement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the new methodology standard for collecting, containing and transporting small samples of unknown powders suspected of being hazardous biological agents is being made available, free of charge, to state and local emergency first-responder teams and other interested parties.

The new standard was developed for DHS by a multi-agency team, including federal, state and local organizations, and was coordinated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC International).

The standard details a tested protocol to be used when emergency first responders are confronted with an unknown powdered substance that is suspected of being a biological threat after an initial assessment for explosive, radiological or chemical hazards.

Experts said the protocol is designed to minimize exposure risks to the public and the first responders as much as possible while ensuring that unadulterated samples are collected for later biochemical and forensic analysis by public health and law enforcement organizations.

To ensure the widest possible dissemination and use of these procedures, DHS has secured a special unlimited license for ASTM E 2458, allowing it to be downloaded free of charge. For more information, go to www.astm.org/COMMIT/E54.htm.

Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology.