21 May 2002

During the pilot program, the consortium will install and test bio-threat detection systems to collect and rapidly analyze air samples taken from mail sorting systems, detecting trace levels of DNA from biological agents.

The four companies that are teamed for the program include Northrop Grumman Corp’s Northrop Grumman Security Systems LLC, Smiths Detection - ETG, Sceptor Industries, and Cepheid.

"We have been investing in the technologies to combat chemical and bio-terrorism, which has equipped Smiths to respond quickly as the threat has turned into a frightening reality,” said Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, chief executive of Smiths Group. “The increasing need to protect both civilians and military forces presents our Detection business with a considerable opportunity."

Smiths and Northrop Grumman are working co-operatively to design and integrate a system that houses Sceptor’s particle collection technology and Cepheid’s GeneXpert™ DNA testing technology to monitor high-speed mail processing equipment. Cepheid’s DNA testing system, licensed by Smiths, uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and detect target DNA.

Rick Thomas, President of Smiths Detection - ETG, added, “Following several months of intensive development and testing, we are pleased to have been chosen by the USPS to collaborate on a system for its bio-threat detection pilot programme. We are confident that the team members have developed the technology and hardware that will protect postal workers and the American public from the threat of biological terrorism.”