Biotechnologies FAQs

Mold Detection

Mold Detection Device // Black Mold Detection // Home Testing // Environmental Testing

Yes, it’s called the “Informant or the Informant Plus Black Mold & Fungal Allergen Detection Test Kit”. These devices developed and manufactured by Advnt Biotechnologies, are simple-to-use tests that detects very specific species of mold in 15 minutes or less. Other so-called “Do-It-Yourself” mold tests such as tape lifts, swabs, and petri dish mold kits, claim to do the same thing. They don’t. These kits are actually simple collection devices which require that you package and ship your collected sample to a designated lab for testing before you can obtain an answer as to what type of mold, is present in your area of interest.

Another product on the market today is the “Instant Mold Test” This device claims to provide immediate detection by changing from green to purple if mold is present. This device is actually a simple protein test originally developed for the food industry to verify the cleanliness of food prep surfaces. So while it may detect mold in general, it will also change to purple for thousands of other substances like foods, dust, nearly everything of organic material.

The “Informant and Informant Plus Mold Detection Test Kits” are different. They are the only commercially available mold test designed to detect specific black molds, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys species, which are toxigenic, plus many major and minor allergenic spores. Our mold detection devices utilize proprietary reagents that very accurately target these mold species and then provide you with a test result in 15 minutes.

Detection of toxic black mold like Stachybotrys is especially important. Exposure to significant quantities of these mold spores can cause a series of negative reactions. Under proper growing conditions, some species of molds can generate compounds called mycotoxins. In high concentrations or with chronic exposure, mycotoxins can be toxic to humans and animals.

Toxic black mold is a substance that can result in symptoms like allergies, asthma, bronchitis, flu-like symptoms, other respiratory problems, headaches, cognitive problems, and skin irritation. If you are experiencing unusual respiratory problems, it may be the result of black mold symptoms. Killing, cleaning and removal of black mold is crucial as airborne spores can spread throughout the facility.

Mold In A Home

Mold in Home // Home Mold Test // Detection // Removal // Symptoms

Signs:

Mold in the home, of the “black” variety is a slimy dark greenish-black substance. It’s most common in damp, moist areas of walls, ceilings and floors. Look for leaky pipes, leaky roofs, damp basements and crawl spaces, high humidity of over 55%, recent flooding, mildew and musty odors, allergy problems, condensation and/or rusting, wall discoloration, growth in grout and around bathroom floors. These are just a few of the signs that black mold may be present. Unfortunately, you cannot identify this type species simply by looking at it. An ‘ Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test’ can help identify toxic black mold quickly.

Environmental testing for mold in homes is critical, as it can be a serious threat to your family’s health.

Common symptoms of black mold include:

  • Headaches
  • Cough
  • Red eyes
  • Development of rashes and hives on skin
  • Nausea
  • Uneasiness in respiration
  • Memory loss
  • In some cases, people experience bleeding in lungs
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Lack in concentration
  • Problem caused due to irritation in mucous membranes
  • Asthma
  • Allergic reactions (such as itching of nose, runny nose etc.) of respiratory and/or nervous system etc
  • Irregularity in blood pressure
  • Damaged digestion and respiratory system
  • Infections of urinary track, problems in urination etc.
  • Pain in liver and other internal organs
  • High level or prolonged exposure to mold can even lead to infertility.

The problem of coarse is that many of these symptoms are quite common and we may fail to respond in a timely manner which could lead to more sever medical problems.

If the signs and symptoms are clear and you suspect black mold in the home, you need an “Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test Kit”. This toxic substance may be too dangerous to underestimate, and only proper environmental testing can detect with certainty whether you have mold in your home.

With an “Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test Kit”, detection of mold in the home is a simple, straightforward process. Whether it’s black mold in your home or mold in your place of business, school or hospital, knowing what you’re up against is the first step toward its safe removal.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin // Botulinum Detection Device Test // Bioterrorism & Biological Weapons

YES. Today’s Hand-held assays are capable of detecting several BW threats within a 15 minute time frame, and they can do it with an extremely high level of accuracy. Anthrax, ricin toxin, botulinum, Y pestis, SEB, Tularemia, Brucella and Smallpox can all be detected using todays HHA’s. Bioterrorism is here to stay and those on the frontline of a potential biological warfare threat, must have the best available tools at their disposal. Our BADD and ProStrips BW products help to fill that role for HazMat and First Responder teams around the world.

Advnt has a variety of detection devices available to help meet the needs of CST Teams, HAZMAT, Security personnel and military operations. Our devices are used by professionals who demand only the best. Contact us today for a complete brochure and a free sample of any our currently available tests.

Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism // Anthrax // Botulism // Ricin // Botulinum // Biological Weapons & Warfare

Bioterrorism has been a threat for 100’s of years, with Anthrax and ricin now becoming household words. Biological warfare can have deadly, incomprehensible consequences and has now become a major concern around the world. With the increasing threat of these weapons Detection devices for biological weapons or Hand-held assays should strongly be considered as an important part of a first responders tool kit.

Advnt Biotechnologies has developed the following BW test devices:

  • Anthrax
  • Botulinum
  • Ricin toxin
  • Y. pestis
  • SEB
  • Tularemia

No other Hand-held assay available today provides such quick, reliable results in the fight against bioterrorism than Advnt’s BADD and ProStrip BW devices.

Biological Weapons

Biological Weapons // Chemical & Biological Weapons // Biological Warfare // Anthrax, Botulism, Ricin

The biological weapons detection devices that Advnt currently carries include threat detection for Anthrax, Botulinum toxin, Ricin toxin, y. Pestis (plague), SEB and Tularemia. AdVnt Biotechnologies will  always consider adding additional detection products to meet client demand. If you have a product of interest just let us know via the “Contact Us” option of our website.

Current products available from Advnt Biotechnologies.

  • Anthrax threat detection kits
  • Ricin Toxin threat detection kits
  • Botulinum threat detection kits
  • Y. pestis or plague threat detection kits
  • SEB threat detection kits
  • Tularemia threat detection kits
  • Pro Strip 5 agent threat detection kits
  • Pro Strips multi-agent ATTAK training kits
  • BADD single-agent training kits

AdVnt Biotechnologies threat detection products make detection simple!

Biological Warfare

Biological Warfare // Bioterrorism // Biowarfare Agent Detection Devices // Anthrax, Ricin, Plague

Although our tests are extremely easy to use, Advnt recommends that only professionals use our bioterrorism tests First responders know the signs and symptoms of a bioterrorism threat. They also know how to properly protect themselves from biological warfare agents. If an agent is detected, Advnt always recommends that further evaluations be done by a State lab or other National Reference Laboratory.

ProStrips and BADD biowarfare agent detection devices provide the necessary information crucial to the first responder, allowing them to quickly mitigate a potential threat.

Only ProStrips and BADD can provide

  • Results in as little as 3 minutes
  • Results with no additional equipment or readers
  • A shelf life of two years
  • The lowest cost per test.

BADD biological agent detection test kits are an essential component in the fight against bioterrorism. These devices are extremely accurate and offer key information to the first responder quickly and accurately. Whether there is a concern for anthrax testing, ricin testing or any other BW concern, the use of biowarfare agent detection devices or HHA’s is critical.

Black Mold Difference

Black Mold Detection // Black Mold Test // Home Testing Kit // Spores // Mold Removal

Advnt’s Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test Kit actually detects toxic species of Aspergillus, Penicillum and Stachybotrys in 15 minutes or less. AdVnt’s Informant incorporates dual test window technology combining full spectrum screening in one (1) test device. This technology translates into the lowest cost, highest quality solution of the Indoor Air Quality industry today. Check out our screening kits and you’ll see how our technology format results in the lowest cost per screening, in the industry.

Many other so-called home test kits, regardless of their type, still requires a professional lab analysis, at an additional cost. Few can provide you with an instant result of a specific mold type like Advnt’s Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test Kit. Nobody can provide that same result at a price competitive to AdVnt’s Informant and Informant Plus mold detection test kits.

Identifying mold is critical for proper black mold remediation. The same is true of green, white and yellow mold spores. The CDC suggests that regardless of the type of mold found in a building, it should be removed as soon as possible.

Tape and slide samples require lab evaluations. Swabs and petri-dish-style kits require the same. Most “Instant Mold Tests” are nothing more than simple protein tests originally designed for the food industry. They don’t tell you that mold is present but only indicate that something organic is present. That can translate to thousands of different substances found in homes, schools and offices every day. Only the “Informant” and the “Informant Plus” can effectively screen for the presence of toxic black mold spores and most of the major and minor allergenic fungal spores.

It can be critical that this information is understood since certain mold types can be potentially toxic. Black mold cleaning and removal should start immediately once mold is discovered.

Black mold exposure symptoms can be serious. AdVnt’s Informant and Informant Plus makes screening for toxic black mold simple!

First Responder Test Kits

First Responder Test Kits // Powder Screening // Anthrax, Ricin & Botulism Test Kits // Biowarfare

Extensive in-house evaluations have been performed on all our BW devices to guarantee proper performance at the two year mark. All First Responder test kits are just as reliable at the two-year mark as they are when manufactured. However, its important that they are not used past their expiration date due to degradation after this time. These tests will fail to work properly after two years. First Responders should replace all tests on or just prior to their expiration date. The expiration date and lot number can be found on the seal of the outer aluminum pouch.

None of the materials within in our Pro Strips or BADD bioterrorism first responder test kits contain any toxic substances and therefore can be disposed of in the normal trash. If you wish, near expired tests can be used for additional training. Utilizing near-expired tests will allow your team the opportunity to better understand the proper procedures and performance characteristics of the test prior to using them on a white powder call.

Anthrax tests, ricin tests, botulinum tests, Y.pestis tests and SEB tests can all be used for training. However, as mentioned earlier, we strongly recommend that they are not used past the expiry date.

Black Mold

Black Mold Detection // Black Mold Test // Environmental Testing

Yes, with Advnt’s “Informant & Informant Plus Mold Detection Test Kits”, black and allergenic mold detection is possible within 15 minutes. Black mold can pose a serious health risk. Black mold symptoms include allergies, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. So black mold testing is essential.

Considering the dangers of this potentially toxic substance, black mold detection should be pursued as soon as mold appears. Common locations for the presence of black mold include:

  • HVAC returns, grates and ducting
  • Water soaked wood framing
  • Wall paneling
  • Flooring under carpet
  • Drywall fiber
  • Insulation behind drywall

Though all molds that appear black are not toxigenic, it’s hard to differentiate among them without an “Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test Kit”. Regardless of the type of mold you may have, the Center for Disease Control recommends removing it as soon as possible from your living or working environment. If the mold is toxic, then special actions should be used to mitigate the spreading of the spores to other areas of the facility.

Black mold is a spore that thrives on moist surfaces; the dangers of this toxigenic spore are clearly troublesome. Our mold test for black mold detection should be used to check places where mold can be seen.

As the dangers of black mold symptoms become more widely known, environmental testing and removal of this toxic substance in businesses and homes is a growing concern.

Anthrax

Anthrax Detector // Anthrax Biological Weapon Detection // Chemical / Biological Warfare Weapons

Advnt Biotechnologies, LLC (AdVnt) has two distinct Anthrax detection kits and both work exceptionally well in detecting anthrax. BADD and ProStrips 5. BADD is Advnt’s original single analyte test and there are a total of six (6) seperate tests currently in the BADD line, they include anthrax, ricin toxin, botulinum toxin, Y. pestis (plague) and SEB (Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B) and Tularemia. In addition to BADD, AdVnt has created an all-in-one device to detect the most prevalent five (5) BW concerns just mentioned. This device is called ProStrips and it has quickly become the device of choice for thousands of Hazmat, First Responders and CST teams across the country and throughout the world. Either of these devices will provide you with quick and highly accurate results you expect from Advnt.

Both our BADD and ProStrips BW detector tests:

  • Provide results in as little as 3 minutes, maximum 15 minute test run time.
  • Require no additional equipment or electronics to read results
  • Have a shelf life of two (2) years
  • Require NO refrigeration.
  • Works in temperatures of 34 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Have successfully been evaluated by the DOD, U.S. EPA, UK Home Office (DSTL), WIS Germany and Spiez Laboratory in Switzerland

These are just some of the reasons why HazMat, First Responders, Military and CST teams choose our anthrax biological weapons detectors.

Botulism Toxin

Botulism Toxin // Botulism Test // Botulism Detection Device // Bioterrorism // Biological Weapons

Botulinum toxin poses a major bioweapon threat because of its extreme potency and lethality, ease of production, ease of transport and the need for prolonged intensive care among effected persons. When used for biological weapons, it can be released as an aerosol or distributed in water and food sources.

Botulinum toxin is absorbed through the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of exposure can include:

  • Double and blurred vision
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance known. A single gram of crystalline toxin, evenly dispersed and inhaled, would kill more than 1 million people, although technical factors would make such dissemination difficult. Attempts at biological warfare in the form of botulism toxin date back to World War II. Terrorist such as the Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo have attempted the use of botulinum in at least 3 separate occasions. The japanese BW group, Unit 731, admitted to feeding Botulinum toxin to Chinese prisoners in the 30’s and Iraq admitted to the UN that it produced over 19,000 liters of concentrated botulinum toxin of which 10,000 liters were loaded into military weapons.

Botulism detection devices or botulism tests are a critical component to a team’s response capabilities. Advnt’s Botulinum tests can detect both Botulinum A and B down to 33ng/ml for A and 500ng/ml for B.

Ricin Toxin

Ricin Detection // Bioterrorism Ricin Test // Biological Weapons & Warfare

NO. Two very specific compounds must be present for our tests to trigger a positive response to Ricin and those compounds do not exist in castor oil. Advnt’s ricin detection devices are very specific and do not create a false positive response due to the introduction of castor oil into the test. However, the potential for a Biological warfare event using ricin is very real. This was recently demonstrated in Las Vegas, where ricin was discovered in an Extended Stay Hotel in 2008. The Las Vegas HAZMAT team successfully found ricin utlizing Advnt’s BADD ricin toxin test.

Advnt’s ricin detection devices are highly accurate when used for the detection of a biological warfare agent. The BADD and ProStrip devices and are quick and easy to use.

HazMat teams and first responders around the world rely on our detection devices for rapid, accurate screening of potential BW threats.

 

RICIN

Just 500 micrograms (about the size of a grain of salt) of ricin toxin can kill a man. Ricin toxin penetrates cells and prevents them from making essential proteins. Death can occur within 36 to 72 hours.

Mold Spores

Mold Detection // Home Black Mold Detection Test // Removal // Toxic // Symptoms

Mold spores are present in every home, and there are literally thousands of different variations. Many do not harm us, but some have the potential of unleashing serious effects. Penicillium, Aspergillus and Stachybotrys are three types that should be of most concern. These can cause any number of illnesses that sometimes can go undetected as mold related, until the problem is much further along. People with allergies, asthma and weakened immune systems are highly susceptible to health risks that range from wheezing to lung infection. Spores that release toxins can even cause death. If anyone in your household exhibits symptoms, you should strongly consider evaluating household and environmental samples using the “Informant 15 -Minute Black Mold Detection Test”. Black mold detection is critical, and there is not a more reliable cost efficient, home mold detection test out there than the “Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test” by AdVnt Biotechnologies. If you suspect mold has invaded your home, Advnt Biotechnologies strongly recommends that you follow up with a professional mold remediation company.

Black molds can grow on damp surfaces in your home. Aside from their obvious presence, signs and symptoms include:

  • Mildewed, musty odor
  • Discolored or warped surfaces
  • Previous location of flooding or water leak
  • Area of high humidity
  • Allergic reactions or asthmatic attacks

Black mold detection utilizing the “Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test” is an excellent beginning to a clean and safe building. Cleaning and eliminating mold yourself can be daunting and can potentially pose additional health hazards, it’s always best to consult with a professional first.

BIOWARFARE DETECTION

Types of biowarfare detection devices

Responding to a potential biological incident requires a number of competencies, including analyzing the incident, identifying methods of dissemination, identifying biological threat agents, planning the response, implementing the planned response, evaluating progress, and terminating the incident. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) outlines the minimum required competencies in NFPA® 472.¹  Detailed standardized response protocols are given in ASTM E2770-10.²

 

When investigating a suspicious powder incident, a wide variety of sample collection products, field- deployable assays and detection systems can be used to determine if the substance contains biological material and warrants further investigation. First responders have several significant factors to consider before purchasing biological sampling and detection technologies, including the following:

 

  • Type of information obtained, usefulness and accuracy of results (performance)

  • Ease-of-use in the field

  • Total cost of ownership (e.g., hardware, consumables, and training needs), understanding that reagent cost, shelf-life, instrument maintenance, and upgrades are significant contributors

  • Total time from sample to answer

  • Weight and size.

 

Other information that may aid in the evaluation of a product’s effectiveness are designations given by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of its Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 (www.safetyact.gov). The SAFETY Act, enacted as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, facilitates the development and deployment of effective anti-terrorism technologies by creating risk and litigation management systems. Products can achieve one of three levels of DHS-designated effectiveness:

 

  1. Developmental Testing and Evaluation Designation (DTED) (needs more proof, but potential exists),

  2. Designated (proven effectiveness, with confidence of repeatability), or

  3. Certified (consistently proven effectiveness, with high confidence of enduring effectiveness).

 

Products having one or more of these designations or certifications are listed on the SAFETY Act website.  It should be noted that the SAFETY Act website has an “Approved Technologies” tab that lists all products with any designation (DTED, Designated, and/or Certified).

Mold Test Kits

Mold Test Kits // Black Mold Test Kits // Whole House Testing

Mold test kits are not all created equal. Some require sending the results to a lab, while others detect non-specific organic matter. Our ‘Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Test’ stands out because it is specific to detecting hazardous Black Mold. But the difference between our device and others on the market does not end there. Our results are faster and more reliable so you can immediately move on to the cleaning, removal and remediation of the black mold spores in your home.

Whether you need mold test kits for your own home or for your customers, you want results fast. That’s especially true of black mold detection, a toxic substance that needs prompt identification and cleaning. Our black mold test kits:

  • Return results within 15 minutes
  • Require no additional equipment
  • Have a shelf life of 24 months

Most importantly, they do not generate false positives for just any organic material.

Toxic black mold detection is never an easy result to deal with – in your own home or that of a customer. Not only can its mere presence be a hazard, but so can the cleaning process. And that’s why “The Informant 15 Minute Black Mold Detection Test” is so essential.

Whether you’re spot-checking or whole house testing (air or dust sampling), our black mold test kits are guaranteed to generate quick, accurate results. The sooner you can confirm black mold detection, the sooner you can arrange for its safe removal.