This project is a collaborative effort of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Technical Support Working Group, and TIAX LLC, a collaborative research and development company. The prototype personal monitor, which can be worn on a belt and costs about $100 per unit, may be available by the end of 2005. The nerve-agent detection device constantly measures the activity of an AChE (the enzyme acetylcholinesterase) sample immobilized in porous plastic. AChE is one of the body's enzymes attacked by a nerve agent. When the AChE sample in the device is active, the reagent is bright yellow; however, if exposed to a nerve agent, the reagent becomes clear and an alarm sounds. When the wearer hears the alarm, he/she can also check a visual indicator to confirm the presence of a nerve agent. The AChE enzyme used is specific to nerve-type toxins, thus reducing the possibility of false alarms. The alarm is set at the level of the initial physiological response to a nerve agent, giving the wearer time to assess and react to the threat.
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