Smiths Detection has announced a worldwide distribution agreement with 20/20 BioResponse for its BioCheck powder screening test kits. The partnership adds a low-cost, highly-effective biological threat assessment tool to strengthen Smiths Detection’s portfolio of proven emergency and first response solutions.

Mal Maginnis, president of global military and emergency responders for Smiths Detection, said: “This partnership reinforces our goal of becoming a total solutions provider for biological threat assessment. BioCheck complements our line of suspicious-powder assessment technologies, giving emergency responders a comprehensive suite to choose from for quick, efficient and accurate detection in suspicious powder incidents.”

BioCheck is a patented and easy-to-use screening kit that combines a best-in-class protein assay with a pH test to rapidly assess suspicious powders representing potential biological threats. Emergency responder teams and government agencies worldwide have used the sensitive kits for more than seven years.

Jonathan Cohen, president and CEO of 20/20 BioResponse, a division of 20/20 GeneSystems, said: “Smiths Detection is an ideal partner with a well-established global customer base that will greatly benefit from the capabilities that BioCheck offers. Their full breadth of complementary technologies provides a comprehensive solution, and we look forward to a meaningful and long-term relationship with them.”