Universal Detection Technology Adds Mold Detection Device to Biohazard Detection Product Catalog
Device Equips Homeowners and Health Officials with Rapid Detection of Toxic Mold, Detects the Top Three Mold Species: Stachybotrys, Penicillium and Aspergillus
LOS ANGELES, Jul 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Universal Detection Technology (www.udetection.com) a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, announced today that it has expanded its product catalogue to include a consumer-ready device that detects the top three major mold concerns in the industry today: Stachybotrys, Penicillium and Aspergillus. The lethal toxins can make homes in areas of high humidity or flood-damaged homes inhabitable and cause serious health complications.
The mold detection device is based on technology called immunochromatographic assays, also known as a rapid test or Hand-Held Assay (HHA). UDT has used the same technology successfully in the detection of biowarfare agents such as anthrax, botulinum and ricin toxin, and it is used by military and HazMat teams around the world.
The device detects only specific species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys such as Stachybotrys chlorohalonata, Stachybotrys microspora, Stachybotrys echinata and Stachybotrys chartarum, in addition to certain Aspergillus and Penicillium sub-species. These species are the top mold concerns in homes.
Device features include:
-- Separate detection of Aspergillus / Penicillium from Stachybotrys
-- Accurate results in as little as 15 minutes.
-- Detection below 10(5) or 100,000 spores per ml.
-- No cross-reactivity to 100's of near neighbor strains.
-- No cross-reactivity to common household substances.
-- Compact and lightweight
-- 2 year shelf life
-- Each test individually packaged in a vapor-lock pouch
The most serious type of mold in the home is of the "black" variety, a slimy greenish-black substance commonly found in damp, moist areas of walls, ceilings and floors. Houses that have been flooded are at serious risk for molds, especially in areas where humidity and temperatures provide the mold with the ideal setting to reproduce and spread before cleanup begins. The houses flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are perfect examples of homes that have suffered extreme damage from mold.
"We are proud to have added the first of its kind mold detection test to our product catalog," said Jacques Tizabi, CEO of Universal Detection Technology. "The device allows homeowners to test their homes for mold in as little as 15 minutes and remediate any mold damage prior to the onset of health complications," continued Tizabi.
For more information please visit www.udetection.com or email info@udetection.com.
About Universal Detection Technology
Universal Detection Technology (UNDT) is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bioterrorism detection devices. The company on its own and with development partners is positioned to capitalize on opportunities related to Homeland Security. For example, UNDT in cooperation with NASA, has developed a bacterial spore detector that detects certain biohazard substances. The Company is also a reseller of handheld assays used for detection of five bioterrorism agents, radiation detection systems, and antimicrobial products. For more information, please visit www.udetection.com. |
