HMB Bulletin on Suspicious Substances

Powdered Substances that may Contribute to HMB IV readings.

There are materials that cause a significant response on the HMB test, even if no bacteria or other biological contamination is present.

 

 1.                 Baking powder, baking soda and flour are white powders which contain organic molecules that react weakly with the acid component of the HMB 50R reagent.  Even if uncontaminated, these will, if tested by the HMB, produce a positive result.  Since it is the biological activity that is needed, and since this reaction is non-biological, its contribution must be eliminated.

 

                    Each of these will react with 1N (read: one normal) HCl.  Put a measure of the suspected material into one of the empty test tubes and add 12 drops of 1N HCL (included with the kit).  If the reaction fizzes, it is highly likely that it is one of the above powders.  More importantly, it is certainly not silica, for silica produces no such response.  Baking Powder reacts very strongly, Baking Soda a little less and Flour reacts even less, but is still eminently obvious.

 

                    Other uncontaminated powders (Johnson's baby powder, Gold Bond Medicated, corn starch, Equate, Carnation non-fat dry milk, non-dairy creamers etc;) produce negligible results when tested by HMB technology.

 

                    Uncontaminated silica produces a negligible result (< 0.27 BMR) on the HMB.

 

2.                 Yeast makes a strong response to the HMB test.  Its reaction is so strong that it will blow the stopper off the test tube shortly after the addition of 50R reagent.  Bacterial spores suspended in silica will never produce such a strong reaction. 

 

Discussion:                   One of the technological breakthroughs that led to the ability to produce Anthrax spores dispersible as dangerous aerosols was the successful suspension of the treated spores in silica powder.  No other powder is currently considered to be effective as a carrier for bacilli in spore form.               

 

The conclusion to be reached from this is that by using the HMB and, when appropriate, the techniques herein described, any biological activity in the material can be revealed, or, the material can be shown to have an extremely low probability of representing a threat. 

 

HMB TEST PROCEDURE---POWDERS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Notes:. Use test materials from the BioTech 50XMC-12 test kit.

1.       Fill the measuring spoon with the powder to be tested.  Empty the spoon into one of the predispensed test tubes from the test kit. This tube contains a measured amount of diluent and reactants without which test results will not be valid.

2.       Stopper the tube and shake vigorously to mix.  Remove the stopper.

3.       Add 12 drops of HMB 50R reagent, dispensing it with the tube held at an angle so the reagent runs down the side.

CAUTION: HMB 50R IS A STRONG OXIDANT. AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES AND SKIN. WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR AND CLOTHING. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH EYES, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH WITH COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF WATER FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES. CALL A PHYSICIAN. CONTACT WITH SKIN WILL CAUSE A SLIGHT BURNING AND BLEACHING OF THE SKIN. THIS WILL DISAPPEAR IN A FEW MINUTES.

4.       Without agitating the tube, insert the stopper securely into the test tube.

5.       Using the needle apparatus provided in the kit, pierce the stopper for 1-2 seconds so that the head space within the tube is normalized to local conditions.

6.       Holding an index finger on the stopper, shake the tube vigorously a few times to mix the contents. Place the tube in upright position for 15 minutes.

CAUTION: VERY HEAVILY CONTAMINATED SAMPLES MAY CAUSE PRESSURES TO INCREASE IN THE HEAD SPACE SUFFICIENTLY TO BLOW THE STOPPER OUT OF THE TUBE. KEEP THE TUBE POINTED AWAY FROM THE OPERATOR OR OTHER PERSONNEL. IF THE STOPPER BLOWS, THAT TEST IS TO BE REGARDED AS VERY HEAVILY CONTAMINATED, REQUIRING ACTION.

7.       After 15 minutes, hold an index finger on the stopper and shake vigorously.  Tap the tube on a solid surface to assure that no liquid is trapped in the stopper.

8.       Turn on the HMB IV, making sure it sets itself to 0.00 BMR within 3-4 seconds.

9.       Holding the HMB IV vertically, in the left hand, impale the test tube on the HMB IV needle.

10.     The reading will flash once, then stabilize in about one second. That is the result for this test.

11.     Remove the tube from the HMB IV and discard according to local regulations.

INTERPRETATIONS OF THE READINGS: This procedure is intended for use on site for the purpose of screening unknown powders for biological presence.  Materials that test positive with the above test procedure may be tested further with the HMB to confirm the biological aspect of the reading or to reveal interfering substances.  Alternatively, the test may be sent to an analytical laboratory for more advanced analysis.  Nevertheless, some general guidelines are worthwhile:

• Readings less than 0.27BMR have no significance---should always be regarded as null.
• Readings greater than 1.0 BMR are heavily contaminated requiring further action---send to lab for confirmation or test further with HMB.

Read the operator’s manual for further discussion.

Procedure 11.  Copyright 2001 BioTech International, Inc., Sugar Land, TX 1-800-842-5888