An Evaluation of the NIDS (registered trademark) ACE (trademark) Test

The current field water test kit--the water quality analysis set-preventive medicine--has a very limited capability to detect TICs. Comprehensive analysis for TICs in water requires off-site analysis, a process that can take at least 10-14 days. Available hand-held, analyte-specific field water tests do not address all TICs. Toxicity sensors considered were devices with biologically-based sensors that can respond to a wide range of toxic chemicals. Development of the Environmental Sentinel Biomonitor (ESB) was initiated to provide a hand-held, short duration field toxicity test for Army drinking water. One component of the ESB the ACE Test) is an enzymatic assay designed to detect neurotoxicants (specifically, organophosphate and carbamate pesticides) utilizing ultraviolet light. This report describes the current capabilities of the ACE Test using the TRL-6 reader. Specific evaluations were conducted in toxicity detection, ultraviolet flashlight use, and temperature/shelf life testing.