Real-time Biological Detection in CBRN Defence: State of the Art, Comparative Performance vs. Laboratory Methods, and Implications for National Security Integration
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ZN-2025-96_2-SPOŁ-Szklarski-6.pdf (872.24 KB)
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0000-0001-6779-5897 Date
2026-03-31
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Akademia Pożarnicza
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Abstract
Real-time bioaerosol detectors are intended to shorten the interval between release and warning in CBRN defence, but their operational value depends on how their speed compares with the specificity of laboratory confirmation. This review synthesises the current state of real-time biological detection, compares it with laboratory methods used for confirmation, and evaluates whether current systems are mature enough for limited integration into national-security architectures. A structured review of peer-reviewed and selected government and standards literature was conducted, with emphasis on fieldable real-time systems and established laboratory comparators. Two representative device examples, IBAC 2 and AP4C-VB, were used to illustrate operational strengths and limitations. The analysis shows that real-time systems provide continuous monitoring and second-to-minute anomaly alerts, but their outputs remain presumptive because they are environmentally sensitive and generally non-taxonomic. Laboratory methods retain superior identification power, although at the cost of longer turnaround times. Current evidence supports the use of real-time systems as Tier-1 triggers within layered trigger-and-confirm architectures, not as stand-alone identification tools
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Szklarski, L. (2026). Real-time Biological Detection in CBRN Defence: State of the Art, Comparative Performance vs. Laboratory Methods, and Implications for National Security Integration. ZN SGSP, 2(97), 153-174. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0055.7099.