Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Prime Alert detect microbes?

A: Prime Alert employs a unique fluorescent detection technology that rapidly determines whether a powder sample contains suspicious levels of microbes, including bacteria and bacterial spores. It works by introducing a non-fluorescent dye to a sample. This dye can only bind to a cellular component found in all microbes. When binding occurs, the dye molecules change shape and become fluorescent. This fluorescent signal can be detected and quantified using GenPrime’s hand-held instrument called a fluorometer. If microbes are absent in a sample, the dye will not become fluorescent, and therefore would not be detected by the instrument.

Q: Why perform on-site testing?

A: Since Prime Alert is used to examine powders for the presence or absence of microbes, it allows first responders to ascertain whether a suspect powder is a credible biological threat or a hoax. A positive result suggests that the powder contains suspicious levels of microbes and should be treated as a potential biological threat. A negative result implies that the powder does not contain microbes in suspicious levels. This valuable information empowers first responders to make an informed decision regarding the credibility of a bioterrorist threat.

Q: Are there advantages to General Screens over Specific Agent tests?

A: A broad microbe screen determines whether any microbes are present. A bacteria-specific test can only determine whether one specific agent is present or absent. For example, if the result of an anthrax test is negative, it does not rule out the possibility that other biowarfare agents are present. The advantage of a broad microbe screen is that it allows the user to check for multiple types of potential bioterrorist threats with one test.

Q: What are the advantages of a General Screen over a protein screen?

A: A broad microbe screen, like Prime Alert, determines whether any microbes are present. A protein screen only determines if there is protein present. Protein is a biological component and, in addition to being present in bacteria, can also be found in a large number of innocuous powders such as flour, cereals and dried milk. False positive results with protein screens could unnecessarily cause many responses to escalate.

Q: Will normal concentrations of bacteria from the environment affect the results of the Prime Alert?

A: No, Prime Alert is designed to give a positive result only if the microbial count in a sample is much higher than the concentration naturally found in the environment.

Q: Does a negative result mean there are no microbes present?

A: A negative result with Prime Alert indicates that there are either no microbes present, or that there are not enough microbes in the sample to illicit a positive response.

Q: Has Prime Alert been evaluated by an outside laboratory?

A: Yes. A nationally recognized independent laboratory has evaluated Prime Alert.

Q: Can the reader be decontaminated in case of a positive result?

A: Yes. Every component of the Prime Alert system can be either decontaminated or disposed of, including the reader.

Q: What is the shelf life of the chemicals used in the kit?

A: The chemicals have a shelf life of one year.

Q: Does Prime Alert come with a warranty?

A: Yes. The Prime Alert system comes with a free one-year warranty.

Q: Does the reader require calibration?

A: The Prime Alert Equipment Kit includes a calibration standard that allows the user to calibrate the reader before each use. The calibration process is simple, and takes about 1 minute.

Q: Does Prime Alert include training?

A: GenPrime, Inc. is committed to providing first responders with all of the training tools necessary for successful and confident biological screening. Each Prime Alert Equipment Kit comes with a comprehensive training video and CD, as well as a written User Guide and quick reference cards. With these tools, training for your staff can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes. In addition, we provide group “Train the Trainer” sessions.

Q: What kind of technical support is provided?

A: We work when you work! As a commitment to you, GenPrime offers a 24-hour, 7-day a week customer service and technical support line. Simply call into our office at 1-866-624-9855 and leave a message in the 24-hour customer service mailbox – you will receive a call back within 15 minutes.