Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com FM 34-54 Sampling will be initiated when the following are observed: Significant numbers of unexplained sickness or death of personnel or animals occur. Ordnance (munitions) are found which contain known or suspected CB agents. An attack is suspected or is known to have occurred but the causative agent cannot be identified. The widespread outbreak of unusual mission-degrading behavior occurs. Sampling of known or identified agents to verify first use is required. SAMPLING RESPONSIBILITY: Samples suspected of containing CB agents are divided into environmental and biomedical samples on the basis of their origin.
Both medical and nonmedical units and teams have the responsibility for collecting samples suspected of containing CB agents. Environmental Samples. Environmental CB agent samples are collected in the field. They include samples of aerosols or vapors, liquids other than water, soil, vegetation, water, used equipment, and ordnance. The acquisition of these samples is the responsibility of— NBC reconnaissance teams. TEU field teams. Preventive medicine units (potable water sources only). TECHINT collection teams. Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) team. Biomedical Samples.
Biomedical samples are derived primarily from acutely ill soldiers who exhibit symptoms of CB agent intoxication or from personnel who were killed in an attack. Collection of the biomedical samples will be the responsibility of personnel in— Battalion-level medical units. Division-level medical treatment facilities. H-2