Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com FM 34-54 5. PROCEDURES: a. Procedures for the collection, packaging, documentation, and transporting of CB samples to laboratories must be precise to ensure the credibility of the analysis conducted on the samples. Ensuring the credible analysis of suspected CB samples is critical for both battlefield commanders concerned with possible retaliation and contamination avoidance, and medical personnel concerned with prophylactic or post-contamination treatments. b.
When possible, a background sample from "clean" areas beyond the perimeter of the attack site should be obtained as baseline data for comparison; collection should be identified to sample collected data from contaminated areas and packaged separately. c. The best biomedical sample is an acutely ill soldier or a cadaver which is sent back to CONUS immediately. A copy of the physical examination or an extract of significant findings will be enclosed with biomedical samples. Samples will be collected in triplicate, distributing two to CONUS and one to the TAML. d.
All samples will be forwarded from the TAML to either ERDEC or USAMRIID laboratories 12 to 24 hours after collection; delay beyond 24 hours rapidly degrades the intelligence value of the samples. 6. NOTIFICATION MESSAGE: A notification message will be sent from the TAML or TECHINT unit by PRIORITY precedence upon receipt and screening of samples to the Theater Surgeon General, J2, J3, and CDR, ERDEC APG MD//CBATEB//: The notification message will contain the following information: a. The sample identification number and details which relate to the acquisition of the sample. This message will be confirmed to provide the following information: (1) Background information.
(2) Physical description. (3) Results of preliminary tests after sample collection. (4) Where, when, and under what conditions the sample was acquired. (5) Description of incident. (6) Casualty symptoms (if applicable). (7) Shipment information, such as— Figure D-3. Example of a TAB D to a TECHINT Appendix of a Theater Army Intelligence Annex (continued). D-13