PrintFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations 202-268-2155
April 28, 2004
News Release No. 04-029
www.usps.com
BIOHAZARD DETECTION SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT DELAYED
STATEMENT OF AZEEZALY S. JAFFER
VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
APRIL 28, 2004
During the pre-production phase of the Biohazard Detection System (BDS), 15 pilot sites around the country were chosen for their varied metropolitan and rural settings. These sites allowed us to calibrate the system and establish a baseline for future reference. Compared to the established baseline, we recently have experienced an increase in non-determinate results on several machines.
Due to inconclusive - or non-determinate - test results reported by BDS equipment already installed at several postal facilities, the Postal Service is temporarily delaying further deployment of these systems so we can address this issue.
For the Biohazard Detection System, an inconclusive test is called a "non-determinant." A non-determinant does not indicate a threat is suspected; it simply means the test result is inconclusive.
Our objective throughout the entire deployment process has been to provide a scientifically valid approach. As a result of these isolated anomalies, we are taking every step necessary to make sure the BDS is working properly before it is rolled out nationwide.