Volatile organic compound bio-scanning system for food chain safety and security

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for testing or screening individuals for symptoms of disease, exposure to restricted chemical or bio-hazards. The device may be configured as a compact box or tubular assay chamber. A sluice or walkway is provided for assaying moving animals. The present device assays volatile compounds, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitting from a subject individual. Different VOCs are produced as metabolic activity changes as an individual addresses a pathogenic, chemical or biological stress or progresses through normal biologic cycles such as sleepwake, seasonal, fertility, etc. The system is especially advantageous for timing breeding events and apportioning feed for desired levels of milk production and calf health. Nanosensor elements within the device provide assessment of multiple VOCs to a system with integrated analysis capacities that rapidly compares instant data to a developed database. This comparison allows rapid assessment of metabolic or health status and potential risks the individual or offspring of the individual may face.