OPCW

NOTE BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

INVITATION TO A MEETING ON THE

ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES OF BIOMEDICAL ORIGIN

1. The Note by the Director-General S/130/99, dated 1 July, announced the intention of the Technical Secretariat to arrange a meeting of experts in The Hague on
6 and 7 December 1999. The meeting will address the issue of sampling and analysis of biomedical samples for evidence of the use of chemical weapons. Based on the responses received from interested delegations, further details and the draft agenda of the meeting are provided in annex 1 to this Note.

2. The two-day meeting will be organised in four major sessions:

(a) Introductory lectures:

(i) The context of biomedical sampling as provided for in the Convention, including current equipment and capabilities;

(ii) Overview of the technologies currently available for the analysis of biomedical samples for the presence of chemical agents; and

(iii) The OPCW system for sampling and analysis of environmental samples.

(b) Open discussion addressing the question:

Is the model and framework of the system for environmental sampling and analysis relevant and applicable to samples of biomedical origin?

(c) The participants will be split into subgroups, in accordance with their interests and backgrounds, to address key issues in more detail, and to develop proposals for action. The precise topics will depend on the preceding discussion, but are likely to include:

(i) the similarities and differences between the system for analysing environmental samples, and the proposed system for biomedical samples;

(ii) the relevance of the concept of accredited laboratories for analysing biomedical samples;

(iii) the relevance of the concept of "round robin" exercises in the field of biomedical sampling;

(iv) key technologies and analysis techniques to be included in a system for sampling and analysing biomedical materials; and

(v) the collection and transportation of samples of biomedical origin.

(d) Plenary discussion to develop an agreed set of proposals for actions that need to be taken to develop a credible system within the OPCW for the collection and analysis of samples of biomedical origin.

3. The report of the meeting will be submitted to the Director-General for further action.

4. With the above in mind, Member States are invited to nominate experts to participate in the meeting, who are able to contribute in the following areas:

(a) the collection and transportation of biomedical samples in a forensically credible manner;

(b) laboratory analysis techniques for the detection of chemical weapons in biomedical samples; and

(c) the application of experiences already gained in the implementation of a system for collection and analysis of environmental samples, to one for samples of biomedical origin.

5. The meeting will take place on 6 and 7 December 1999, in room 007/009 of the OPCW Headquarters Building, Johan de Wittlaan 32, The Hague.

6. Interested delegations are invited to complete the registration form attached as annex 2, and to return it to Dr Brian Davey, Head of the Health and Safety Branch, OPCW, Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague. Alternatively, the completed forms may be submitted by fax, at +31 (0)70 416 3307.

Annexes:

1. Draft agenda/programme

2. Registration form

Annex 1

DRAFT AGENDA / PROGRAMME

Meeting on the analysis of samples of biomedical origin

OPCW Headquarters Building,

Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague

6 and 7 December 1999

Annex 2

REGISTRATION FORM

Meeting on the analysis of samples of biomedical origin

OPCW Headquarters Building,

Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague

6 and 7 December 1999

(Please complete this form using BLOCK LETTERS)      

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