Easy-to-use, portable detection system provides a rapid, reliable, and sensitive method for onsite detection of anthrax, ricin, botulinum toxin, and orthopox viruses (smallpox) on surfaces and in liquids or powders. Yields results in less than 15 minutes. Offers sensitivity down to 4000 Anthrax spores. Starter kit consists of reader, waterproof carrying case, operator's manual, quick start card, dot matrix printer assembly and four test kits (one each for anthrax, ricin, botulinum toxin, and pox). Each test kit pack contains 25 test cartridges with assay tips, a 70µL Mini-Pet pipette, 25 sample buffer vials, 30 swabs, a lot card and a permanent ink marker. Training test kit packs include 25 training test cartridges, pipette, vials, lot card, marker, and 25 sample test cards.