"Scientists say the U.S. biological defense system relied on kits that were far less able to help detect lethal germs than officials thought."

"WASHINGTON -- For two years, the nationwide BioWatch system, intended to protect Americans against a biological attack, operated with defective components that left it unable to detect lethal germs, according to scientists with direct knowledge of the matter.

The federal official who oversaw installation of the components was quietly shifted to a position with no responsibility for BioWatch, and the entire episode was kept out of public view.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees BioWatch, opened an internal investigation, whose status remains confidential."

David Willman reports for the Los Angeles Times October 22, 2012. [2]