Provided herein are methods for preliminary analysis of suspect samples,
which can be used in triaging possible contaminated sites (e.g., sites
contaminated or thought to be contaminated by biowarfare agents). In some
embodiments, the methods involve testing for the presence of protein in
the suspect sample; optionally, the sample can also be tested for the
presence of sugar, and/or for pH determination. Specific embodiment
methods are carried out in tubes or other reaction vessels, others are
carried out in a pad format, and still others are carried out in a test
strip format. Kits for carrying out the described methods are also
provided.
