Smiths introduces new screening device
Smiths Detection has introduced handheld trace detection device that can identify more than 40 different narcotics, explosives, chemical warfare agents and toxic chemicals.
The product can be used to screen people and cargo, the Pine Brook, N.J.-based company said.
Samples are collected by wiping a swab over the suspected surface and inserting it into a special ion measurement chamber. The drawback with trace detection is that it cannot detect what is on the inside of a box or container, and sophisticated criminals or terrorists are likely to wipe up any evidence ahead of time, security analysts say.