Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a colorimetric system for detecting a substance, the colorimetric system that includes a first chemical container adapted for releasing a first chemical; a second chemical container adapted for releasing a second chemical; a flow modulation sheet adjacent each chemical container; and an encapsulation covering the flow modulation sheet and each chemical container, where the encapsulation comprises a window defining a target area of the filter paper such that the target area is adapted for applying the substance; where the flow modulation sheet comprises a design adapted for automatically controlling a first flow of the first chemical and a second flow of the second chemical to the target area after simultaneously releasing the first and second chemicals; and where the design comprises a first void disposed in the flow modulation sheet.

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.