Abstract: A portable detection device includes a surface sampling probe connected to a mass spectrometer, preferably mounted on a portable cart, and a transfer line for transporting samples from the probe to the mass spectrometer. The surface sampling probe is formed from a circular block or disk of metal such as copper and is provided with various holes in which cartridge heaters are located. The disk is preferably electroplated with nickel and then gold to allow for efficient heat transfer to the surface to be sampled. With this arrangement, in addition to other advantages, the presence of very low volatile or non-volatile materials may be determined.