Abstract: A device for introduction of an ammonia dopant into a spectrometry system without the use of a delivery system containing ammonia. The delivery device includes an ammonium solid that will, upon the introduction of heat, yield ammonia gas for delivery into the spectrometer system. Use of such an alternative to traditional ammonia dopant systems will yield little or no change in spectrometer readings. The volumetric flow rate of the ammonium is controlled by the use of capillary tubes as the exiting pathway, where the flowrate is determined by the cross sectional area and length of the capillary tube. Delivery of the ammonia is aided by use of a frit or screen to permit only gas to exit.

Abstract: A non-invasive and non-destructive apparatus and testing method for analytes in sealed containers are provided, which are especially useful for identifying bottles of wine that are contaminated with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) without destroying the value of uncontaminated wine by opening the bottles or marring the containers or labeling. The apparatus and method are applicable to non-destructively testing any “stream-of-commerce” containers such as shampoo bottles, aerosol containers, toothpaste tubes, and soft drink cans, and other such containers for the presence of contaminants, explosives, poisons, drugs, and other dangerous or illegal materials. The method provided is orders of magnitude more sensitive than other methods, and can detect the presence of diffused substances at the nanogram per liter (parts-per-billion) level.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a loading section in which a measuring unit is removably set, the measuring unit being adapted to receive a sample; and a control section which analyzes a signal acquired from the sample received in the measuring unit set in the loading section to provide a result of analysis of the sample; wherein the control section judges whether or not the measuring unit is properly set in the loading section.

Abstract: A method and system may include receiving a sample gas from an ambient environment on a first surface of a selective isolation device within an inlet assembly, dispersing the sample gas in substantially a first direction along the first surface, and circulating a carrier gas through a main assembly coupled to the inlet assembly, the main assembly defining a carrier gas environment. The method and system also may include selectively passing analytes from the sample gas through the selective isolation device to a second surface of the selective isolation device, the selective isolation device separating the ambient environment from the carrier gas environment, dispersing the carrier gas in substantially a second direction along the second surface, and obtaining the analytes in the carrier gas from the second surface.

Abstract: An inlet (37a) of a capillary tube channel that feeds a liquid from a mixing cavity (39) to measurement spots is formed near one (4) of the wall surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces of the mixing cavity (39) situated in a direction of oscillation for mixing. On the other wall surface (3), a level difference (39a) is formed such that an inner gap is larger than an outer gap in the mixing cavity (39), so that a solution is reliably fed from the mixing cavity to the measurement cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and container locator means for moving a container among one or more work-flow stations within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: A detector for the detection for trace vapors and particles in the air that includes a housing; a well formed in the housing; a heated filter positioned across the well; a source delivering sampled air substantially perpendicular to the open end of the well on a first side of the filter; a source to supply dry air across the first side of the filter; a detector line in communication with the at least one well on a second side of the filter; and a second dry air source for supplying air to the second side of the filter at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. An automatic inspection station that includes a vibrator for vibrating articles to be inspected. An automatic inspection station that includes a heating element positioned below an upper surface of the floor and an inlet positioned above the floor.

Abstract: An analytical device according to the present invention comprises a liquid accommodating chamber 9 for accommodating a sample solution of a quantity required for analyzing; a volume measuring chamber 10 connected to the liquid accommodating chamber 9 with a connecting path 13 and disposed in the exterior of the liquid accommodating chamber 9 in a radial direction; an overflowing chamber 11 connected to the volume measuring chamber 10 for accommodating an excessive quantity of the sample solution; and a measuring cell 12 for transferring and measuring the sample solution measured in the volume measuring chamber 10; wherein an overflowing port 14 of the volume measuring chamber 10 is connected to a flow-in port 16 of the overflowing chamber 11 by a capillary path 17.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: A method for loading a sample for imaging by an optical tomography system. A sample volume including at least one microscopic sample and a viscous fluid is coaxially loaded into a sample delivery tube. The sample volume is impelled through a focus cell into a capillary tube, where the capillary tube has a smaller crossectional area than the sample delivery tube, so that a reduced volume of the at least one microscopic sample and viscous fluid is constrained to a central region within the capillary tube.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a nozzle unit having a nozzle capable of ejecting liquid droplets and a pressure generating passage communicating with the nozzle. A driving unit includes a nozzle unit mounting portion and an actuator. The nozzle unit is detachably mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion, and the actuator changes an inner volume of the pressure generating passage of the nozzle unit in order to eject the liquid droplets from the nozzle of the nozzle unit mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion.

Abstract: Gas is supplied from positive pressure (105 Pa or more) to an analysis device of high vacuum (10?2 Pa or less) precisely and stably, while keeping conditions constant and replicating the conditions, and performing switching to a desired gas within a short time. According to a gas introducing device and a method, a plurality of types of gases are synthesized in a mixing chamber, the synthesized gas is introduced and the pressure of the gas is reduced by a pressure reducing pump to a pressure ranging from 0.1 Pa to 0.1 MPa, and the depressurized gas is introduced to a gas analysis device through a switching operation using a gas switching valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide methods and apparatus high-throughput reading and decoding of information-encoding features (especially identification features) on pharmaceutical compositions for the purpose of e.g. counterfeiting detection and inventory tracking/tracing. A preferred embodiment provides high-throughput imaging of regular arrays of pharmaceutical tablets with a scanning electron microscope. Another preferred embodiment provides video-rate scanning probe imaging of pharmaceutical compositions and especially atomic force microscopy imaging thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously drawing and mixing liquid samples originating from at least two different containers are described. The device comprises a mixing chamber, which is connected to each of the containers. The device is characterized in that it comprises, between the container and the mixing chamber, at least one intermediate sample chamber for each container, being connected in order to transfer all or a portion of the sampled liquid to the mixing chamber. The device has a vertical configuration.

Abstract: A system allows for the safe, rapid, efficient recovery of a drug solution from sealed vials. The system is closed so that highly potent compounds can later be recovered and reworked without large investment in further engineering controls. The system includes three main components: a recovery device that holds sealed vials containing a solution, and provides means to access the contents of the vials; a peristaltic pump that pumps solution out of the vials; and a recovery tank that receives the pumped solution.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting device for transporting a sample; a plurality of measuring units, each measuring unit measuring a sample transported by the transporting device; a determination result obtainer for obtaining a determination result representing whether the sample requires remeasurement based on a measurement result by a predetermined measuring unit among the plurality of measuring units; a designation receiver for receiving a designation of one measuring unit for remeasuring the sample determined to be remeasured; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device so as to transport the sample determined to be remeasured to the designated measuring unit. An analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive device (53) comprises an enclosure (63), means (65) for supplying the drilling mud into the enclosure (63), and means (67) for discharging the drilling mud from the enclosure (63). The device also comprises means (69) for introducing a carrier gas into the enclosure (63) and a pipe (71), which serves to extract the gas discharging into the enclosure (63) and which is connected to suction means (109). The device (53) additionally comprises selective venting means (72) comprising a vent pipe (115) perforated over the extracting pipe (71) and means (117) for closing the vent pipe (115). These means (117) are designed for opening the vent pipe (115) when the pressure at at least one point (121) of the device is less than a predetermined set value. The invention is used for analyzing the gaseous content of muds from drilling oil wells.

Abstract: An electronic device test apparatus used for bringing the ICs into electrical contact with contact parts of the test head in the state where the ICs are held on a test tray and running tests on the electrical characteristics of ICs, the electronic device test apparatus including an inversion system for rotating the test tray which holds a plurality of ICs in a direction dropping ICs which are insufficiently held at least once before testing.

Abstract: An improved scent transfer device for collecting evidence at a crime scene. The device comprises a gas cartridge coupled to an air valve. A holder having a sterile pad positioned therein is secured to one end of a housing containing said air valve by locking protrusions. When gas from the cartridge is expelled into the air valve, a vacuum is created at the end of where the pad holder is attached when a switch is pressed, enabling a user to collect the scent on the pad. The pad can then be removed and stored in an evidence bag. An extension member which locks into the holder can be utilized to extend the capabilities of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-aliquotter for dispensing fixed or variable volumes. The micro-aliquotter includes an rigid, dimensionally stable foundational layer having a fluid port therein that is in fluid communication with a channel within the microfluidic device, and an elastic film positioned on the foundational layer where the film covers the fluid port. The elastic film is sealed to the foundational layer so fluids entering through the fluid port can be captured between the elastic film and the foundational layer. The elastic film being expandable from a rest position on the foundational layer to a dispensing, or aliquotting, position in which an aliquot volume of a fluid is contained between the film and the foundational layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tubes and an image analysing unit are disclosed. The laboratory system comprises a transfer unit for transferring incoming primary racks (PR) containing sample tubes (S), an image analysing unit (310), and an identification and allocation unit. The method to handle laboratory sample tubes includes steps of: transferring an incoming primary rack (PR) containing sample tubes (S) to the image analysing unit (310); determining, in the image analysing unit (310), geometry parameters of at least one sample tube contained in the primary rack by means of image analysing; comparing for each sample tube the determined geometry parameters with predetermined geometry criteria and identifying whether the sample tube's geometry fulfils the predetermined criteria; in case of fulfilment, categorising the sample tube as system conform; otherwise categorising the sample tube as non-system conform.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.

Abstract: A device for introduction of an ammonia dopant into a spectrometry system without the use of a delivery system containing ammonia. The delivery device includes an ammonium solid that will, upon the introduction of heat, yield ammonia gas for delivery into the spectrometer system. Use of such an alternative to traditional ammonia dopant systems will yield little or no change in spectrometer readings. The volumetric flow rate of the ammonium is controlled by the use of capillary tubes as the exiting pathway, where the flowrate is determined by the cross sectional area and length of the capillary tube. Delivery of the ammonia is aided by use of a frit or screen to permit only gas to exit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting whether a person has handled explosives, narcotics or other substances of interest. The apparatus includes a metallic sample collection surface on which a person may place a finger. Upon removal of the finger, the metallic sample collection surface is moved to a desorber. The desorber heats the metallic surface sufficiently to vaporize residue transferred from the person. The vaporized residue then is transmitted to a detector for analysis. The detector also may include a fingerprint reading apparatus for reading the fingerprint of the person and comparing the fingerprint to known fingerprint data.

Abstract: An automated machine for transferring solution from a source microwell plate to a destination microwell plate. A plurality of pins is used for transferring the solution. The pins are attached to pin assemblies. The pin assemblies are attached to the circumference of a circular dial that is rotatably connected to the automated machine. The circular dial rotates the pins form a solution removal position to a solution transfer position and then to a pin cleaning position. Solution is removed from individual wells at the solution removal position and the solution is transferred to individual wells at the solution transfer position. The pins are cleaned at the pin cleaning position. A computer is programmed to control the automated machine and the transfer of solution. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is programmed to: 1) execute a saved transfer list, 2) accept a customized input list from an operator, 3) execute the customized input list, and 4) save the customized input list for later execution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: In a sample introducing system that can be easily adapted to a variety of analytical conditions without being affected by a flow rate of gas introduced into an analytical device, can introduce an analytical sample into the analytical device without loss, and can contribute to a simple and highly accurate high-sensitivity analysis, a pretreatment device removes unnecessary components from an untreated sample gas containing the analytical sample. A treated sample gas that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device is introduced into the analytical device via a connection gas flow channel. A gas addition device that adds a carrier gas to the treated sample gas flowing toward the analytical device in the connection gas flow channel has a means for changing the addition flow rate of the carrier gas. Pressure fluctuations of the gas containing the analytical sample are restricted by a pressure adjusting device upstream of the gas addition device.

Abstract: A module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples contained in the sample tubes for an automated clinical analyzer. In one embodiment, this module comprises a mixing drum, which is capable of mixing the contents of a sample tube in an end-over-end manner. The mixing drum is capable of mixing samples in the sample tubes without separating the solid components of the sample, e.g., red blood cells from the liquid components of the sample, e.g., plasma. A device for elevating the sample tube in the sample tube carrier can be used to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in a piercing assembly. After the cap of the sample tube is punctured, a probe for aspirating the sample from said sample tube can obtain the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. The piercing assembly can include a resiliently biased element for ejecting the sample tube from the piercing assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluidic device is described. A substrate having at least one device thereon is provided, wherein the device includes at least one channel. Next, a region beside the channel is heated, and then the substrate is pulled to neck the region such that at least one capillary connecting with the channel is formed. The present invention also provides a microfluidic device including a substrate and at least one capillary. In particular, the substrate has at least one device thereon, and the device has at least one channel. The capillary is connected with the channel, wherein the substrate and the capillary are a unity structure such that the interface between the capillary and the channel is dead-volume free.

Abstract: An improved method of extraction, detection, and characterization of a vapor from an explosive, a taggant in an explosive, a controlled substance, a biohazard, and mixtures thereof uses a new and improved SPME device for extraction and ion mobility spectrometry for detection and characterization. The new and improved SPME device has an increased capacity to sorb a target vapor. The increased sorption of vapor provides for more accurate detection by an ion mobility spectrometer. A SPME device having increased surface area may be exposed to an atmosphere in an enclosure containing a test object or a volume of gas that was in contact with the test object to allow for sorption of the target vapor and then introduced into an IMS for more accurate detection and characterization of the vapor due to the increased sorption of the vapor by the SPME device described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for sampling a fluid, such as air. As fluid flows through a device, a scrubbing liquid is positioned in a pattern to contact the fluid and constituents in the fluid are transferred to in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for washing samples that are intended to be introduced in an analysis apparatus, particularly for elemental analysis, which has a chamber sized such as to house only one sample at a time, means for feeding the samples, from a condition in contact with the ambient atmosphere, one at a time to said chamber, means for closing said sample-containing chamber relative to the environment, means for feeding and releasing a washing gas to and from said chamber, and means for opening this chamber to the analysis apparatus in sealed conditions relative to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proportional sampling of particulate material present in the exhaust gas emitted from an engine, in order to measure the mass of particulate material present in the exhaust gas, utilizes a mixing chamber (18) for mixing a portion of the exhaust gas with a dilution gas. A flow control (20) controls the flow rate of the portion of the exhaust gas as a function of exhaust gas flow by activating individual ones of a parallel array of solenoid valves (30), each defining a flow restriction (34).

Abstract: A novel microfluidic sample holder has at least one sample receiving compartment for a sample fluid, at least one distributor channel which is linked with at least one sample receiving compartment, at least one distributor channel extending from every sample receiving compartment, at least one reaction chamber to which optionally one inlet channel branched off from the at least one distributor channel leads, and at least one vent opening for every reaction chamber. The sample holders are mainly used in microbiological diagnostics, immunology, PCR, clinical chemistry, microanalytics and/or the inspection of active substances. Methods for analyzing a sample substance using the sample holder and to kits including the sample holder as also included.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transporting fluid which involves acoustic ejection into a small opening. The opening may be, for example, the inlet opening of a sample vessel. Alternatively, it may be an opening in a microfluidic device. The ejection is typically, but not necessarily carried out through the application of focused acoustic energy. The fluid being transported typically comprises a moiety of interest for analysis or further processing, which may be a biomolecule. The volumes of transported fluid may be in the nanoliter or picoliter range. Ejection may occur from very small volumes and the ejected droplet may carry away a significant fraction of the volume from which ejection occurs.

Abstract: A process for the estimation of volatile substances which comprises the steps of: (i) heating distilled water in a flask to a first temperature, (ii) adding the sample to be tested into said heated water, (iii) closing the flask, (iv) maintaining the flask containing the sample at a second temperature lower than said first temperature, (v) purging with air, (vi) drawing the volatile vapours and subjecting it to analysis.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single particle analyzer, methods of using the analyzers and analyzers systems to analyze samples, either for single particles or for multiple particles (multiplexing), methods of doing business based on the use of the analyzers or analyzer systems of the system, and electronic media for storing parameters useful in the analyzers and analyzer systems of the invention.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing a solution containing a sample to a test device and aspirating the sample from the device. In one embodiment the device is hand-held and includes a control mechanism, e.g., button for activating the dispensing and aspiration of the sample. The testing device may take the form of a multi-well plate with a plurality of wells arranged in rows and columns, with the bottom of the wells formed as a photonic crystal biosensor. The device can be configured with dispense and aspirate manifolds and associated dispense and aspirate ports which are positioned in all the wells along a row or column of wells so as to simultaneously aspirate and dispense solution to all the wells in a row or column of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: An air monitoring system includes a tubing having an electrically conductive inner surface. In one embodiment, the liner includes carbon based materials, such as for example carbon nanotubes. In another embodiment, a conductive layer is adhered to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample machining device, in particular for preparing samples for OES and/or XRF and/or combustion analyses, having at least one sample holder, and to provide a development which is advantageous in use proposes that the machining device includes a cylindrical milling cutter, the cylindrical milling cutter and the sample holder being movable relative to one another in such a manner that a sample which can be held in the sample holder can be divided by means of the cylindrical milling cutter to produce a free piece and a remainder piece of the sample which can still be held in the sample holder, and that at least one additional tool, in particular a drilling or separate milling tool, is provided in order to produce chips from the remainder piece of the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to instrument assemblies that can include a sample introduction port coupled to a chamber configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction port and provide analysis of the sample with a valve between the sample introduction port and the chamber. The instrument assemblies can include a septum housing assembly coupled to an analysis chamber interface with the interface including a valve and a cam rotatably mounted to the septum housing assembly and/or coupled to the valve. Analysis methods are also provided that can include introducing a sample to an instrument through both a sample introduction port and a valve coupled to the sample introduction port, and, after introducing the sample, closing the valve to seal the sample introduction port from a remainder of the instrument, with the remainder of the instrument being configured to analyze the sample after the introducing through the sample introduction port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a reproducible sample of solid particles. The reproducible sample is obtained by receiving solid particles into a collection system that includes a sheltered volume. Solid particles that settle outside of the sheltered volume are purged from the collection system. The remaining solid particles inside the sheltered volume correspond to the reproducible sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen. The apparatus having means for withdrawing a small sample of the specimen thereby preventing the potential contamination of the majority of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample presentation apparatus for use in analyzing equipment for pharmaceutical products, for example solid dosage forms such as a tablet, a pellet or a capsule. The invention further relates to a method for presentation of samples to the analyzing equipment. Samples are sequentially fed through at least one predetermined analyzing position (6) wherein at least one measuring radiation beam irradiates the sample (14) when it is located in the analyzing position characterized in that there is at least one two-piece means (9, 39) for temporarily fixing each sample at said analyzing position (6), the two-piece means comprises a first and a second sample holding part arranged at the analyzing position in which the two-piece means is adapted to move between an open position wherein a sample is provided for analysis, and a closed fixing position wherein a sample is analyzed.

Abstract: An air monitoring system includes a tubing having a metallic inner layer and an outer jacket to provide optimal transport of air samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising a sample collector (1) for receiving a sample of material, an elongate shaft (10) defining a passageway (14) carrying a measurement probe (11) for taking measurements from a colelcted sample, a pressurised fluid supply (31) connected to the passageway for delivering a pressurised fluid through the passageway to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample and a nozzle (33) provided at the distal end of the measurement probe (11) for distributing the pressurised fluid to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1).

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.