Airport Swab Tests: What, Why, And How?

Airport swab tests are used to detect traces of explosives. Security officers may swab passengers' hands, waists or luggage to test for dangerous substances. The swab is then analysed for chemicals such as nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin and other chemicals. The swabbing process can cause false alarms due to the presence of substances unrelated to explosives, such as glycerin found in lotions, makeup and soaps, or medications.

What is swabbed? Hands, waists, luggage, and other items

Swab tests at airports are used to detect traces of explosives. Security officers may swab your hands, waist or luggage, as well as other items. The swab is then analysed for nitrates, glycerin, nitroglycerin or other chemicals.

False alarms can be caused by the presence of various substances unrelated to explosives. For example, glycerin is found in lotions, makeup and soaps, and nitroglycerin is a medication used for heart conditions. Being around firearms and ammunition regularly can also trigger a positive result, as traces of explosives and powder can easily contaminate your skin and belongings.

What are swab tests looking for? Traces of explosives

Swab tests at airports are looking for traces of explosives. These tests are a form of explosive trace detection (ETD) and are used to detect extremely tiny traces of dangerous explosives. They are conducted on passengers' hands, waists or luggage.

The swabs are analysed for chemicals such as nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. These chemicals can be found in lotions, makeup, soaps and medications, which can cause false positives.

Even small amounts of explosive materials can leave tiny particles or residues on people's bodies and belongings, which can linger on the skin, clothing, and items like bags or laptops.

What are some common triggers for false positives? Glycerin, nitroglycerine pills, and firearms

Airport swab tests are used to detect extremely tiny traces of dangerous explosives. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) randomly swabs passengers' hands, luggage and other items at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for explosives. The swabs are analysed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals.

Glycerin, nitroglycerine pills, and firearms are all common triggers for false positives. Glycerin is found in lotions, makeup and soaps, and can be detected on the skin and belongings of those who use these products. Nitroglycerine pills are often used for heart conditions, but can lead to false positives in swab tests. Firearms and ammunition can also trigger positive results during swab tests, as traces of explosives and powder can easily contaminate the skin and belongings of those who handle them.

Why do swab tests happen? To ensure the air environment is safe

Swab tests at airports are used to detect traces of explosives. Security officers at airports conduct swabbing tests to detect extremely tiny traces of dangerous explosives. This includes testing for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. The swabbing may be of passengers' hands, waists or luggage.

The purpose of swab tests is to ensure the air environment is safe. As then-Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in 2010: 'The point is to make sure that the air environment is a safe environment. We know that al Qaeda [and other] terrorists continue to think of aviation as a way to attack the United States. One way we keep it safe is by new technology [and] random use of different types of technology.'

What is the technology behind swab tests? Explosive Trace Detection (ETD)

Swab tests at airports are used to detect extremely tiny traces of dangerous explosives. Security officers may swab passengers' hands, waist, or luggage. The swabs are analysed for chemicals such as nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals.

The technology behind swab tests is called Explosive Trace Detection (ETD). ETD machines can produce false alarms due to the presence of various substances unrelated to explosives. For example, glycerin, which is found in lotions, makeup and soaps, can trigger a false positive. Medications such as nitroglycerine pills, used for heart conditions, can also lead to false positives. Being around firearms and ammunition regularly may also trigger positive results, as traces of explosives and powder can easily contaminate your skin and belongings.

Frequently asked questions