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Standardized Method for Measuring Collection Efficiency from Wipe-sampling of Trace Explosives
Published on: April 10, 2017
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The effect of reusing wipes for particle collection
Jessica L Staymates1, Matthew E Staymates1, Jeffrey Lawrence1
1National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Mailstop 8371, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 USA.
International Journal for Ion Mobility Spectrometry : Official Publication of the International Society for Ion Mobility Spectrometry
|July 19, 2016
Summary
Wipe reuse significantly improves particle collection efficiency for trace residue analysis but can negatively impact chemical detection by Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), especially on degraded surfaces. Mechanical wear, not heat, is the primary cause of wipe deterioration.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Trace residue detection for security screening relies on surface wipes for Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS).
- The impact of repeated wipe usage on collection efficiency and subsequent IMS analysis is not well understood.
- Optimizing sampling methods is crucial for enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of explosive detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of surface wipe reuse on particle collection efficiency.
- To evaluate the influence of wipe reuse on the Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) response.
- To investigate the degradation mechanisms of wipe materials during repeated sampling.
Main Methods:
- Two wipe types (Teflon-coated fiberglass, Nomex) were swiped 0-1000 times on security-relevant surfaces.
- Particle collection efficiency was measured using fluorescence microscopy and particle counting.
- IMS analysis assessed the chemical response of deposited explosives after wipe reuse; SEM examined wipe degradation.
Main Results:
- Particle collection efficiency generally increased with the number of swiping cycles.
- IMS chemical response was negatively affected by wipe reuse, depending on surface conditions.
- Surface degradation, particularly of Teflon wipes on dusty cardboard, was observed via SEM, correlating with reduced IMS response.
Conclusions:
- Wipe reuse enhances particle capture but can compromise the accuracy of IMS detection.
- Mechanical wear is the dominant factor in wipe material deterioration, not thermal cycling.
- Understanding wipe performance limitations is essential for effective trace detection strategies in security applications.
