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Explosives Trace Detection

Innovation & Technology

Explosive Detection Systems are the size of a mini-van and employ technology similar to a medical CAT scan whereas Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) equipment is much smaller - about the size of large suitcase. Screeners working with the portable ETD use a swab on a piece of luggage; the swab is then analyzed for traces of explosives.

New technology is being developed to increase the efficiency and throughput of existing Explosive Detection System machines, and TSA scientists are testing upgraded models of ETD equipment.