Rapid preblast screening for inorganic improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is demonstrated using a swab based screening system (Scantex) that has recently been developed within our laboratory. While the system is capable of screening for both inorganic and peroxide based IEDs this paper will focus on its application to inorganic explosives.

The Scantex system uses a front-end system (FES) to extract target residues from commercially available swabs and then supply this sample solution to two dedicated backend systems (BESs) for rapid analysis. The inorganic explosive BES uses capillary electrophoresis to quickly and accurately analyse for the presence of target anions typically present during the manufacture of inorganic explosive devices such as nitrate, chlorate and perchlorate.

Analysis is performed by simply wiping a commercially available synthetic swab across the surface to be screened and then inserting it into the front of the Scantex FES. Automated sample extraction and analysis then takes place with results shown in real time on the system software. Overall screening time for the system is between 1-2 minutes depending on the desired resolution and intended application.

The operational parameters and performance of the system, such as detection limits, reproducibility, resolution, will be shown as well as its application to real world analysis. The complications posed by foods and products commonly used or handled by members of the public will also be examined as well as background screening studies undertaken in and around the Hobart area.