TSA Explosives Trace Detection and Alarm Resolution 2

Question 1

What detection technology do most ETD units at airport checkpoints use to identify explosive residue?

Accepted Answer

Ion mobility spectrometry

Answer

Most checkpoint ETD units use ion mobility spectrometry, which separates ionized sample molecules by how fast they drift through an electric field.

Question 2

Why does an officer change gloves before swabbing a new passenger's property after an ETD alarm?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination between screenings

Answer

Fresh gloves stop trace residue from a previous item or person being carried onto the next sample and causing a false alarm.

Question 3

A passenger's laptop alarms on ETD. What is the officer's most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Follow alarm resolution procedures and notify a supervisor as required

Answer

An ETD alarm has to be resolved through the set procedures, including supervisor notification; it can't be dismissed or cleared by re-swabbing over and over.

Question 4

Which everyday product is commonly linked to ETD alarms that turn out to be non-threats?

Accepted Answer

Some hand lotions and glycerin-based products

Answer

Glycerin-containing lotions and some cosmetics can cause ETD alarms because their chemistry resembles certain explosive-related compounds.

Question 5

Before an ETD unit is used to screen at the start of a shift, what normally has to happen?

Accepted Answer

The unit must pass its required verification or calibration check

Answer

ETD units must pass manufacturer- and TSA-required verification checks so you can trust that alarm and clear results are reliable.

(TSA) Transportation Security Administration Certified Practice Test

(TSA) Transportation Security Administration Certified Practice Test

TSA Explosives Trace Detection and Alarm Resolution 2