TSO Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym ETD stand for in airport security screening?
- Electronic Threat Detection
- Explosive Trace Detection (Correct answer)
- Enhanced Transportation Detection
- Electronic Trace Diagnostics
Correct answer: Explosive Trace Detection
ETD stands for Explosive Trace Detection, a screening method that identifies microscopic explosive residue collected on swabs from surfaces.
Question 2: ETD equipment is designed to detect trace amounts of which type of substance?
- Explosive materials or residue (Correct answer)
- Radioactive isotopes in luggage
- Metallic fragments inside bags
- Liquid chemicals in sealed containers
Correct answer: Explosive materials or residue
ETD machines are specifically designed to identify trace particles of explosive compounds collected on swabs from passenger hands, bags, and surfaces.
Question 3: When collecting an ETD sample from a passenger's hands, a TSO should swab:
- Only the fingertips of the dominant hand
- The back and palms of both hands (Correct answer)
- Just the wrists and forearms
- The palms of one hand only
Correct answer: The back and palms of both hands
Proper ETD hand sampling requires wiping the swab across the back and palms of both hands to ensure thorough collection of any explosive residue.
Question 4: If an ETD machine generates a positive alarm, what is the TSO's required immediate action?
- Conduct additional resolution screening per TSA Standard Operating Procedures (Correct answer)
- Arrest the passenger and call law enforcement immediately
- Re-swab the same area and re-run the test as the only step
- Allow the passenger through if no prohibited items are found in the bag
Correct answer: Conduct additional resolution screening per TSA Standard Operating Procedures
A positive ETD alarm mandates that the TSO initiate additional resolution screening procedures as outlined in TSA SOPs before the passenger can proceed.
Question 5: Why must TSOs change ETD swabs between each passenger screened?
- Because each swab can only absorb a limited amount of moisture
- To prevent cross-contamination between passengers (Correct answer)
- To comply with machine calibration requirements after each test
- To reset the machine's detection threshold to baseline
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination between passengers
Using a fresh swab for each passenger prevents cross-contamination, which could transfer residue from one person to another and cause false positive results.
Question 6: Which of the following substances is known to potentially cause a false positive result on ETD equipment?
- Aloe vera-based hand sanitizer
- Nitroglycerin-based heart medication (Correct answer)
- SPF 50 sunscreen applied before travel
- Standard laundry detergent residue on clothing
Correct answer: Nitroglycerin-based heart medication
Nitroglycerin, used in heart medications, contains nitrogen compounds that ETD equipment can detect and flag as potential explosive residue.
Question 7: ETD screening may be used as an alternative screening method to which technology?
- Handheld metal detection wands (HHMD)
- Document verification scanning systems
- Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) (Correct answer)
- X-ray baggage screening conveyors
Correct answer: Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
ETD can be used as an alternative to Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for passengers who opt out or who cannot use the AIT machine.
TSO Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) Procedures 1
What does the acronym ETD stand for in airport security screening?