Here are two descriptions that have not been refuted by official sources, although in the TSA's world of predictable unpredictability, nothing is cast in stone.


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A screener on Fark.com posted this two weeks ago:


Here's the dealeo, if you alarm the WTMD for whatever reason, hip or knee replacement ie, and you are unable to divest enuff metal to clear with any further passes, you are now a recipient for a Standard Pat Down.

We will pat down every inch of your bod and when we get to your mid section we will sliiiide a hand up your inner thigh til we "meet resistance" Exact wording.

Then, we swab our gloved hands and if they alarm, you then receive an "Alarm Resolution pat-down".

This is done by a Lead or a Sup. and is always done in a private screening area.
The only difference with this one is that when he/she gets to your "groin" area he/she is now going to turn his/her lil hands around and pass them over your "groin" area with the front of his/her hands 6 times. 3 across & 3 going down and then swab his/her hands again.

If they alarm again, well it gets a little gray after that.


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A union website has the following description:

Pat-Down Procedures

When conducting a standard pat down, a same-gender TSA screener will use a sliding method to verify external areas of the body for weapons or explosive materials. This process includes sliding his/her gloved hand up each leg until resistance is met. Additionally, the screener will slide his/her gloved hand across the groin and buttocks areas and under the breast area. If any anomalies are detected, the screener may resolve it by swiping inside the collar or waistband as necessary. Anything unusual detected during screening must be resolved. Resolution pat-down procedures will be utilized at this point. Private screening (upon request) is available to all passengers & crew members at any time in the screening process and will be utilized at all times when it is necessary to resolve an anomaly that is detected. If a resolution pat-down is necessary, two same-gender TSA screeners will be present and the individual being screened may bring a travel companion to the private screening area.