FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - TSA wants to test your drink -- at the gate
Old Jul 5, 2012 | 10:17 pm
  #104  
RedSnapper
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: FKB
Programs: Skymiles - FO
Posts: 207
Originally Posted by WillCAD
I'm certain that this is supposed to be explosives testing. But, according to those with more chemistry knowledge than me, there is no chemical test for explosives or the chemicals that make up explosives, which doesn't require the test articles to come into physical contact with the tested material. In other words, the Magic Strips (TM) they're currently waving over beverages to "test" are absolutely useless for that purpose.
The physical contact occurs through the vapor phase; any explosives or explosive byproducts detected would have to be volatile. Think of these strips as a less-sophisticated and less reliable form of the now abandoned "puffer" devices...

Last edited by RedSnapper; Jul 5, 2012 at 10:18 pm Reason: spelling error
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