Abstract:
A sampling apparatus and method of obtaining a sample are provided. The apparatus has a body, a head connected to the body, and a mechanism for retaining a substrate on the head. The apparatus enables an area to be sampled quickly and efficiently, while minimizing cross-contamination of a sample and incorrect placement of a sample in an analyzer.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Trace detection has various important applications, such as, for example, screening of individuals and baggage at transportation centers, facility security, military applications, forensic applications, and cleaning validation. 
   Modern detection equipment can detect target compounds in the nanograms to picograms range, but effective detection requires obtaining a suitable sample. Various sampling methods are known and mainly involve vapor and particle sampling. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,090 teaches the use of hand operated vapour samplers which heats the surface to assist in dislodging vapours, which are trapped on collector surfaces in the probe. However, because some target compounds have low vapor pressures, this method can have somewhat limited usefulness. 
   Particle collection methods are also known. Particle collection techniques include surface inspection by means of physical particle collection in minute amounts, the use of dust pan-brush arrangements, vacuum suction onto porous or semi-porous substrates, filters, membranes and the like, and the use of swabs, swipes, gloves, etc. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,970,428, 4,220,414, 4,192,176, and 5,425,263 are directed to particle collection methods useful for forensics and surface geochemical exploration where trace metals and organometals can be useful as pathfinder indicators in mineral exploration activities. U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,794 describes collection of sample particles with a glove and the use of an intermediate step involving vacuum suction off the glove. 
   Another method for collecting trace particles involves insertion of a filter disk into a suction line of a vacuum cleaner unit to remove particles for analysis by suction. After a sufficient quantity of dust/material is collected, the filter disk or substrate is removed and presented to an analytical device. The filter disk is inserted into a thermal desorption device which is rapidly heated to volatilize the collected material. The heating process converts the trace particles to vapors for conventional chemical vapor analysis, such as, for example, IMS, mass spectrometer or gas chromatography or such other instrument. This method suffers from the disadvantage of vacuum cleaner contamination and requires manipulating a cumbersome vacuum cleaner to obtain a sample. 
   Collection media in the form of hand coverings, such as gloves, mitts and swipes have been used in various forms for particle collection, but these techniques often require an intermediate step that transfers the sample collected on the a glove or the like to the analytical device. One method involves exposure of the collection medium to a suction device to vacuum the glove or mitt, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,794. This method is time consuming and the vacuum transfer is inefficient, causing a loss of sample due to incomplete transfer from the collection medium. Additionally, vacuum suction devices are noisy, cumbersome, and require power to energize the suction motors. Even small vacuum sampling devices have relatively limited battery lives. Moreover, the suction device can be contaminated during transfer of a sample containing a target compound requiring thorough cleaning before the next use. Finally, often an even greater problem is created by the suction causing collection medium fibers and lint to be released which can either obstruct the analytical device, present interfering chemicals or fluff/lint which might compete in the analytical process, as for example, if ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) is used where matrix effects from the hand covering material can compete too aggressively in the ionization process. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,794 describes collection of particles where the particles are transferred from a sample collection glove to a collection probe, and the complete probe is inserted into the analyzer to vaporize the samples. This technique involves a complex sampling probe, which can be easily clogged by debris and lint from the sampling gloves. 
   Conventional sampling substrates, which are handheld and cover the fingers are also known for collecting particles from surfaces, where the material is inserted directly into the analytical device. These materials have the advantage of avoiding an intermediate transfer step and the use of a suction device. However, collecting samples by hand can result in contamination or incomplete collection of a sample due to insufficient pressure of the sampling substrate against the item being analyzed. 
   Moreover, conventional sampling substrates often rely on the operator to ensure that the sampling area of the substrate material (or “swab”) is properly aligned within an analyzer (or “analytical device”), so that the portion of the substrate material containing the sample is actually analyzed by the analytical device. For example, in IMS it is necessary that the collected sample is properly aligned on the sample desorber such that the collected sample is desorbed and analyzed by the IMS. When the sample area of the substrate is not properly aligned within the analyzer, the collected sample cannot be completely desorbed. Therefore, the test results of the sample can be affected by how the sample area of the substrate is aligned within the analyzer. 
   SUMMARY 
   Thus, there is a need for a sample collecting device that is capable of collecting and transferring the sample to an analytical device without an operator&#39;s hands touching the sampling substrate, and which avoids operator error in collecting a sample and positioning the collected sample in an analytical device. 
   Accordingly, one embodiment provides a sampling device for collecting a sample on a substrate for analysis in an analyzer comprising a body and a sampling head arranged to hold the substrate, wherein the sampling device is arranged to be inserted into a sample receiving device so that the substrate is properly aligned within the analyzer for optimal or substantially optimal introduction of the sample into the analyzer. 
   Another embodiment provides a method of collecting a sample comprising mounting a substrate in a hand held sampling device that includes a body and a sampling head arranged to hold the substrate, wherein the sampling device is arranged to be inserted into an analyzer so that the substrate is properly aligned within the analyzer for optimal or substantially optimal introduction of the sample from the substrate, manipulating the sampling device so that the substrate contacts a surface of interest, and inserting the sampling head into the analyzer for desorption and analysis of the sample. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below. 
       FIG. 1  is a partially exploded side perspective view of an exemplary sampling device. 
       FIG. 2  is (a) a side view and (b) front view of the device in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is (a) a side view and (b) front view of the device in  FIG. 1 , with the sampling head removed to show the swing arm and swing head. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the device in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  shows (a) a side view, (b) an exploded perspective view, and (c) a front view of the external casing of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  shows (a) an exploded view of an exemplary sampling head, (b) a perspective view of the exemplary sampling head, (c) a perspective view of the bottom section of the sampling head, and (d) a bottom view of the sampling head, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the sampling device of  FIG. 1  inserted into an exemplary sample receiving device. 
       FIG. 8  shows (a) a perspective view and (b) an end view of an exemplary sampling head inserted into an exemplary sample receiving device. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary sample receiving device. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary sample receiving device with a control line in exploded view. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded view of an exemplary sample receiving device. 
       FIG. 12  is a black box diagram of an analyzer with a receiving device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A sampling device that avoids operator error is useful in collection of samples for analysis by an analytical device. The device solves operator error that can result in contamination of a sample, incomplete or ineffective sample collection, and incorrect placement of the collected sample within an analytical device. 
     FIGS. 1-6  show an embodiment of a sampling device  10  for collecting a sample for analysis. This sampling device is capable of collecting samples for analysis without direct handling of the sampling substrate by the operator and eliminates operator error in collecting the sample.  FIGS. 7-8  show an embodiment of a sampling device  10  positioned in a sample receiving device  220 , which eliminates difficulties in positioning the sample collecting substrate in the analytical device such that the sample is properly aligned for effective analysis.  FIGS. 8-11  show an embodiment of a sample receiving device  220  which is configured to receive a sampling device  10 . 
   The sampling device  10  is can be configured so that an operator can manipulate the sampling device  10  to wipe, contact, or “swab” any item or subject of interest with the sampling area  110  of the sample collecting substrate  100 , thus, collecting a sample from the item. For example, the sampling device can be used to collect samples from, for example, luggage, bags, packages, clothing, and individuals. In one embodiment, the device can be a handheld device. 
     FIG. 1  shows a sampling device  10  according to an embodiment. The sampling device  10  can be configured to provide a body  20  and a sampling head  30 . The body  20  and sampling head  30  can be integral or detachable. The body  20  of the sampling device  10  can be grasped in the hand of an operator so that the sampling device  10  can be easily manipulated by the operator. The device can optionally include a strap  70  attached to the body  20  so that the sampling device  10  can be supported on the arm of an operator or hung by the strap when the sampling device  10  is not in use. 
   The sampling device  10  can use a replaceable sampling substrate  100  that can be held in the device using any suitable substrate retaining arrangement. The substrate  100  can be secured using, for example, a snap device, bezel, hook and loop, snap-fitting, or sandwich-type arrangement using a frame. For example, the sampling device  10  can include a sampling head  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example,  FIG. 6  shows a sample head  30  that is configured to support a substrate  100  so that a sample area  110  of the substrate  100  is arranged to collect a sample. 
   According to an embodiment, the sampling head  30  can include a sampling frame  120  for holding a substrate  100  within the sampling head  30 . The sampling head can have any appropriate dimensions. For example, the sampling head  30  can have a length X from an end of the sampling head  30  to a center point of the substrate  100 , and a diameter D. For example, the sampling head  30  can have an approximate length of 4 inches and an approximate diameter of 2 inches. The sampling frame  120  can include an upper member  122  and a lower member  124  so that the substrate  100  can be held between the upper member  122  and the lower member  124  (see  FIG. 6 ). With this arrangement, the substrate can be easily installed and released from the sampling head  30 . For example, the upper member  122  can be hinged to the lower member  124  by a pin  126  so that the upper member  122  can move relative to the lower member  124 , allowing a substrate  100  to be removed from the sampling frame  120  and a new substrate  100  to be placed between the lower member  124  and the upper member  122 . The upper member  122  can be fastened to the lower member  124 , such as with a snap device, bayonet fastener, or any other attachment that can hold the substrate  100  in place. The sampling frame  120  can be arranged so that the sample area  110  of the substrate  100  is centered within the sampling head  30  for proper sample collection and thermal desorption. 
   The sampling head  30  can be constructed using any suitable material. In one embodiment, the material is capable resisting deformation and degradation at temperatures of more than 300° C. for short periods of time, such as, for example, less than 90 seconds, 60 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 second, 0.5 second, or less than 0.25 second. In another embodiment, the sampling head can be comprised of steel, stainless steel, nickel super alloys, cobalt super alloys, chromized and/or galvanized and/or aluminized steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys, titanium or titanium alloys, ceramics, metal matrix composites, and carbon fiber composites. In a further embodiment, the sampling head is comprised of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In an additional embodiment, the sampling head of comprised of black PEEK. 
   After collection of a sample, the sample can be analyzed. The sampling head  30  may be used for various methods of desorption of collected samples. For example, the sample can be vaporized using thermal desorption, infrared desorption, or desorption through other methods known in the art. 
   The sampling device  10  can also include a body, which is configured to receive a sampling head. The body can be any suitable configuration capable of receiving a sample head.  FIG. 5(   a ) is a side view of the body  20  of the sampling device  10  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 5(   b ) is an exploded view of the body  20  of the sampling device according to an embodiment, in which the body  20  includes an upper body portion  22 , a lower body portion  24 , and a member  26  for power supply, such as, for example, a battery. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), the body  20  can include an upper body portion  22  and a lower body portion  24  that are joined together, which can form a grip portion of the sampling device  10 . The body can be composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, high temperature plastic materials, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. 
   According to an embodiment, the sampling head  30  can be removed from the body  20  of the sampling device  10 .  FIG. 5(   c ) is an end view of the body  20  of the sampling device  10  according to an embodiment showing the mating feature where the sampling head  30  meets the body  20 . The sampling head  30  can be attached to the body  20  by a connecting mechanism  80  can fasten the sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10  so that the connecting mechanism  80  can be readily attached to the body  20  of the sampling device  10  and detached from the body  20  of the sampling device  10 . The connecting mechanism  80  can include any suitable fastening device  82  capable of fastening the sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10 . Suitable fastening devices include, for example, a snap device, detent connection, bayonet fastener, interrupted thread, magnet, solenoid, or other fastening device known in the art. In one embodiment, the fastening device  82  can be a magnet. The connecting mechanism  80  can include a fastening device  82  in the sampling head  30  and a corresponding fastening device in the body  20  of the sampling device  10 . 
   The device  10  can include a mechanism for engaging and disengaging the substrate retaining arrangement. For example, the body  20  can further include a trigger  60  for actuating a swing arm  40  that is associated with a swing head  30  that meets the sampling head  30  to hold a substrate  100 . 
   In one embodiment, swing arm  40  can be provided for supporting a surface that contacts and/or shapes a substrate  100 . In one embodiment, the sampling device  10  can include a swing arm  40  with a swing head  46 . The swing head  46  can include a surface  42  that can be used to press against a surface of a substrate  100  so that the surface of the substrate  100  can be provided with a predetermined shape and support. The surface  42  of the swing head  46  can include a disk  44  that is attached to a swing head  46  (see  FIG. 3(   a )). The swing head  46  can be attached to the swing arm  40  so that the disk  44  is pressed against a surface of the substrate  100  when the swing arm  40  is forced downwards. The disk  44  can be integral with the swing head  46  or replaceable. In one embodiment, the disk  44  is replaceable by detaching the disk  44  from the swing head  46 . For example, the disk  44  can be attached to the swing head  46  using any suitable means, such as, for example, an adhesive or Velcro. In another embodiment, the disk can be attached to the swing head with Velcro on one or more surfaces to enable easy replacement. The disk  44  can be any suitable rigid or elastomeric material, such as, for example, metal, polymer, ceramic, or composite. Suitable polymer materials include thermoplastic or thermasetting polymer and neat or filled polymer. In one embodiment, the disk  44  can be composed of silicone, latex rubber, or soft plastic material. 
   The swing arm  40  can include a device to control the movement of the swing arm  40  and to move the swing arm  40  and swing head  46  in the correct direction to apply a force to the substrate  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the sampling device  10  includes a plunger  50  that presses the arm  40  such that the swing head  46  presses against a surface of the substrate  100 . The plunger  50  can include a spring or a plurality of springs  52  that provides a force to press the swing arm  40  such that the swing head  46  presses against a surface of the substrate  100 , or the spring or plurality of springs  52  can be arranged to move the swing arm  40  away from the swing head  46  when released from a locked position where the swing head  46  is engaged with the sampling head  30 . 
   The swing arm  40  can be arranged to swing in a direction away from the sample head when the sampling head  30  is inserted into the analyzer  215  or to replace the substrate  100  in the sampling head  30 , so that the swing arm  40  does not interfere manipulation of the sampling head  30 . For example, the plunger  50  can be activated to move the swing arm  40  upwards into a position away from the sampling head  30 . This operation of moving the swing arm  40  upwards and away from the sampling head  30  can be performed by an device that is activated by the operator. This device can be a trigger, lever, button, or other activating device known in the art and can be mounted on the body  20  of the sampling device. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the activating device is a trigger  60  that is pulled by the operator, causing the swing arm  40  to be moved upwards and away from the sampling head  30  against the force of the springs  52  or causing the swing arm  40  to be released from a locked position so that the force of the springs  52  moves the swing arm  40  upwards and away from the sampling head  30 . 
   It can be desirable to detach the sampling head  30  during analysis of a sample. For example, the sampling head can be detached from the body  20  during analysis of a sample so that the body  20  can be used with other sampling heads to collect additional samples for analysis. In this fashion, multiple analyzers can be used with the sampling device  10  and the sampling heads  30 . 
   According to an embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the sampling head  30  can be detached from the body  20  of the sampling device  10 . With this arrangement, the sampling device  10  can be used to collect a sample by wiping or swabbing an object with a substrate  100 , which is disposed within a sample head  30 . After a sample is collected, and without removing the substrate  100  from the sampling head  30 , the sampling head  30  can be can be inserted into an analyzer while the body  20  is retained for use with another sampling head  30 . 
     FIG. 3(   a ) shows a side view of the sampling device  10  according to an embodiment with the sampling head  30  removed.  FIG. 2(   b ) shows an end view of the sampling device  10  with the sampling head  30  in place, according to an embodiment.  FIG. 3(   b ) shows an end view of the sampling device  10  with the sampling head  30  removed according to an embodiment. 
   The sampling device  10  can be configured to engage with a sample receiving device, which is capable of receiving the sampling device  10 . For example, the sample receiving device can be configured to receive the sampling head  30  in an orientation that is optimized for analysis of a collected sample. 
     FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a sample receiving device  200 , according to an embodiment. The sample receiving device  200  can be connected to, or part of an analyzer. The sample receiving device  200  includes a sample area position  210  where the sample area  110  of a substrate  100  is positioned for desorption and analysis. The sample area  110  of a substrate  100  can be positioned in the sample area position  210  by inserting the sampling head  30  of a sampling device  10  into the sample receiving device  200 . The sample receiving device  200  can include a guide structure or plurality of guide structures  220  to guide and align the sampling head  30  within the sample receiving device  200 , such as slots, rails, pins, slides, grooves, or any other suitable alignment structures known in the art. Such guide structures  220  to guide and align the sampling head  30  can correspond to the sampling head  30  dimensions so that the sampling head  30  is properly aligned and guided as the sampling head  30  is inserted into the sample receiving device  200 . With this arrangement, the sample area  110  of the substrate  100  can be properly aligned within the analyzer so that the collected sample can be substantially or completely desorbed, providing accurate analysis of the sample. Furthermore, an operator is able to handle the substrate  100  using the sample device  10  during sample collection and analysis, minimizing cross-contamination and/or loss of samples.  FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the sample receiving device  200 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a sampling device  10  with a sampling area  110  of a substrate  100  facing upwards and the swing arm  40  operated to move the swing head  46  away from the substrate  100  so that the swing head  46  will not interfere with insertion of the sampling head  30  within the sample receiving device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , once the sampling device  10  is arranged in this way, the sampling head  30  can be inserted into the slots  220  of the sample receiving device  200  and the sampling head  30  and sampling device  10  can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow B so that the sampling head  30  and sample area  110  are properly placed in the sample area position  210  and analysis of the collected sample can be performed. The sample receiving device  200  can be arranged in other ways so as to accept the sampling device  10  at different orientations as well, such as a sampling device  10  with the sample area  110  facing downwards. 
   Once the sample area  110  of the substrate  100  is aligned within the analyzer, the sample contained on the substrate  100  can be analyzed. In one embodiment, the substrate  100  can be heated. With this arrangement, proper alignment of the sample area  110  of the substrate  100  in the sample area position  210  is effected when the sampling device  10  is inserted into the sample receiving device  200 , allowing accurate analysis of a sample. Once the sample is removed from the substrate the operator can reattach the sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10  and remove the sampling head  30  from the analyzer. Furthermore, while sampling head  30  and substrate  100  with a first sample are detached and placed within an analyzer for analysis, an operator can attach a second or other additional sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10  so that additional samples can be collected with the sampling device  10  while the first sample is analyzed. In one embodiment, insertion of a sampling head  30  into a sample receiving device  200  can cause the analyzer to begin analysis of the sample, thus requiring no additional action by the operator for analysis to begin. Alternatively, an operator can insert a sampling head  30  and then initiate sample introduction. Sample introduction can be by any suitable method, such as, for example, desorption. In one embodiment, a desorber is integral to the sample receiving device. 
   The above example describes the sample receiving device  200  as being used with a sampling device that has a detachable sampling head. However, the sample receiving device  200  can also be used with a sampling device having a sampling head that is integral with the body of the sampling device. 
   The sample receiving device  200  can include a locking mechanism  240  for locking the sampling head  30  in position within the sample receiving device  200  after the sampling head  30  has been received within the sample receiving device  200 . The locking mechanism  240  can be positioned in the sample receiving device  200  by a locking mechanism housing  230 . The locking mechanism  240  can include a locking device that engages with the sampling head  30  to retain the sampling head  30  within the sample receiving device  200  during sample analysis, or at least during introduction of the sample into the analyzer, maintaining the position of the sample area  110  of the substrate  100  in the sample area position  210 . The locking mechanism  240  can be a pin, snap device, bayonet fastener, solenoid, or other fastening device. In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , the locking mechanism  240  is a solenoid that, when activated, moves a pin  250  in the direction indicated by arrow A. With this arrangement, the solenoid can be activated to extend the pin  250  upwards so that the pin  250  engages with the sampling head  30 . For example, the pin  250  can engage with an aperture  128  in the sampling head  30  (see  FIG. 6(   a )) to lock the sampling head  30  in position within the sample receiving device  200 . Once analysis, or at least sample introduction, is complete, the solenoid can be activated to retract the pin  250  and allow the sampling head  30  to be removed from the sample receiving device  200 .  FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the sample receiving device  200  with a control line  260  for the locking mechanism  240  and bracket  270  in exploded view. The bracket  270  can be used to fix the control line  260  to the sample receiving device  200 . 
     FIG. 8(   a ) shows a perspective view of a sampling head  30  that is positioned within the sample receiving device  200 , while  FIG. 8(   b ) shows an end view of a sampling device  10  that is positioned within the sample receiving device  200 . In an embodiment, once an operator has used the sampling device  10  to position the sampling head  30  within the sample receiving device  200 , the operator can detach the sampling head  30  from the body  20  of the sampling device  10 , allowing an operator to attach an additional sampling head  30  to the sampling device  10  so that additional samples can be collected while the first sample is being analyzed. The operator can detach the sampling head  30  from the body  20  of the sampling device  10  by activating the connecting mechanism  80  that locks the sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10 . Once analysis of a sample is complete, the operator can reattach the sampling head  30  to the body  20  of the sampling device  10  and remove the sampling head  30  from the analyzer. 
   The substrate  100  can be reused until the substrate  100  is dirty or damaged, at which point the substrate  100  can be replaced with a new substrate  100 . 
   According to an embodiment, the sampling device  10  can include an incremental counter  11  that indicates the number of desorption cycles for a sampling head  30  and/or substrate  100 . The incremental counter can include a display on the sampling head  30  or on the body  20  of the sampling device  10  that visually displays the number of desorption cycles to the operator. The incremental counter  11  can include a unique identifier that is positioned within the sampling head  30  or sampling frame  120 . The unique identifier can be arranged to be detected by a counter or control system within the analyzer and/or body  20  of the sampling device  10  that counts the number of desorption cycles for the sampling head  30  and/or substrate  100 . The counter or control system can then output the number of desorption cycles to the display of the sampling device  10 , such as by wired or wireless transmission. For example, radio frequency signals can be used to transmit information between the unique identifier, counter or control unit, and display. The counter information can also be displayed on a device that is not the sampling device, such as, for example, an analytical device, a CPU, or other device capable of displaying the number of desorption cycles. 
   An incremental counter can be arranged to display a warning to the operator once the number of desorption cycles has reached a predetermined number indicating a limit for a sampling head  30  and/or substrate  100 . Once this warning is displayed, the operator can replace the sampling head  30  and/or substrate  100  and reset the incremental counter. For example, the operator can reset the incremental counter by resetting the counter on the device or by resetting the counter on the analyzer. In one embodiment, the analyzer includes a touch screen which is used to reset the device. 
   According to an embodiment, the sampling device  10  can include a pressure sensor to indicate when a suitable amount of pressure is used in wiping an article to obtain a sample. The pressure sensor can include a warning device  90  that alerts the operator when the operator is employing insufficient pressure or excessive pressure during wiping or swabbing of an article with the sampling device  10  to collect a sample. The warning device  90  can be any suitable output device, such as, for example, a light indicator, a LCD screen, dial, or audible signal. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor can be used to warn the operator to use greater pressure during sample collection. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure sensor can be used to warn the operator to use greater pressure when wiping or swabbing surfaces of luggage to ensure proper surface contact and an efficient collection of sample material that might be found on the surfaces of the luggage. In another embodiment, the pressure sensor can be used to warn the operator when less than 2 pounds of force is applied, less than 1 pound of force is applied, or less than 0.5 pound of force is applied with the device. 
   According to an embodiment, the sampling device  10  includes a power supply. For example, the power supply can be a fixed, rechargeable power supply, a removeable rechargeable battery, or a disposable battery can be provided to power the pressure sensor and displays. 
   The substrate  100  can be used to collect samples of solid particles, aerosols, droplets and trace chemicals. The substrate  100  can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the substrate  100  is Nomex®, Kevlar®, Teflon®, fiberglass, sharkskin, cotton, or combinations of these materials. The substrate can be coated or uncoated. 
   The sampling device  10  can be used with any suitable analyzers or analysis device, such as, for example, IMS, GC-IMS, IMS-IMS, or a dual IMS analyzer. In one embodiment a sample receiving device  200  is used in conjunction with a dual IMS analyzer. A sample can be introduced into the analyzer using any suitable method, such as, for example, desorption by thermal, infrared, or laser methods. 
   Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the art would appreciate that there can be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the disclosure are to be included as further embodiments.