Patent ID: 8772045

Claim:
A method for detecting the presence of explosive elements comprising: a) swiping an object to obtain a test sample using a sample element having a swipe pad; b) placing said sample element in a sample holder in a testing device and retaining said sample element with a sample retainer; c) applying a first reagent fluid that is a solution of a tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, an ethanol and a water from a fluid container on said swipe pad; d) activating a heater disposed under said sample element; e) heating said swipe pad to a first temperature from approximately 35 degrees to approximately 135 degrees centigrade to activate said first reagent fluid with said test sample; f) viewing said swipe pad to observe any color change in said test sample; g) applying a second reagent fluid that is a solution of a phosphoric acid, a sulfanilic acid, N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride and a water from a second fluid container on said swipe pad; h) activating said heater; i) heating said swipe pad to a second temperature from approximately 135 degrees to approximately 165 degrees centigrade to activate said second reagent fluid with said test sample; and j) viewing said swipe pad to observe any described sequence of color change in said test sample over time and heat profile that may occur.