TSO Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) Procedures

Question 1

What does the acronym ETD stand for in airport security screening?

Accepted Answer

Explosive Trace Detection

Answer

Electronic Threat Detection

Answer

Enhanced Transportation Detection

Answer

Electronic Trace Diagnostics

Question 2

ETD equipment is designed to detect trace amounts of which type of substance?

Accepted Answer

Explosive materials or residue

Answer

Radioactive isotopes in luggage

Answer

Metallic fragments inside bags

Answer

Liquid chemicals in sealed containers

Question 3

When collecting an ETD sample from a passenger's hands, a TSO should swab:

Accepted Answer

The back and palms of both hands

Answer

Only the fingertips of the dominant hand

Answer

Just the wrists and forearms

Answer

The palms of one hand only

Question 4

If an ETD machine generates a positive alarm, what is the TSO's required immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Conduct additional resolution screening per TSA Standard Operating Procedures

Answer

Arrest the passenger and call law enforcement immediately

Answer

Re-swab the same area and re-run the test as the only step

Answer

Allow the passenger through if no prohibited items are found in the bag

Question 5

Why must TSOs change ETD swabs between each passenger screened?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination between passengers

Answer

Because each swab can only absorb a limited amount of moisture

Answer

To comply with machine calibration requirements after each test

Answer

To reset the machine's detection threshold to baseline

Question 6

Which of the following substances is known to potentially cause a false positive result on ETD equipment?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin-based heart medication

Answer

Aloe vera-based hand sanitizer

Answer

SPF 50 sunscreen applied before travel

Answer

Standard laundry detergent residue on clothing

Question 7

ETD screening may be used as an alternative screening method to which technology?

Accepted Answer

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

Answer

Handheld metal detection wands (HHMD)

Answer

Document verification scanning systems

Answer

X-ray baggage screening conveyors