Cost Impact of Residue Sampling and Collection Strategies for Drug and Explosive Residues
Abstract
Screening operations for illicit drug or explosives residues comprise two basic processes: 1) sampling and collection of the residue on an appropriate matrix, and 2) analysis of the sample or residue by an analytical device. Commercially available analytical devices require an initial capital investment. The analysis process is not labor intensive. Conversely, the sampling and collection process is a labor intensive process with high consumption of expendables. Two basic sampling and collection methods, with several variations, are employed in the field screening operations: wipe sampling and vacuum sampling. Both methods are preferred over the other for specific screening scenarios. An engineering analysis backed by field screening experience shows that significant cost differences arise with each method. Without trading-off data quality and for identical sampling strategies, a variation of vacuum sampling incurs the least cost by a significant margin over wipe sampling and other vacuum sampling operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351400
Entities
People
- Daniel Lucero
- Joseph J. Fortuna