A fast and reliable method for quickly screening unknown powdered/prilled substances for explosives potential is of importance for police and military personnel in the field as homemade bombs are the leading killer of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.  Nitrate-based fertilizers, chlorate-based weed killers, and nitrate/perchlorate-based fireworks are all readily available (depending on location) and are weaponized with the right training.

The Serim® Discern® HME I.D. test strip provides a quick (60-second) multiple-target test that detects and distinguishes between ammonium or Urea Nitrate, peroxides, chlorates and perchlorates.   This is achieved in one step using only one unknown solid sample wetted with water, by combining the responses of specific test pads for oxidizers, nitrate, perchlorate, ammonium and urea.

Test Strip	Analyte Tested	µg Analyte detected
Discern HME I.D.	Sodium / Potassium chlorate	33 – 54
	Potassium Bromate	16
	Sodium perchlorate	56
	Ammonium nitrate	12-14
	Black Powder	32
	Urea Nitrate	168
	TATP/HMTD	500
	Hydrogen Peroxide-Urea Adduct, 35% hydrogen perxide	18
	Hydrogen Peroxide	500 ppm

 

The Serim Discern Chlorate HME test strip is used to identify chlorate based explosive chemicals.  A positive result indicates the presence of a chlorate, a negative response indicates the samples contains a peroxide (e.g. TATP, HMTD). This test is included in both the individual and bulk kits and is used when the oxidizer pad on the Discern HME I.D. test is positive.

Test Strip	Analyte Tested	µg Analyte detected
Chlorate HME Test	Chlorate: Potassium Chlorate	5
	Chlorate: Potassium Bromate	1-4

Refill bottles for both the Discern HME I.D.test and the Discern Chlorate HME are available for restocking the bulk kit.