TIA passengers get hands swabbed as part of new security

Travelers flying out of Tampa International Airport likely will notice a new step in the airport screening process.

The Transportation Security Administration is expanding the random use of what it calls explosive trace detection technology.

"We expect that this will have no inconvenience, no delay time," said TSA spokeswoman Sari Koshetz. "The equipment will be out there while you're waiting in line at the checkpoint, or when you're waiting at the gate."

Security screeners wasted no time swabbing passengers' hands while they waited in line for security screening at Airside C this afternoon. The test is fast and easy. A screener uses a cotton swab to wipe each hand several times. The swab is then put into the machine, which reads it for any trace of explosive material. Swabs are disposed of after each use.

"We don't expect this will affect travel time or wait time," said Koshetz.

The technology has been used since 2008 but is being expanded to 450 airports nationwide following a failed bombing attempt on a jetliner Dec. 25.

Koshetz declined to specify what types of residue the machine screens for, but she did say it is sensitive machinery, and there are even some medicines that may set off a warning. She said passengers will now need to be alert and aware of what they've been touching before going through security.

"If there was a positive alarm, then further action would have to be taken. Otherwise it will be very noninvasive," Koshetz said.

Passenger Christine Sanderson had her hands swiped, while her 7-year-old daughter, Vicky, watched.

"It's not a nice world we live in, is it?" said Sanderson. "As a mother who has her daughter fly alone several times a year, to see my parents, I would rather know that people have been screened than leave her unprotected."

TSA put the technology in place at many U.S. airports Feb. 18.