The exact sensitivities of these machines are not published, but a mass spectrometer detects compounds on a molecular level and would only be limited by the efficiency of the collection from the air puffed to obtain a sample for analysis.
"[1] According to the Transportation Security Administration's website, the machines "can be instantly updated through their vast information technology network to stay ahead of the curve.
The National Academy of Sciences recommends the use of MS technology over IMS, calling it the "Gold Standard for resolving high-consequence analyses".
[7] According to an article in the 3 September, 2006, New York Times, they are also manufactured by General Electric and Smiths Detection using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology at a cost of about $160,000 each.
Delays in testing at the Homeland Security Department laboratory and questions about reliability have hindered their deployment.
Trace portal machines are currently the only airport screening devices that automatically examine passengers for explosives.
"[9] The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported involvement with Syagen's MS trace portal machine recently, funding them in 2008[10] with one unit tested at Orange County Airport shortly afterwards.
[citation needed] Three machines are installed at the security check for the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada.