SCENTINEL^® has been developed by a consortium of companies - Mass Spec Analytical Ltd of Bristol, UK, MDS Sciex Inc. of Toronto, Canada and J.S. Chinn P.E. Ltd of Bristol, UK.

SCENTINEL^® is a mobile, multi-purpose, trace detection system utilising a Sciex API 2000 mass spectrometer. Different sample acquisition devices may be fitted to allow the detection of concealed drugs, explosives and other substances, in real time, in a variety of scenarios for Customs, Prison Services, Police and other agencies for the examination of Vehicles, Indoor/ Outdoor areas, Bags and Packages, Freight, Boarding Passes, Personnel, Banknotes / Paperwork, Clothing and Swabs.

SCENTINEL^® is completely self contained and can be easily transported, calibrated and set up ready for deployment within minutes of reaching the location of interest. Forensically acceptable results can be obtained directly at the crime scene without the need and associated problems of transporting samples or exhibits to the laboratory, thus reducing the chain of evidence.

SCENTINEL^® is simple to operate and is based on a Windows NT operating system enabling a semi-skilled operative to set up and control the system. Real time data are displayed on a monitor in a clear and easily understood format so that the type and amounts of controlled substances can be instantly identified. The results are recorded on the hard disc and expert review is available at a later date.

SCENTINEL^® is flexible. The combination of the API tandem mass spectrometer and the hot block sample input interface makes SCENTINEL^® the most flexible detection system on the market. There is no sample preparation: real world samples can be inputted from a variety of sampling media; the sample desorber can be customised to meet special requirements; expansion of the range of detectable substances is simple and fast; and all analyses are in real time and highly accurate.

Specification

Technology

The core technology is a Sciex API 2000 tandem mass spectrometer. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a technology which is ideally suited to trace detection. Substance identification relies upon a fundamental property of all chemicals: their mass. MS/MS has become the analytical method of choice in the pharmaceutical industry and is well established as a forensic instrument. Its greatest assets are great sensitivity and selectivity and real time analysis without sample preparation.

By adopting a tuneable mass filter to separate compounds of particular characteristic masses, Scentinel does not need chromatography. These selective compounds are then broken down and analysed in a second mass filter – in real time. Expansion of the range of detectable compounds simply requires the new tuning requirement to be added to the mass filter control software.

Detectable compounds:-

Explosives

EGDN – Ethyleneglycoldinitrate
NG – Nitroglycerine
DNT – Dinitrotoluene
TNT – Trinitrotoluene
PETN – Pentaerythritoltetranitrate
RDX – Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine
HMX – Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine
DMNB – 2,3-dimethyl 2,3-dinitrobutane
Peroxide explosives

Drugs

Opiates – Diacetylmorphine (Heroin) in Hydrochloride and base forms & Morphine
Cannabis – Resin & Herbal
Cocaine – Hydrochloride and base forms
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Amphetamine type substances – including Ecstasy, MDMA, MDEA & Methamphetamine
Methadone

Note: Additional compounds can be added to the library after fast and simple assessment of the optimum analytical characteristics.

Sample input interface

Scentinel^® has been developed to accept a number of standard sample desorption interfaces. The universality of the hot block design allows for additional customised interfaces to be developed and installed. Currently available front ends are:

• Boarding pass analyser

• Sample wand / glove desorber

• Sample filter desorber

Operator Display and Controls

The standard operator interface is a 15” display, keyboard and mouse. Optional touch screen is available.

Computing Configuration

Pentium or equivalent processor
Hard disk of 20GB, minimum
Floppy disk drive
CD-R drive
Windows NT operating system
LAN 10/100 port.

Data Storage and Interfaces

Data from each analysis cycle (run) can be stored on the system hard disk or portable storage medium.
The data includes:
Time and date
Run number
Materials identified
Raw data from the MSMS to allow graphical display of the MSMS output
Quantitative values for each material found.

Electrical and Mechanical

Power: 110 / 220v 50/60 Hz at 2000VA

Maximum dimensions: 125 cm L x 145 cm H x 70 cm W