Method and apparatus for the detection of a hidden element exuding vapor

摘要

The invention relates to a method for the on-site and in real-time detection of a hidden element which is capable of exuding at least one trace vapor component comprising the subsequential steps of: collecting a sample of said trace vapor component through adsorption; optionally, concentrating said trace vapor component sample; causing a forced desorption of the trace vapor component; delivering the desorped trace vapor content of the sample to a biosensor; detecting of the vapor content of the sample by a biosensor and finally analyzing the obtained detection result. The invention further relates to a vapor detection device for the detection of trace vapor exuding from hidden elements comprising a caged trained animal (13) housed in a cage (22), a sniffing chamber (19) in direct contact with the cage which sniffing chamber is connected with a vapor delivery system comprising two types of samples, i.e. one type containing a known concentration of trace vapor components and a second type of samples to be detected and containing a unknown vapor concentration and a mechanism for switching the position of the two types of samples.