What does an explosives trace detector do?

An explosives trace detector (ETD) analyses a swab taken from hands, bags or surfaces and identifies microscopic residues of explosives, and on dual units like the IONSCAN 500DT, narcotics too, typically within 5–8 seconds. ETDs are a mandated layer of aviation security screening and increasingly used at government buildings, courts, prisons and events.

Who services IONSCAN trace detectors in the UK?

RedteQ is an authorised Smiths Detection IONSCAN reseller for UK & Ireland sales and service. Our engineers maintain and repair IONSCAN 600 and 500DT units nationwide — including the desktop ETD fleet we have supported at the Houses of Parliament since 2018.

IONSCAN 600 or 500DT, which do I need?

Choose the IONSCAN 600 for portable, battery-powered explosives and narcotics detection with a non-radioactive source and license-free transport. Choose the IONSCAN 500DT where you want simultaneous explosives AND narcotics identification from a single swab across 40+ substances.

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Authorised Smiths Detection reseller — UK & Ireland sales & service

Explosives & Narcotics Trace Detection

The trace layer is where RedteQ began — we've supported the Houses of Parliament's explosives trace detectors since 2018. We sell, service and repair the IONSCAN family across the UK & Ireland.

Get trace detection pricing Service & repair plans

Smiths Detection IONSCAN 600 explosives and narcotics trace detector supported by RedteQ

IONSCAN 600 — Portable, Non-Radioactive

Explosives & narcoticsNon-radioactive IMSHot-swap batteriesECAC · TSA ACSTL

A highly sensitive trace detector in a lightweight, portable desktop format. The non-radioactive IMS source means no nuclear licensing and easy site-to-site transport, while hot-swappable batteries keep it fully operational away from mains power. Detects military, commercial and homemade explosives plus controlled narcotics including fentanyl opioids, using cost-effective single-use swabs.

Enquire IONSCAN 600 datasheet

Smiths Detection IONSCAN 500DT dual trace detectors in the RedteQ workshop

IONSCAN 500DT — Dual Detection, One Swab

Simultaneous explosives + narcotics40+ substances5–8 s analysis

Two IMS detectors in a single unit identify explosives and narcotics from one sample — RDX, PETN, TNT, TATP and more alongside cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and THC. The workhorse of aviation, customs, border and facility screening, and a machine our workshop knows inside out.

Enquire IONSCAN 500DT datasheet

Explosives trace detection swab being analysed

Also in the trace family

Portable & Handheld Trace

We supply and support portable trace explosive detectors, such as Sabre-class handhelds, for search teams, mail rooms and mobile patrols, and integrate trace screening into full checkpoint designs alongside X-ray and metal detection.

Repairs are done properly. Our engineers repair and calibrate on your own site where that suits you, and we run a specialist trace facility in Hampshire for anything better done on the bench — diagnosis, repair, calibration and verification before the instrument returns to service.

Not just Smiths. We service and repair Morpho / Rapiscan Itemiser DX and Itemiser 4DX and MobileTrace alongside the IONSCAN range — multi-brand trace support from engineers who work on these instruments every week.

Before you order

Power & Siting

Trace detectors plug into an ordinary socket. What they really need is consumables and a calibration routine.

IONSCAN 600 (handheld): 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz — battery in use, mains to charge.
IONSCAN 500DT (desktop): 95–265 VAC, 600 W from cold, 300 W once warm. A standard socket, but allow for the warm-up.
Bench space and a stable environment matter more than the electrics — these are sensitive instruments.
Consumables and verification are the ongoing requirement. An instrument this sensitive is only as good as its last verification.

Every figure here comes from the manufacturer’s own datasheet. We still confirm supply, access route and floor loading on site — a free site survey before anything is ordered, so nothing arrives that the building can’t take.

Book a free site survey → · More questions answered →

Explosives & Narcotics Trace Detection

Sales, service contracts and rapid repair for IONSCAN and more — from the team trusted at the highest-security sites in the UK.

Get a quote Call 0800 161 5512