TM 3-6665-254-12
SECTION IV
TEST PROCEDURES
21. General
WARNING
Because of possible injury or death if toxic agents are present, protective masks with
hoods, clothing, and gloves must be worn when using the kit.
a. Chemical agents will be detected either as gases or fine aerosols, as surface contamination (invisible or
residual), or as visible liquid. In making the tests, bear in mind that chemical agents in the form of gas or aerosols will be
borne away by wind or ventilation, provided the upwind area is uncontaminated. Chemical agents that are present as
surface contamination or visible liquid will persist until they have evaporated or have been decontaminated.
NOTE
It might be helpful for depot personnel and other users wearing rubber gloves to use the
carrier snap fastener opening to break detector tubes at the score marks.
b. When using the ABC-M18A2 chemical agent detector kit, make tests in sequence as described in paragraphs
22 through 29, or as indicated in the instruction cards discussed in paragraph 11. If all tests are negative, but
physiological or physical evidence of the presence of an agent seems to exist, collect samples in five white-band
sampling tubes (para 30).
CAUTION
Discard used detector tickets and detector tubes after completing and reporting test
results. Color changes on detector tickets and detector tubes are transient. Colors should
be viewed within 5 minutes because they will change or fade on standing.
c. Color changes which represent positive tests are described for each test procedure. No color change, or a color
change other than that described in the respective test, is considered as a negative test.
d. The validity of positive tests made with the ABC- M18A2 detector kit is not affected by extremes of
temperature. However, in below freezing temperatures, carry the plastic squeeze bottles and the substrate dispenser
beneath the outer garments to keep the liquid reagents from freezing. Between 32 and approximately 550F, colors
F
may take up to 5 minutes to develop.
e. When testing for a chemical agent at night, observe the ticket and tube colors under white light such as a
flashlight. Place tube flat across the flashlight so that the middle of the tube is directly over the flashlight bulb, and view
the tube from the side.
f.
Sample for vapors DOWNWIND from the source of contamination and take the sample as close as possible to
the surface or object suspected of contamination without touching the surface.
g. To concentrate vapors for sampling of suspected surface contamination-
(1) Place a small can or box over a portion of the
suspected area for about 5 minutes.
(2) Punch a hole in the can or box. Hold the detector ticket directly over the hole or insert a detector tube in
the hole, and sample. Do not allow the detector ticket or the tube to touch the contaminant.
h. Recap reagent bottles immediately after use to prevent contamination of the reagents. Return them to the kit
after use.
i.
Use ABC-M8 VGH chemical agent detector paper to test for suspected liquid G or V agents or blister agents
(para 29). Make sure that the detector paper touches the suspected liquid. If the paper test indicates positive results for
an area in which decontaminants have been used, confirm these positive tests with vapor tests by using appropriate
detector tubes or the detector ticket. This confirmation is necessary because some decontaminants will give false
positive tests on the detector paper. Concentrate the agent vapors (g above), if necessary.
j.
Use of the components in the M3OA1 Refill Kit, NSN 6665-00-909-3647, is recommended when doing
extensive testing or training in nerve agent detection. The M3OA1 Refill Kit contains one filled buffer solution (white-
marked bottle), one substrate solution (red- marked dispenser), one belt of 40 tickets, one book of ABC-M8 VGH
Chemical Agent Detector Paper, and instruction card. The use of the M3OA1 Refill Kit will preclude depletion of these
components in the M18A2 detector kits. Simulator, Detector Tickets, Chemical Agents, M5, NSN 6665-00-702-6070, may
also be used for training purposes.
22. Test for V and G Vapors (Detector Ticket)
a. GeneraL Use detector tickets to test for the presence of nerve agents (V and G) in the atmosphere. Bear in
mind that the detector ticket test will not differentiate between V and G. Use one or more detector tickets as required to
accomplish the sampling mission. Handle the ticket by the edges to avoid touching the disks.
WARNING
Due to low volatility of V-agents, liquid agent may be present even though no vapor is
detected.
b.
Checking the Belt of Detector Tickets Before Use (fig 7). The following check of detector tickets in a belt
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