TATP: Preparation, characterisation and first tests of canine training aids

Canine training aids were prepared from filter papers produced with TATP in a gaseous state and with TATP in solution in methanol. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography equipped with a MS/MS detector was used to quantify the amount of TATP present on these training aids. The amount of TATP present on the filter papers prepared from TATP in a gaseous state decreased significantly in 1 h. The canine aids prepared from TATP in solution were more stable, 88% of the initial amount of TATP (99.6 ± 6.0 µg) was still present on the filter papers stored in open air during 10 days. When filter papers prepared by this method were stored in airtight bags, no influence of the storing time on the amount of detected TATP was observed. A one-day testing was performed with 8 dogs. These dogs detected all the types of training aid. Some training aids were prepared 30 days before testing.