What is the process of wiping surfaces with approved material to contain suspected contaminants?

The process of wiping surfaces with approved material to contain suspected contaminants is known as surface sampling. This method is specifically designed to collect contaminants that may be present on surfaces, allowing investigators to analyze the presence and concentration of hazardous materials. The use of approved materials ensures that the sampling method is effective and minimizes the risk of spreading contaminants.

Surface sampling is critical in CBRN reconnaissance as it helps assess the level of contamination in an area, which is vital for determining safety measures and decontamination processes. This method can be used to sample various surfaces, including walls, floors, equipment, and personal protective gear, effectively capturing any potential threats to health and safety.

Other sampling methods, such as composite, discrete, and grab sampling, serve distinct purposes but do not specifically focus on the act of wiping surfaces for contamination assessment. Composite sampling typically involves combining multiple samples from different locations or times to provide an overall average, discrete sampling focuses on singular, specific measurements from a targeted area or time, and grab sampling captures a single sample at a specific moment. Each of these methods has its applications but does not directly relate to the surface wiping technique used to contain suspected contaminants.