Directional sticky pad dust samples should be collected over the period of 1 week. Where dust levels are anticipated to be very low, samples may be collected over a maximum of 2 weeks. Frequent and regular sampling ensures a meaningful dataset is obtained.

All sticky pad samples must be returned to DustScan offices for analysis. The samples are removed from their sampling cylinders and sealed using a transparent film. Sealed sticky pads represent a permanent record of collected dust which can be used for additional investigations (e.g. dust characterisation) or proof of evidence at a later date.

Sealed samples are scanned on flat-bed scanners. The whole sample is scanned, meaning that the DustScan system is less subjective and more repeatable than other sticky pad readers. Scanner output is saved in uncompressed TIFF format. These image files comprise the raw digital data for subsequent computer analysis.

The TIFF image files are analysed using DustScan software. The initial visual display shows the sample area of the sticky pad and the unexposed reference area (used for calibration).

The analysis software automatically masks out any erroneous material such as flies, seeds or fingerprints so that they are not incorporated into the analysis. Manual masking can also be utilized if any erroneous material happens to be the same colour as the dust!

Dust levels for each sample are assessed individually with approximately 150,000 data points being analysed per sample.