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Rapid-test clinical chemistry reagents to detect and identify hazardous liquid and/or aerosol chemicals (i.e., chemical agents) such as nerve and blister agents. These reagents typically consist of several (e.g., three) indicator dyes suspended in cellulose fibers (i.e., a paper matrix). Some paper matrixes change to only one color in the presence of any of the agents (e.g., M9 paper), while other reagents (e.g., M8 and three-way paper) change color according to the agent, permitting agent identification (they work in a manner similar to that of pH paper strips). Typically, nerve agents of the G series turn the papers yellow, VX nerve agents turn them dark green, and blister agents turn them red. These paper-matrix reagents are available either in booklets containing many (e.g., 25) perforated sheets of a small size (e.g., 5 x 7.5 cm/2 x 3 inch) or in rolls; roll papers (e.g., M9 paper) and some booklet papers (e.g., three-way papers) include adhesive backing. The usual procedure is to expose the paper to a surface suspected of contamination or to the agent itself by wiping it with the paper; some detection papers can be attached to a surface that may be exposed in the future (e.g., clothing, equipment). Rapid-test chemical agent reagent results should be verified because the papers also change color when contacted by interferents such as sodium hydroxide and petroleum products (e.g., brake fluid, antirepellents).
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