Astrotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ASTC) announced that its 1st Detect TRACER 1000 system received European Civil Aviation Conference certification for wand swabbing, allowing use in screening passengers and cargo in aviation security operations.

The certification covers wand-based sampling that enables checkpoint operators to collect trace samples from passengers and cargo without direct contact. The system meets the ECAC Explosives Detection Standard and Standard G1 under Concept of Operations Revision 38.

"Wand swabbing certification extends our TRACER 1000 customer base to include airports that require wand swabbing," said Tom Pickens, Chairman and CEO of Astrotech Corporation. "We believe our technology allows for a less intrusive method of passenger testing, while also reducing bottlenecks, allowing airports to process more passengers without sacrificing security stringency."

The TRACER 1000 is a mass spectrometry solution currently deployed in 16 countries worldwide, providing molecular identification in environments where no-touch collection is operationally required.

1st Detect, a subsidiary of Astrotech Corporation, develops, manufactures, and sells trace detectors for security and detection markets. The company is based in Austin, Texas.

Astrotech Corporation operates through wholly owned subsidiaries including 1st Detect, which develops trace detection systems for explosives and narcotics, AgLAB for biomass essential oils processing analyzers, Pro-Control for gas chromatography/mass spec chemical process control, and EN-SCAN for portable environmental testing equipment.