TSA to swab passengers' hands at airports

WASHINGTON -- A recent terror scare is prompting new rules throughout the country's airports.

The Transportation Security Administration is now randomly swabbing passengers' hands to check them for traces of explosives.

The swabbing machines have been used for years on luggage, but experts say testing hands is more likely to turn up explosive residue.

Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security, got a demonstration of how the TSA will swab some travelers’ fingers at checkpoints, in security lines, and in the gate area.

"Right now we do it on a randomized basis, so somebody who is a potential terrorist cannot predict if they'll be swabbed or not swabbed," said Sec. Napolitano.

TSA maintains the expanded use should not cause significant inconvenience or delays for travelers.

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