Trace sampling

A trace sampling detection system includes a gathering device configured to gather particles through a handle-bar, a gate and an air-stream gatherer. The handle-bar includes collection holes positioned to be adjacent to a user's hand when the user grips the handle-bar, and is configured to dislodge and capture particles from the user's hand when the user grips and moves the handle-bar. The gate includes a series of collection holes, is positioned to be adjacent to the user's clothing when the user traverses the gate, and is configured to dislodge and capture particles from the user's clothing in response to pressure applied from the user. The air-stream gatherer includes an outward vent and an in-drawing vent, and is positioned to enable objects, such as the user's feet, to be placed between the outward and in-drawing vents. The air stream is configured to dislodge and capture particles from objects, such as the user's feet, that block the air-stream between the vents. A collection tube is configured to deposit gathered particles from the gathering device onto a portion of a sample media. A carousel wheel that includes the sample media is configured to rotate the sample wheel such that the portion of the sample media including the gathered particles is presented to an exothermic decomposition detector that detects, through an infrared sensor, the decomposition of the gathered particles.