For thine own sake be pure.

The M41 protection assessment test system (PATS) won't give you NBC NCOs pure results when you test masks if you don't stress purity (and cleanliness).

The only alcohol used in PATS is pure reagent grade isopropyl alcohol, NSN 6810-01-382-2904.

That's the purest alcohol available. If you use the kind you get for $1 for a bottle, the PATS optical system will clog. That means a trip to Alabama to repair it.

Take off the storage cap only to install the alcohol cartridge. That keeps dirt out of the PATS that can cause contamination and bad readings. Don't let the cartridge touch anything before you screw it into PATS. If you must set the cartridge down, set it upright on its end so it won't get dirty. While the cartridge is in the PATS, put the storage cap on the alcohol fill capsule to keep dirt out of the capsule.

Make sure the soldier doesn't eat, drink, use mouthwash or smoke at least 30 minutes before testing. He or she should also wash off all colognes and lotions. There should be no gum chewing or talking during testing. All of these ruin the tests.

When you're through testing, remove the alcohol cartridge. Otherwise, alcohol saturates the counting mechanism. Put the storage cap back on to seal out dirt and moisture while the PATS sits.

Don't let moisture that's built up in the tube assembly during testing get in the PATS. When you take off the tubes, pull the tubes off without lifting them. Otherwise, moisture drains down the tubes. To dry the tubes, hang them up in the middle so both ends point down until the assembly is completely dry. Never use a tube assembly that's damp.

Questions? Call the PATS helpline at [phone]. Outside of CONUS, call [phone] or email [e-mail] or go to http://nbc.tsi.com/.

If your PATS isn't working, send it to:

CDR

US Army TMDE Activity

AMSAM-TMD-SS

Bldg 5435

Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

For more info, contact Greg Boggs at DSN 645-8138/[phone].