WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- The Transportation Security Administration is giving its airport checkpoint officers a new tool : a kit to test for explosive powders . If the X-ray machine detects a potentially hazardous powder , a sample will be mixed with a solution for testing . The TSA said Tuesday it is deploying the kits to all U.S. airports this week , but said it will have little noticeable impact on passengers . Travelers can still board planes with powders such as baby formula , makeup and medicines . `` The majority of passengers wo n't notice any difference in checkpoint procedures , '' said TSA spokeswoman Kristin Lee . `` This is just one additional layer of security that helps bolster our explosive detection capability . '' While there is no specific threat at this time involving explosive powders , the new kits will help protect against the possibility that terrorists could board a plane and use the powder as a component in an improvised explosive device , the TSA said . In practice , the initial screening process will not change . Passengers will still pass their carry-on bags through an X-ray machine . But if the X-ray machine detects a potentially hazardous powder , the powder container will be removed , a small sample will be taken and the sample will be mixed with a solution for testing . During pilot tests late last year , a `` very small percentage '' of the baggage stream required additional tests , said Lee , who declined to give specific numbers , citing security concerns . The vast majority of common powders -- infant formula , medication and makeup -- did not need additional screening , she said . If powder does need another level of screening , it will be done in a way that avoids contamination of the product , and passengers will be made aware of the test , she said . Any powder determined to be a potential threat will not be permitted into the secure area . In the past , transportation security officers had to rely on TSA explosive specialists or local law enforcement to check out powders that required additional screening . The kits cost an average of $ 145 each , the TSA said . Three years ago , the TSA and its counterparts overseas imposed severe restrictions on the amount of liquids passengers could carry on planes after British authorities uncovered a plot to use flammable liquids to destroy at least seven transatlantic airliners . Those restrictions remain in place . On Monday , a British court convicted three men in the 2006 plot .
TSA kits will allow testing for explosive powders . Comment: The initial carry-on screening process will not change . Potentially hazardous powders will be mixed with a solution for testing .