NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- New York police started to test anew explosive detection device during rush hour commute Monday morning.

    Police officers are testing about a dozen devices, some resemble handled vacuum cleaners, others are of the size of fax machines. Each type of machine is programmed to detect traces of explosives and homemade fertilizer bombs.

    Police officers in New York city will use the devices in randomsubway stations. The officers will wipe a cloth over a passenger'sbag and then did the cloth into the device. Results are determinedin a few seconds.

    The police department hopes the devices can one day replace theneed to search through the contents of a bag.

    Each machine costs between 25,000 and 50,000 dollars. Police will be using them at different subway locations. Enditem