Provided herein are methods for preliminary analysis of suspect samples, which can be used in triaging possible contaminated sites (e.g., sites contaminated or thought to be contaminated by biowarfare agents). In some embodiments, the methods involve testing for the presence of protein in the suspect sample; optionally, the sample can also be tested for the presence of sugar, and/or for pH determination. Specific embodiment methods are carried out in tubes or other reaction vessels, others are carried out in a pad format, and still others are carried out in a test strip format. Kits for carrying out the described methods are also provided.