A system and method for depositing a sample of a threat agent onto a substrate. The deposition of the threat agent onto the substrate is visually observed by analyzing the elastic scattered photons produced by the threat agent using elastic scatter imaging to form an image of the threat agent on the substrate, wherein depositing of the threat agent is substantially coincident in time with visually observing of the deposition of the threat agent.A system and method for depositing a sample of a threat agent onto a substrate. A single illumination source illuminates the threat agent on the substrate with a plurality of photons to thereby produce elastic scattered photons. Deposition of the threat agent onto the substrate is visually observed by analyzing the elastic scattered photons produced by the threat agent using elastic scatter imaging to form an image of the threat agent on the substrate.