This article presents a comparative study on the sensitivity and reliability of different methods for extracting and analyzing soluble contaminants on steel surfaces. Two field methods, swabbing and the Bresle method, and one laboratory reference test, the Mayne method, were compared for their efficiency in the extraction of saline contaminants. Proprietary indicator test strips and a chloride ion-selective electrode were used as a field tests and laboratory method, respectively, to assess the reliability and sensitivity for detecting soluble chlorides. Soluble sulfate was determined indirectly from the concentration of feerous ion using proprietary indicator test strips in the field.