Talk:Reagent testing kits

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Reagent testing is a drug testing method that uses chemical solutions that change in color when applied to a chemical compound. They can help determine what chemical might be present in a given sample. In many cases they do not rule out the possibility of another similar compound being present in addition to or instead of the one suspected.

Reagents can only determine the presence, not the quantity or purity, of a particular substance. Dark color reactions will tend to override reactions to other substances also in the pill. A positive or negative reaction for a substance does not indicate that a drug is safe. No drug use is 100% safe. Make good decisions.

Materials

Drug checking reagents
Ceramic spot plate, or other ceramic surface like a coffee mug
Scraper for pills
Micro lab scoop/spoon
Latex gloves for protection
Caustic soda to neutralize spills

Method

WARNING: Never have more than one reagent bottle open at a time. If you mix up the caps and put the wrong cap on the wrong reagent bottle, this may cross-contaminate the reagents and ruin them. Be sure to perform the tests in a well-lit location. Be careful when using the reagents, as they contain chemicals that can damage skin (the use of latex gloves are recommended). Keep the solutions far from the eyes and mouth. Also, make sure to clean up completely after each test.

Scrape a tiny bit of your pill or powder onto a large, white ceramic plate. Use just enough powder to see on the plate.
Take the reagent bottle out of the plastic safety container. Remove the cap and turn the bottle upside-down a couple inches over the powder.
Squeeze one drop out of the bottle onto the powder. Be careful to not let the dropper bottle touch your powder or you will contaminate and ruin the rest of the reagent. Replace the cap.
Observe the color change right away. Optionally you can film the reaction with your phone or a camera for future reference. Use the corresponding columns of the color chart included with your kit to evaluate your test.
If the reagent either does not change any color during the first 30 seconds or if it produces some other color-change sequence, then the pill definitely does not contain any of the above substances. It may also be highly adulterated with one or more unknown substances. You can use other reagents on new samples to look for the presence of other substances. Wash the testing surfaces with soap and water as soon as possible.

Common reagents

Ehrlich is used a simple spot test to identify possible psychoactive compounds such as tryptamines (e.g. DMT) and ergoloids (e.g. LSD).
Froehde is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids, especially opioids, as well as other compounds (Research Chemicals).
Liebermann is generally used to test for cocaine, morphine, PMA and PMMA, MDMA, certain substances from the 2C and other Research Chemicals etc. Used as a secondary test that tells the difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine, between MDMA and MDA or between methylone and MDPV.
Mandelin is generally used for the identification Amphetamines/ Methadone/ Cocaine/ Opium, Research Chemicals etc.
Marquis presumptive identification of Amphetamine-type compounds (Speed etc) including Methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly), MDA, MDE, Opiates (Morphine, Codeine or Heroin), LSD, a general screening agent for other drugs e.g. Research Chemicals etc.
Mecke is generally used for the identification of heroin and other opiates (opium etc), LSD, Research Chemicals etc.
Simon reagent - Used to distinguish primary amines (MDA, amphetamine) from secondary amines (MDMA, methamphetamine). Changes to blue for all secondary amines.
Zimmermann

Storage

Reagents are primarily sulfuric acid with other potentially dangerous chemicals, and are strong enough to burn skin and clothing. Keep out of eyes and mouth. Wear latex gloves when handling the bottle and cap. If you get some on you, then wash quickly with soap and water. Wash testing surfaces with soap and water as well. Dispose of any unwanted reagent down the sink with running water and baking soda. Store all testing kits in a cold, dark place such as a refrigerator between uses.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat to extend the shelf life
Keep in a safe place away from children
Store upright to reduce the chance of leaks

External links

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