Before you consume any new psychedelic/psychoactive substance, it’s essential to verify that the provider is correct and doesn’t contain any other substance or mixture of substances. You can spot-test any pill or powder with inexpensive reagent testing kits. These will determine if the substance is MDMA or Methylone (commonly known as “bath salts”) or if it contains LSD or another more dangerous substance such as 25i-NBOMe.
Reagent test kits can only detect the presence of a specific substance. They cannot determine its composition. It is better to send a substance sample to a laboratory for thorough analysis. This option will be briefly explained at the end.
Spot-tested substances should not be considered safe. Many contributing factors, such as mixing multiple substances or variations in lighting, can cause different results with the same substance.
Why It’s Important
The larger concept of harm reduction includes agent testing. Harm reduction recognizes that some people will engage in dangerous behaviors such as drug use or sexual activity. It aims to shift the focus to how we can reduce these harmful effects rather than condemning those who choose to do so or ignore the problem.
Harm reduction can save lives when it comes to drug abuse. Harm reduction can include non-judgmental resources and services for drug users and ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in the development of policies and programs that will benefit them.
It is crucial to spot-test any substance before you decide to take it. It is possible to take more than you need without knowing what you are consuming. Reagent test kits help determine the correct dose of a substance and help you avoid potentially harmful adulterants such as street drugs.
Where can I buy test kits?
You may come across someone who sells reagent test kit kits at music and transformational festivals. Although they may be willing to sell you a kit, some festivals prohibit the sale of reagent testing kits. This is due to the RAVE. They can be used only for demonstration purposes and by the Anti-harm Reduction Policies of the United States.
You can purchase a kit online. You can also search the internet for a different vendor if you prefer.
Different Types Of Reagents
There are many types of reagent testing kits available. There are many types of reagent test kits on the market. Some can be used to test for popular substances, while others can distinguish between smaller sets of substances for more precise identification.
Marquis reagent is probably the most widely used type of kit. It can test for many substances used in the psychedelic world, such as MDMA, methamphetamines and cocaine, LSD, LSD, etc.
Another standard reagent, the Mecke, can be used to test for MDMA, cocaine, and heroin, as well as DMT, mescaline, and methamphetamine. The Ehrlich reagent is suitable for testing substances belonging to the tryptamine group. It can be used to test for LSD and DMT, and mushrooms.
Comparative testing of similar-structured substances is possible with more specialized reagents like MDMA vs. MDA or methamphetamines vs. amphetamines or cocaine and ketamine. These tests can more accurately identify the substance being tested than the Marquis and Mecke tests. They include the Folin reagent and the Simon’s and Folin reagents. There are many more reagent test kit types available. This article is only a small part of the vast array of options.
Reagent Test Kits
First, it is crucial to only use one type of test kit at a given time. Mixing the cap can cause cross-contamination and damage to the reagents. To accurately assess the results, make sure you work in well-lit areas. It would help if you were careful handling reagents as they can cause skin, eye, and mouth irritations. It is a good idea to use latex gloves and eye protection goggles to protect your hands. After each test, thoroughly clean it with soap and water. Dry it completely before you use it again for testing.
Next, take a small amount of the substance you want to test and place it in the included testing tube or onto a ceramic plate. A minimal amount is required for your sample:
- One-tenth of the kit’s blotter
- Barely visible amounts of powder
- A crumb of a pill
You can test liquids by placing a drop of the reagent on untreated paper. After drying, you can apply the reagent to the paper. You will need to squeeze a few drops of the reagent onto each sample. The reagent does not have to be used in large quantities. The tip of the bottle should not be touched on the sample. This could cause contamination and damage to the test kit. Replace the cap immediately to ensure it doesn’t get lost or mixed up with another cap.
The color-changing process can be viewed and compared to the columns in the color chart provided with your kit. You can also film the color-changing process with a smartphone or video camera. However, the camera could alter the colors sufficiently to interfere with identification. The substance might not contain the chemicals your kit can test if it does not change the color of any color or creates a color-changing sequence that is not consistent with any column in the color chart. This could also indicate that unknown substances may highly degrade the substance.
Take It Further
While reagent test kits are an excellent way to spot-test a substance, they are not the best testing method. You can use other techniques to identify the chemical composition of a substance. Thin-layer chromatography can be performed at home to perform the most accurate type of testing. This allows you to isolate mixed substances and determine their identities. Although it takes a little longer than a reagent kit (20 minutes), it dramatically improves the accuracy of the test.
A complete laboratory analysis is the most accurate and reliable method of testing. This can be used to identify the components of a sample and their ratios. To identify any pills you might have, refer to the published results or send your sample to ensure the best possible testing.
Conclusion
Reagent test kits are one of the best ways to reduce the risk of using psychedelics or other psychoactive substances. It is essential to know what you are taking before starting any psychedelic experience. This can help to avoid anxiety and even death, as well as prevent emergency room visits.